What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?
Park University recognizes that learning occurs throughout one’s life in various forms inside and outside a classroom. We have established a program that allows students to earn college credit for knowledge and experience attained outside the classroom. The process of evaluating learning that occurs outside the traditional college classroom is referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
Listed below are the methods Park University uses to grant credit for prior learning. Credit for these exam programs is awarded based upon credit recommendations and the minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). More information about Park’s processes and policies for PLA can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Methods for Granting CPL
Credit is granted for learning demonstrated through standardized exams from the following vendors:
- CLEP – Park University awards credit for the exams taken through the College-Level Examination Program of the College Board (CLEP). For more information about CLEP Exams, visit clep.collegeboard.org.
- DSST/DANTES – Park University awards credit from the standardized examinations of the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests program. For more information about DANTES/DSST, visit www.dantes.mil/dsst.
- Advanced Placement (AP) – Park University awards credit from the Advanced Placement program. For more information about Advanced Placement exams (AP), visit ap.collegeboard.org.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) – Park University awards credit from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
IB Score / Credit Guidelines*
| Grade | Standard Level | Higher Level |
| Grade 4 | n/a | 3 credits |
| Grade 5 | n/a | 4 credits |
| Grade 6 | 3 credits | 6 credits |
| Grade 7 | 4 credits | 8 credits |
* The difference between Standard and Higher Levels is the amount of content being tested on.
All credit awarded applies as lower division elective.
Credit hours are awarded with the associated score listed. Any score that is lower than what is listed above will not be accepted for credit.
Park University has established degree specific Articulation Agreements from a select number of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), see Military Articulations.
Park University also reviews the potential for college credit from service members Joint Service Transcript (JST), regardless of MOS, or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript. Credit may be granted from a student’s military occupation or training. Park uses the current ACE Military Guide for the evaluation of educational experience from the student’s respective military branch.
Park University also participates in the AU-ABC program for active duty Air force members. Learn more about the AU-ABC Program.
Park University has a program in place to award credit from select professional certifications, licenses and trainings. Examples of these sources include Microsoft certifications, law enforcement POST training, business specific certifications, etc. Students can speak with their Admissions Representative or Student Success Coach to see if any of their professional training or certifications may apply towards your Park University degree.
Professional Work Experience and Other Forms of Learning (Prior Learning Assessment Program):
Learning experiences obtained in the workplace, through volunteer service, or in other contexts may be assessed for credit through Park’s Prior Learning Assessment application. Students complete a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) application packet which describes the learning experience and aligns it to the outcomes of particular Park University courses. The application packet is assessed by faculty, who determine if the student has met the learning outcomes requirements.
Students can obtain more information on applying for Prior Learning Assessment credit by contacting their Student Success Coach or Academic Advisor.
Associated Financial Costs for Various Forms of Prior Learning Credit at Park University
Exam Programs & Military Experience:
To receive credit from examination programs or military experience, students must provide an official transcript/score report. The document must be sent directly from the issuing entity to Park University. A fee for the transcript or score report may be assessed by the issuing entity. Park University does not charge fees to review or apply credit.
Non-College and/or Non-Credit Programs:
To earn credit from non-college and/or non-credit programs, students must supply an official transcript, if applicable. A copy of the certificate of completion is accepted for professional training programs. Credit from these sources is applied at no charge to the student’s academic record. For professional training, credit is awarded at no cost, provided that the certification/training has been pre-approved and is identified as such in MyPark. (Otherwise, credit from professional certifications/training is handled through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and is subject to PLA fees.)
Professional Work Experience:
Prior Learning Assessment: $50 application fee and $35 per credit hour for each undergraduate credit or $50 for each graduate credit applied to the student’s Park academic record.