Credit For Prior Learning

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Earn College Credit for What You Already Know

Did you know you can put what you've learned in previous work or life experiences toward a degree or certificate? By earning Credit For Prior Learning (CPL), you can finish college faster and reap the benefits of cost and time savings.

Research shows that adult learners are two and a half times more likely to graduate if they earn credit for what they already know. Credit for prior learning can also lead to higher-level degrees at a faster rate. See how your life experiences and training can apply to your degree program.

Eligibility

You must be an FRCC student with a declared degree or certificate.
The prior learning is equivalent to college level.
CPL is awarded only for those courses required in your declared degree or certificate.
You must never have been enrolled in the course that you are applying to take for CPL.

Transferring Your CPL Credit

If you’re intending to transfer to another college within the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), you may transfer your prior learning credits, provided the credits apply to your declared certificate or degree program at the institution you are transferring to.

If you’re planning to transfer to a college or university outside CCCS, you should contact that institution to determine whether credits awarded through prior learning assessment are transferable.

Ways to Earn Credit

Before pursuing CPL, follow these steps to make an informed decision:

Step 1: Review Your Degree Check

Meet with your academic advisor to review your Degree Check, identify your remaining credit requirements, and explore course options that align with your degree plan while avoiding unnecessary or duplicate credits.

Step 2: Consider Financial Aid

Financial aid is awarded based on the number of credits you take. If you are receiving financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to learn more about how course credits may affect your financial aid status.

Step 3: Explore CPL Options

Review the CPL methods listed below and the Prior Learning Eligible Courses table to find the option that best fits your needs.

CCCS Matrix Industry Certifications

Email documentation showing completion of the industry certification to transfercredit@frontrange.edu

FRCC Industry Crosswalks

Work with the Program Director to complete the process.

Military Training

Work with your Veteran Success Coach who will guide you through the process.

National Standardized Exams (AP/IB/CLEP/DSST)

Register for CLEP/DSST Exam.
Already passed an exam? Have your official transcript sent to FRCC by email or mail:
- transfercredit@frontrange.edu OR
- Front Range Community College
  Attn: Registrar's Office
  3645 W 112th Ave
  Westminster, CO 20031

Questions? Email Us

Step 4: Explore Challenge Exams/Portfolio Options

If none of the CPL options (in Step 3) are available to you, submit a CPL Interest Form to explore earning CPL credit through a challenge exam or portfolio assessment. The faculty member will determine the appropriate assessment method.

Meet with the faculty member to discuss your experience and prepare for the assessment.
Your faculty member will submit the CPL form on your behalf. The form will go through the required approval process.
The Cashier’s Office will contact you and guide you through the payment process.
Once your payment is complete, take the assessment as arranged with your faculty member.
If you pass the assessment, the Registrar’s Office will post the credit and notify you.

NOTE: Challenge exams and portfolios may not be immediately available as it takes time to identify a subject matter expert and to develop the requirements. Often these processes take up to a semester but may be longer in some cases.