Credit for Prior Learning
The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program at Indiana State University is dedicated to recognizing and valuing the learning gained from students’ diverse experiences outside the classroom. Through the University’s commitment to excellence, we empower students, including those from professional and military backgrounds, to earn college-level academic credit toward their degree goals as they embrace lifelong learning.
Students can earn up to 63 credit hours towards the baccalaureate degree and up to one third of an undergraduate certificate. Students should discuss CPL with their advisor.
Students cannot receive additional credit, beyond transferred credits, for CPL previously awarded by another University.
Department Exams and Portfolios Assessments
Departmental Exams and Portfolio Assessments are charged 25% of the Undergraduate or Graduate Resident Fees in effect at the time of the exam/assessment CPL may be awarded using a variety of criteria, which may be different for each department.
Graduate and undergraduate credit for prior learning can be earned through the following assessments methods:
- American Council of Education (ACE) credit recommendations for military and industry training (not eligible for resident credit)
- Assessment of certificates and licensures awarded by other entities (not eligible for resident credit)
- Departmental challenge exam (eligible for resident credit)
- Portfolio assessment through the Assessment of Prior Learning (eligible for resident credit)
Approved for Prior Learning
Guidelines
- Students must obtain their academic advisor’s approval prior to registering for any examination or submitting a portfolio to ensure departmental standards are satisfied.
- Students do not receive a grade for credit earned through the exams and portfolio assessments
- Students cannot receive duplicate credit, either for prior formal coursework or for coursework scheduled at Indiana State University. Therefore, it is important for students to plan their CPL and academic schedule with an academic advisor.
Examples of Documentation
Depending on the type of CPL required, the following examples of Prior Learning documentation may be useful to gather:
- Certificates and other credentials with their fulfillment criteria
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Documentation of project management skills
- Documentation of skills consistent with those expected in the course being reviewed (e.g., an animated short film, a mobile application, an e-commerce website)
- Job descriptions
- Passing a comprehensive examination on the contents of the course
- Service to a nongovernmental organization or the government (e.g., a volunteer organization, the military, diplomatic corps)
- Report on funded and unfunded research projects
- Testimonials of course-related knowledge and skills acquisition
- Documentation of professional activities clarifying acquired knowledge and skills concerning the content and success criteria
Military Credit for Prior Learning
Given the uniqueness of military training and occupations, credit can be awarded based upon what a student has learned within the military.
- Students must submit their Joint Services Transcript (JST) to the office of admissions
- Once the transcript is received and the student is admitted the military coursework is processed
- The American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide is used to help determine equivalencies for each course
- The course evaluation will be conducted by each department involved
- If the student had any occupations in the military, the CPL Council will utilize the ACE Military Guide for assistance to determine if any CPL will be assessed beyond the military courses listed on the JST.
- If a determination is made that the student will receive credit for their occupation, it will be added to the student’s record and documented in a Crosswalk Chart for future students
College Equivalency Examinations
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) gives you the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know with qualifying scores on one or more CLEP examinations. These exams test your knowledge of introductory college-level subjects. Most CLEP exams are designed to correspond to one-semester courses, although some correspond to full-year or two-year courses.
Additional Information:
- To Register for a CLEP go to the College Board website.
- The cost is $89 per test with time limits of 90-120 minutes depending on the test.
- Most tests are online multiple choice with some numeric answers.
- Scores are immediately available at the testing site. Score reports are available within 1 business day with the exception of written essays which may take up to 2-3 weeks and are mailed to the tester.
- Students may send their scores to colleges/universities free of charge at the time of registration. After testing, student can order an official transcript for $20.
- CLEP Equivalencies
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
Dantes Standardized Subject Tests (DSST)
The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are standardized, college credit-granting exams maintained by Prometric. A form of prior learning assessment, DSSTs offer students a cost effective, time-saving way to use their knowledge acquired outside of the classroom (perhaps from reading, on-the-job training, or independent study) to accomplish their educational goals.
Additional Information:
- To Register for a DSST go to getcollegecredit.com
- The cost is $120 per test. DSST time limits are 120 minutes per test.
- Most tests are online multiple choice with some numeric answers.
- Students may send their scores to colleges/universities by ordering an official transcript for $30
- DSST Equivalencies
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
Cambridge Assessment International Education
Indiana State University accepts credit by exam from Cambridge Assessment International Education. Information about the Cambridge Assessment International Education exams can be found here.
Additional Information
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
College Course Work in High School
Advanced Placement
Students are responsible for designating their Advanced Placement (AP) AP scores be reported to Indiana State University Admissions Office.
Additional Information:
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
Dual Credit
Students who have earned dual credit from high school, another college or university must have a copy of their transcript to admissions@indstate.edu in order to receive credit. Dual credit is an excellent and affordable way for high school students to earn college credit that will count towards a degree and to experience college-level coursework. For more information about Indiana State’s Dual Credit program, please visit ISU’s College Challenge website.
Additional Information:
- Cost will vary by college attended
- Equivalencies can be found in Transferology
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL, unless courses were taken at Indiana State University.
International Baccalaureate Credit
The International Baccalaureate Program, or IB, is offered as a secondary program of study in high school throughout the United states and around the world in 150 countries. Upon completion of IB courses, students take written exams in each of the 6 major subject areas offered twice a year in November and May. Scores range from 1-7 in each subject area. Indiana State University accepts credit by exam from International Baccalaureate.
Additional Information
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
Get Started
- Contact your advisor to find out if CPL is right for you. They will inform you about the process and personnel who will support you in this appraisal of your prior learning.
- Prepare for your department’s method of assessment.
For more information on Credit for Prior Learning contact CreditforPriorLearning@indstate.edu or the Office of the Registrar at 812-237-2020 or registrar@indstate.edu.
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