Credit for Prior Learning FAQs

Am I eligible for prior learning credit?

You must be currently registered and accepted into a degree program at CCRI to earn Credit for Prior Learning, and the prior learning must be used toward credits in your program of study. If you have not attended CCRI in the past two years, you should submit a "Returning Student" application at https://www.ccri.edu/onestop/admissions/apply/ and reach out to the Prior Learning Coordinator after you have received your confirmation email.

What if I have credits from another college or university?

If you have credits from other accredited colleges and universities, these credits might be transferable to CCRI and you may not have to go through the Credit for Prior Learning process. Have official copies of your transcripts forwarded to the Office of One Stop Student Services: [email protected]. Credits from other institutions are subject to the CCRI's transfer of credit policy.

How many credits can I earn through Credit for Prior Learning?

Students must complete at least one-fourth of their credits, including substantial advanced work, at CCRI. This means no more 75% of credits for a student's academic degree or certificate can be earned through Credit for Prior Learning and/or transfer credit. 

These above limitations are included in Standards for Accreditation established by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

How will Credit for Prior Learning appear on my CCRI academic transcript?

Credit for Prior Learning will appear on your CCRI academic transcript with a grade of "XL" rather than a letter grade. It will appear on your CCRI transcript under at category with the heading "transfer credit accepted by the institution" (meaning accepted by CCRI). CPL credit will not be removed from your CCRI transcript once it is posted.

What if I plan to transfer? Will this my CCRI Credit for Prior Learning transfer to my next institution?

You should discuss any transfer plans with a CCRI Academic Advisor before pursuing Credit for Prior Learning to best position yourself for transfer (for example, which specific courses to take and whether or not Credit for Prior Learning would be beneficial to you).

Advising & Counseling

Website - https://www.ccri.edu/advising/

Email - [email protected]

It is up to the receiving institution to decide how CCRI Credit for Prior Learning listed on your CCRI academic transcript transfers in. Once you make the transfer to an outside institution, if you have any questions about how the credit transferred in, you may be able to contact the receiving institution’s Credit for Prior Learning/Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator or Transfer Coordinator.

Rhode Island institutions such as Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island recognize CCRI's awarding of Credit for Prior Learning, but may have some stipulations regarding how and where these credits transfer as credits.

What if I switch to a different degree or certificate program later?

It is in your best interest to decide upon your program before moving forward with Credit for Prior learning. This is because the credit you earn through Credit for Prior Learning may not be applicable under other programs. Additionally, CPL credit will not be removed from your CCRI record once it is posted.

What are the fees?

Fees vary depending upon the method of Credit for Prior Learning available for the course(s) you are pursuing. Please note that assessment fees are required for the assessment process and are to be paid prior to the assessment, regardless of credit outcome.

Fees associated with Credit for Prior Learning are as follows

Type	Fee
Portfolio Assessment	The Assessment Fee is equivalent to One Credit Hour - in state General Tuition Fee (see ccri.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/ for current tuition information)
Departmental Challenge Exam	The Assessment Fee is equivalent to One Credit Hour - in state General Tuition Fee (see ccri.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/ for current tuition information)
CLEP	The Registration Fee is determined by and paid to College Board (see https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams for current registration fee information). Free CLEP test preparation is available online through Modern States. Students who complete Modern States test preparation are eligible for a CLEP fee voucher, provided by Modern States: https://modernstates.org/
DSST	The Registration Fee is determined by and paid to Prometric (see https://getcollegecredit.com/resources/questions-and-answers/ for current registration fee information).