Credit for Prior Learning

Turn Your Experience into College Credit

At Jackson College, our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program helps you earn credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom, saving time and money on your path to a certificate or degree. You may qualify for credit based on work, military service, volunteering, certifications, AP courses, and more.

To be eligible for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), prospective students must first apply to Jackson College and receive a student ID number. Credit for prior learning cannot be awarded until these steps are completed.

How to earn credit

Credit is awarded when you demonstrate that you’ve met the learning outcomes of a course. Jackson College offers multiple pathways to apply your prior learning toward your degree.

Advanced Placement

You may earn credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in high school.

Advanced Placement

Apprenticeships

You may earn credit for apprenticeships in trades like manufacturing or construction.

Apprenticeships

Certifications and Licenses

You may earn credit for professional certifications and licenses.

Certifications & Licenses

College-Level Examination Program

You may earn credit with a passing score on CLEP exams in up to 33 subjects.

College Level Examination

Credit by Examination

You may earn credit by passing an exam that demonstrates your knowledge in a course.

Credit by Examination

Work Experience

You may earn credit for knowledge gained through work experiences.

Work Experience

Military Experience

You may earn credit for knowledge gained through military experiences.

Military Experience