Credit for Prior Learning
Get on the Fast Track Towards Earning Your Degree!
Turn your real‑world experience into academic credit.
Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom—your professional work, military training, industry certifications, and other life experiences may count toward your undergraduate degree or certificate.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help you:
- Save time by reducing the number of courses you need
- Save money on tuition
- Build a more flexible, personalized pathway to your educational goals
CPL is here to help you navigate your own unique pathways towards earning your degree. Do you want to learn more? Send an email to cpl@uakron.edu with questions that you may have.
Ready to take the next step? Click the Request Information button to get started.
UA Online Learning
Credit for prior learning can apply to many of UA’s 100% online degrees programs. Explore UA's high quality and flexible online degree programs.
Credit Predictor Tool
Use the Credit Predictor to see an estimate of how your experience could save you time and money towards completing your degree. Please note that this is only an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most asked about questions on Credit for Prior Learning. Still have questions? Contact the Credit for Prior Learning Office at cpl@uakron.edu.
Yes; however, your experience must still meet the specific course requirements. You need to demonstrate that you possess the same college‑level knowledge as what is taught in the classroom.
Some degree programs do not accept credits for prior learning. In other cases, you will be referred directly to the program contact due to the credit for prior learning process for that specific degree. This usually applies to many of our Health & Human Sciences degree programs. To learn which programs accept credit for prior learning, email cpl@uakron.edu or complete the Request for Information form.
Yes. Many professional licenses, certifications, and trainings may qualify—especially if they are recent or currently active. Depending on the degree you are pursuing, you may be connected directly to the appropriate academic department for review.
Your first step is to complete the Request for Information form. After submitting it, make sure to schedule an appointment —this conversation is essential for reviewing your experience and if CPL can work for you. If you need assistance, please send an email to cpl@uakron.edu.
The cost can vary depending on the which credit for prior learning option you are eligible for.
Testing Out of a Course
You may be eligible to take College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DSST (DANTES) exams and there is a fee for each exam. Credit for prior learning will help you work with the Testing Center to complete this process. Students approved for Credit by Examination may be responsible for exam fees.
Portfolio Assessment
If you are approved to complete a credit for prior learning (CPL) portfolio, you will be enrolled in a one‑credit‑hour course, and you are responsible for the tuition for that course. During the course, you will build and submit your portfolio. You must be confirmed or enrolled to take the CPL portfolio course.
Joint Services Transcript (JST) Evaluations
There is no fee for JST evaluations. Any approved credits will be added to your UA academic record after you are confirmed.
“Receiving academic credit for my professional experience while earning a college degree has opened new possibilities for my career before I retire.”
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"I feel that this is a great program for people like me. There are so many lessons you learn by working that books can’t teach. "
Credit for Prior Learning Contact Information
- Coordinator, Credit for Prior Learning
- 330-972-6483
- Send an email
- Polsky Building, Room 451