Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy

Mitchell Community College has established a process for awarding credit for college-level learning obtained through prior learning experiences other than curriculum coursework. Credit for prior learning may be awarded when a student produces prior learning documentation that meets or exceeds a demonstration of the learning outcomes established as our College’s standards for awarding credit for corresponding curriculum course(s). The following criteria is applied to the review of a student’s submitted documentation requesting credit for prior learning:

Mitchell may only award curriculum credit for prior learning that is directly applicable to a student’s declared curriculum program of study
Credit for prior learning for advanced courses does not negate the requirement to meet requisite learning outcomes
Credit for prior learning may be used to fulfill program requirements except for mandatory institutional requirements
No greater than seventy-five percent (75%) of credit hours required for graduation from a curriculum program of study may be earned through credit for prior learning
Any credit for prior learning awarded by Mitchell shall be reflected in the student’s records by the Registrar without quality points assigned except for allowances for graded military credit

To be eligible to receive credit for prior learning, students must meet all of the following criteria:

Meet all admission requirements for their program of study
Be enrolled in a curriculum program to which the credit will directly apply; and
Request a prior learning assessment consistent with Mitchell’s credit for prior learning procedures and provide all documentation by published deadlines

To obtain credit for prior learning, a student must consult with their assigned advisor first. If the advisor recommends the student proceed, the student may be required to submit a Credit for Prior Learning Request Form. The student’s advisor will provide them with the information if applicable. The Credit for Prior Learning Request Form is available in Student Services.

Mitchell may grant credit for program requirements as described below:

College Level Examination Program

College Board Advanced Placement Program

International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme

Military Education and Training

Challenge Examinations (Credit by Examination)

State or Industry Recognized Credentials

Continuing Education to Curriculum Credit

High School to Community College Articulation Agreements

Public Safety Training (PST) Prefix Courses