Credit for Prior Learning at USHE Degree-Granting Institutions - Strategic Plan Overview

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Melati

Presents how the Utah System of Higher Education advances Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to expand access, improve college affordability, and shorten time to degree completion. Defines CPL and the role of Board Policy R472 and Utah Code requirements in assessment and awarding. Summarizes evidence linking CPL to higher completion rates for adult and high school learners, and outlines initiative principles: meaningful application of credit, standardization and transferability, varied assessment options, transparency and access, affordability, shared efforts, and ongoing professional development.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Prior Learning and Timely Completion

The Credit for Prior Learning Initiative in USHE

Meaningful Application of Credit

Standardization and Transferability

Range of Assessment Options

Transparency and Access

Affordability

Shared Efforts

Professional Development and Training

June 2025 Steve Hood and Cynthia Grua Credit for Prior Learning at USHE Degree-Granting Institutions Academic Year 2023-24 The Utah Board of Higher Education’s strategic plan prioritizes expanding access to higher education, improving college affordability, and reducing the time it takes students to complete their degrees. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) supports these goals by awarding college credit for knowledge and skills gained outside the traditional classroom. These experiences may include advanced study in high school, employersponsored training, military training, self-directed learning, and third-party certifications or licenses. Board Policy R472, Credit for Prior Learning, establishes the standards for assessing and awarding CPL, as required by Utah Code 53B-16-110 . Prior Learning and Timely Completion National research consistently demonstrates a strong link between receiving CPL and increased rates of degree completion. Studies by the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) highlight the particular value ofCPL for adult learners, who make up nearly one-third of the USHE student population. Students who earn CPL are, on average, 17% more likely to complete a degree or certificate compared to those who do not. 1 For adult learners, CPL can significantly accelerate progress toward graduation, reducing time to completion by an estimated 9 to 14 months. High school students also benefit from CPL by earning college credit through national standardized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB), helping them get a head start on their college education. The Credit for Prior Learning Initiative in the Utah System of Higher Education The Board’s strategic plan outlines key principles that serve as the foundation for expanding CPL initiatives: 1. Meaningful Application of Credit: Faculty subject matter experts determine appropriate course credit for CPL. Emphasis is placed on supporting CPL in areas that contribute directly to academic progress—in courses that fulfill academic requirements for majors, minors, and certificate programs. Credit is awarded only when student performance on assessments demonstrates college-level competencies and aligns with the learning outcomes of specific courses, as determined by USHE Faculty Major Committees. 1 Patrick Lane and Susan Leibrandt,“Recognizing Prior Learning in the 21st Century: A Synthesis Brief,” WICHE, April 21, 2024. Standardization and Transferability: Prior learning assessments are aligned to specific courses, where possible, to ensure students receive equivalent credit across all USHE institutions. For AP, IB, and CLEP exams, Faculty Major Committees establish the credit awarded for a minimum score, promoting consistency and transferability across the system. Range of Assessment Options: Students have access to a range of options for earning credit for prior learning, including: a. Standardized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and military assessments (DD 214 and JST); b. Institutionally designed course challenge exams; c. Industry-recognized training licensures, certificates, and evaluations; or d. Other institutionally designed individualized assessments of student work, such as oral examinations, oral presentations, portfolio assessments, or a combination of these tools. 2. Transparency and Access: Information about prior learning assessment opportunities is widely accessible through multiple channels, including institution websites, academic advisors, academic department web pages, the USHE website, the Utah Transfer Guide, high school counselors, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), and select employer communications. Staff in the Commissioner’s office regularly update information regarding CPL and relay this information to institutional chief

FAQs

What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and what goals does it support in USHE?

CPL awards college credit for knowledge and skills gained outside the traditional classroom. In USHE, CPL supports expanding access, improving affordability, and reducing the time students take to complete degrees.

How does USHE ensure CPL credits are meaningful and aligned to specific courses?

Faculty subject matter experts determine appropriate course credit. Credit is awarded only when assessment performance demonstrates college-level competencies and aligns with the learning outcomes of specific courses as determined by USHE Faculty Major Committees.

What assessment options are available to students seeking CPL?

Students can use standardized exams (including AP, IB, CLEP and military assessments), institutionally designed course challenge exams, industry-recognized trainings and certifications, and individualized institution-designed assessments such as oral exams, presentations, and portfolio assessments.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Melati