Admissions and Records

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Earn college credit for validated college-level knowledge and skills gained outside of a traditional college setting.

Overview

What is Credit for Prior Learning? Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level knowledge and skills gained outside of a traditional college setting. Students who are currently enrolled at Fullerton College and have a recognized educational plan may receive CPL in place of a comparable course, graduation requirement, or elective credit listed in the current college catalog.

Coursework from accredited in-state or out-of-state colleges that appears on an official transcript is not handled through CPL. CPL units also cannot count toward the 12-unit Fullerton College residency requirement for degree programs.

If you plan to transfer, check with your intended CSU, UC, or other institution to understand how CPL may be accepted.

How Credit for Prior Learning Works

The exact evaluation may vary by course and division, but most CPL requests follow the same basic process.

  1. Talk with a Counselor

    Discuss whether CPL fits your academic goal, degree requirements, and transfer plans. This step is strongly recommended.
    You can check the MAP platform for a list of courses as they are approved.

  2. Find the Division That Offers Your Course

    CPL forms are organized by the Fullerton College academic division responsible for the course.

  3. Review the Division Instructions and Submit Its Form

    Select your division below, review any course- or department-specific directions, and submit the appropriate CPL petition or form.

  4. Division and Faculty Review Your Request

    The division office and discipline faculty review your request. Faculty determine the appropriate evaluation method and whether your prior learning meets the applicable course-level outcomes.

  5. Receive the Decision

    Your division will communicate the outcome and any next steps. For credit by examination, the process includes an opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the decision.

  6. Approved Credit Is Processed

    After required instructional approvals are complete, Admissions & Records verifies eligibility and posts approved CPL to your academic record.

Find Your CPL Form

Select the academic division that offers the course for which you are requesting Credit for Prior Learning. Available forms are listed within each division below.

Not sure which division your course belongs to?
Use the Fullerton College Catalog to identify the department and division connected with your course. You can also ask a counselor for help before submitting a request.

View Fullerton College Catalog
Forms are being added as divisions complete their CPL processes. If a form is not yet available contact the division for more information, or check back soon.
Business and Computer Information Systems
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email buscis@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7032
Division Office Building 300, Room 314
Ethnic Studies and Student Equity
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email ethnicstudiesandstudentequitydivision@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7730
Division Office Building 2400, Room 222
Fine Arts
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email finearts@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7034
Division Office Building 1100, Room 1115
Humanities
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email humanities@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7036
Division Office Building 2400, Room 101
Library and Learning Resources
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email libr@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7039
Division Office Building 800
Mathematics and Computer Science
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email math@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7041
Division Office Building 600, Room 613-02
Natural Sciences
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email natscidivoffice@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7043
Division Office Building 400, Room 411-01
Physical Education
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email kwd@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7045
Division Office Building 1200, Room 1206
Social Sciences
CPL forms are being developed for this division. Please contact the division if you have questions about Credit for Prior Learning, or check back soon for available forms.
Email socsci@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7047
Division Office Building 1400, Room 1415
Technology and Engineering
Form Available
Portal login required. You must log in through the Fullerton College student portal to access and submit this form. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to authenticate before the form opens.
POST Certification Form
Credit for Prior Learning form for POST certification.
Open Form → (opens in a new tab)
Email techneng@fullcoll.edu
Phone 714-992-7051
Division Office Building 700

How Prior Learning May Be Evaluated

Faculty determine the appropriate evaluation method based on the course and the evidence of prior learning you provide. Methods may include:

Credit by Examination
An exam or assessment designed to measure course-level knowledge and skills.
Military Training
Evaluation of eligible learning documented through Joint Services Transcripts or other approved military records.
Portfolio Review
Evaluation of student-created materials that demonstrate achievement of course outcomes.
Industry Credentials
Evaluation of current, valid industry-recognized certifications, licenses, or credentials.
Standardized Examinations
Approved external exams when they apply to the course or program.
Additional Department-Specific Methods
Other evaluation methods established by the department when appropriate.

Questions or Not Sure Where to Start?

Start with Counseling if you are unsure which CPL option applies to you. A counselor can help you identify the appropriate course, division, and possible impact on your educational plan.

Visit Counseling Return to Division Forms