Credit for Prior Learning

Our CPL program, designed around the CAEL Standards for CPL, allows you to earn credit when you demonstrate relevant, college-level knowledge gained through formal and informal work training, continuing education, self-instruction, professional certifications, and other learning.

Two primary ways to earn credit through CPL:

Option One | Documented credit [for certifications]

• Submit required documentation for your specific industry certifications.
• We’ll apply credit as applicable to your program.  

Option Two | Petition [for all other prior learning]

• Use the CPL petition to describe how you’ve mastered the concepts of a specific course and how you apply that knowledge.
• A Capella faculty expert reviews the petition to determine if credit should be awarded.
• Use the CPL lab, a free resource, to develop your petition(s).

View Capella's Credit for Prior Learning policy and CPL Fees

GuidedPath Eligibility

You are eligible for the CPL process if:

• You are currently enrolled in a CPL-eligible program at Capella (you must remain enrolled throughout the CPL process).
• Your course is CPL eligible.
• Your course meets the requirements of your program.

FlexPath Eligibility

• You can only submit CPL within 12 weeks of starting your first FlexPath course.

We accept more than 50 certifications including:

•  CISSP®
  
•  SHRM®-CP/SCP
  
•  PMP®
•  Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)