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 10 weeks of starting your first FlexPath course. FlexPath learners can petition selected courses, so work closely with your enrollment counselor to plan your CPL.

We accept more than 50 certifications including:

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