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Credit for Prior Learning

Purpose

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) recognizes verifiable college-level learning gained outside traditional academic settings. This policy outlines UM’s approach to evaluating, awarding, and recording CPL in alignment with Montana Board of Regents policy and Faculty Senate guidelines.

Governing Policies

Montana Board of Regents Policy 301.19:

  • Institutions may award credit for prior experiential learning or non-institutional learning that aligns with course outcomes.
  • Credit must be assessed by qualified faculty and transcripted as earned credit, not pass/fail or grades.
  • Credit may be awarded for national standardized exams (e.g., CLEP, DSST), military transcripts (JST/CCAF), or departmental processes such as challenge exams and portfolio reviews.

University of Montana Faculty Senate CPL Policy (2024):

  • Defines CPL as credit for verifiable college-level learning outside of UM courses.
  • Emphasizes academic department control over equivalency decisions.
  • Requires that credit be awarded for learning, not for experience alone.
  • Aligns CPL evaluation with UM’s learning outcomes and course rigor.
  • Academic units may require portfolios, performance tasks, interviews, or other discipline-specific assessments.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Students must be admitted and enrolled at the University of Montana to receive CPL credit.
  • CPL may be applied to degree, minor, or certificate requirements, including elective credits, at the discretion of academic departments.
  • CPL cannot duplicate previously earned academic credit.
  • CPL cannot be awarded for classes that students have audited or previously attempted.

Eligible CPL Options at UM

Eligible CPL Options at UM with evaluation method and notes
Type of Prior Learning Evaluation Method Notes

Military Training (JST/CCAF)

 ACE-recommended credit; departmental review ACE Guide serves as first step; faculty confirm alignment.

Industry Certifications & Licensure

 Evaluated by academic department Must be current and verifiable.

Departmental Challenge Exams

 Faculty-designed assessments May include written, oral, or practical exams.

Portfolios or Performance-Based Reviews

 Rubric-based evaluation by faculty Must document learning with artifacts and reflections.

Standardized Exams (CLEP, DSST, etc.)

 National scoring guidelines Per UM/AP guidelines; tracked by Evaluations.

Non-credit Training (e.g., EMT, Fire)

 Evaluated for alignment with outcomes Faculty determine comparability.

 AP and IB credits are processed separately by Admissions and are not part of CPL.

CPL Evaluation Timeline

  1. Initial Inquiry
    • Student expresses interest and meets with the CPL Navigator.
    • Must be admitted or enrolled at UM before CPL credit can be awarded.
  2. Pathway Selection
    • CPL Navigator helps student identify eligible options (military, industry, exam, etc.).
    • Navigator provides instructions and documentation requirements.
  3. Submission
    • Student submits materials (JST, portfolio, certificates, etc.).
    • Navigator routes request to appropriate academic department.
  4. Department Review
    • Department evaluates materials or conducts assessments.
    • Faculty determines if learning meets course outcomes.
  5. Credit Decision
    • Approved credit sent to Evaluations for transcription.
    • Unsuccessful requests may be revised or redirected.
  6. Transcription
    • Credit appears on student transcript with CPL notation.
    • No letter grade is awarded.
  7. Student Notification
    • Student is notified of outcome and updated credit totals.

Responsibilities by Office

CPL Navigator (Educational Initiatives & Innovation): Intake, pathway support, documentation coordination, and routing.

Academic Departments (Faculty): Determine course equivalency, approve assessors, and evaluate submissions.

Evaluations Office: Process approved credits, ensure compliance with policy, and update transcripts.

Advisors & Admissions: Support awareness, initiate referrals, and guide students on timing and impact of CPL.