What is a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Assessment?

When students cannot be awarded Credit for Prior Learning based on transcripts or certifications directly, Prior Learning Assessments are used to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills related towards specific courses.

CPL-eligible courses will use one of three Prior Learning Assessment methods, each with its own corresponding fee:

• Credit by Exam - $50
• Credit by Portfolio - $90
• Credit by Skills Demonstration - $90

What is a Credit by Exam?

Credit by Exam, traditionally known as a Challenge Exam, is a method of assessing your previously gained knowledge and skills. Unlike final exams, which measure your understanding of what was taught in a class, credit by exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills as they relate to the course competencies, outcomes and learning objectives. In general, NWTC students successfully complete Credit by Exam about 65% of the time.

For NWTC Credit by Exam, you will have 3 weeks to prepare for and to take the assessment after you register and pay for it. However, if you are already enrolled in a class and you think that you have the knowledge and skills to “test-out” of it, you will need to either complete the CPL assessment prior to the start of that class, or you will need to drop the course in order to pursue the CPL assessment. If you are then unsuccessful in the CPL assessment, you can reenroll in the class the following session. You cannot complete Credit by Exam for classes you are enrolled in once those classes have already started.

You may also earn credits toward your degree through one of these standardized tests: Advanced Placement (AP) exam, CLEP exam, DSST exam, UExcel Excelsior Exam, or GED (certain GED score is required). Fees for standardized tests may vary. Learn more about standardized tests.

What is Credit by Skills Demonstration?

Credit by Skills Demonstration, also called Skills Assessment or Skills Demo, is a form of examination where the student is required to perform specific tasks in the presence of a grading instructor. The grading instructor will assess the student’s performance quality and accuracy.

You will have 4 weeks to prepare for, schedule, and complete a Skills Demonstration assessment. Sometimes a Skills Demonstration will be preceded by a qualifying exam (similar to the Credit by Exam explained above). If an exam is required, it must be successfully completed first. If successful, the student will then be able to schedule the Skills Demonstration with the grading instructor. 

Like Credit by Exam, you cannot complete Credit by Skills Demonstration for classes you are enrolled in once those classes have already started.

What is Credit by Portfolio?

A Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) portfolio is a collection of artifacts (samples of previous work), supporting documents, and reflections demonstrating evidence of learning. Generally, the CPL portfolio will be completed online and submitted through Canvas. In a few limited instances, an oral portfolio, in the form of a scheduled interview with a grading instructor or administrator may be used for specific courses. Students who complete Credit by Portfolio are generally very successful. Over 90% of Credit by Portfolio attempts result in students being awarded credit. 

You will have 4 weeks to gather all required supporting documents (resume, certificates, letters from employer, sample of completed work, etc.), to write, and to submit a completed CPL portfolio. However, a well-structured and comprehensive portfolio might take longer to develop. For this reason, we advise students seeking Credit by Portfolio to begin gathering artifacts and supporting documentation in advance of signing up for their assessment. If students portfolios are incomplete or if certain sections are underdeveloped, students may be given additional time to rewrite or improve their portfolio for a second submission, at the discretion of the grading instructor.

Finally, Credit by Portfolio cannot be completed for classes you are enrolled in once those classes have already started. Because it takes several weeks to complete Credit by Portfolio, you are encouraged to sign up for this assessment type long before you would plan to begin the class.