In some circumstances, students may be eligible to receive academic Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) experiences. Earning college credit for CPL experiences can save time and money and may accelerate your academic progress.

CPL experiences include the following:

·         Apprenticeships, License, Certificate, or Credential

·         Continuing Education to Curriculum credit conversion

·         High School to Community College Articulations

·         Military Training and Service

·         Standardized Examinations

·         Credit by Proficiency Exams

·         Public Safety Training

·         Portfolio of Life and Work Experiences

The maximum credit for CPL applicable towards graduation is seventy-five (75) percent of the program’s credit hours from any combination of all CPL methods. A minimum of 25% of the curriculum program course credits must be completed at CFCC in order to graduate from a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Credit earned through CPL experience may not be transferable to UNC constituent institutions or to other colleges/universities inside or outside of NC. Students should always consult with institutions they may transfer to in the future, regarding how CPL credits may or may not transfer to the institution. 

All credit awarded through CPL must be applicable to the student’s current degree, diploma, or certificate program.

CPL documentation must meet or exceed a demonstration of the learning outcomes for the corresponding curriculum course. CFCC reserves the right to require documentation supporting the equivalent quality of the learning outcomes, instructional content, and instructor qualifications of any CPL experience. CFCC will also require documentation that a student satisfactorily completed the CPL within the last five years. CFCC’s Chief Academic Officer must approve all CPL requests. Students who feel they may be eligible for CPL experience credit should contact their academic program’s director for additional information.