In tandem with Governor Gavin Newsom's final framework for his
Master Plan for Career Education to strengthen pathways to fulfilling careers in California, the CSU is ramping up its own efforts to help students earn a degree and enter the workforce.
“On behalf of the Cal State system, I applaud Governor Newsom's vision and efforts to strengthen career pathways and align workforce development agencies, K-12 education systems, community colleges and four-year universities,"
CSU Chancellor Mildred García said of the plan. “Every Californian deserves a clear path to higher education and a rewarding career. As we serve our diverse students, adult learners and our communities, the CSU looks forward to working with the governor and legislature in order to increase collaboration across the state and to help drive California to its brightest future."
A major component of the plan is scaling up efforts around credit for prior learning (CPL)—that is, awarding academic credit for learning acquired outside a college classroom. Awarding credit for prior learning particularly benefits nontraditional college students, such as returning students, veterans and adult learners by reducing costs, student loan debt and time to graduation. A 2024
economic impact study estimates that credit for prior learning could save veterans $26,115 in costs for attending college and working adults $14,653—while also boosting their earnings and economic output.
“Credit for prior learning has long been acknowledged within the CSU, but it has become increasingly important as we seek to help students find appropriate efficiencies to graduation," said Brent M. Foster, assistant vice chancellor and State University dean of Academic Programs at the CSU Chancellor's Office. “This becomes particularly evident in our adult learner population. Adult learners may be coming to, or returning to, the CSU with vast and various life experiences. In many cases, those prior experiences can be articulated to satisfy specific coursework that can reduce their time to graduation."
The CSU has had
policies in place for years that allow students to receive credit for prior learning, either by submitting documentation or petitioning their university. There are four categories of CPL:
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Credit for Examinations: These include campus-originated challenge examinations and standardized exams like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and College Level Entrance Program (CLEP) tests.
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Credit for Demonstrated Learning, Knowledge or Skills Acquired Through Experience: This includes learning acquired through work experience, and the skills and knowledge must be verified through an assessment such as an exam, portfolio, interview or demonstration.
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Credit for Prior Learning Acquired Outside of Traditional Higher Education: This includes formalized training gained outside the classroom, such as professional development, certifications or one-off courses.
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Credit for Education, Training and Service Provided by the Armed Forces of the United States: This includes education, training and service completed during military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, but not at a U.S. Armed Forces institution of higher education.
In addition, the CSU will accept credit for prior learning that California Community Colleges first approved for students.
Recently, the CSU has focused on improving its processes for credit for prior learning by working with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and updating the campus-specific CPL policies at each of its universities.
In addition, the system is working with the Boston Consulting Group to pilot a process at Pomona, San Bernardino, San Diego and San Marcos to apply certain cybersecurity and IT-related certifications toward meeting relevant course requirements. The goal is to establish an infrastructure that would allow future students to seamlessly receive course credit for these certifications.
“As the CSU explores ways to meet students where they are, credit for prior learning is a valuable tool to ensure students feel they belong in the academy. By recognizing their skills, talents and abilities early, we can facilitate meaningful experiences and a timely graduation," said Duan Jackson, systemwide director of Student Advising Initiatives at the CSU Chancellor's Office. Jackson also served on the governor's Career Pathways Workgroup for the Master Plan for Career Education.
Learn more about credit for prior learning for military-connected students.