Credit for Prior Learning
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If you have received training or performed related work experience, you may qualify for credits at CNM.
Contact an advisor or call the Grad & Eval Office at (505) 224-3209 for more information.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), also known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), describes several methods used by CNM to assess college-level learning that a student obtained outside of the Institution in order to award college credit towards a degree or certificate program.
Quick Student CPL Reference Guide
Credit for Prior Learning Options
There are three ways for you to show us that your knowledge is college-level in order to earn credit towards your program: Pass it, Provide it, or Prove it.
Pass It:
- Take and pass a Standardized Exam
- Take and pass a Challenge Exam
Provide It:
- Submit military training and occupation transcripts
- Submit current, valid industry certifications or licenses
- Submit transcripts or a Certificate of Completion from training accomplished through CNM Ingenuity, Inc. (Non-credit to Credit), such as a Deep Dive Coding Bootcamp.
- Submit appropriate documentation to earn credit for training accomplished through one of our Community Partners.
- If your specific prior learning is not listed, you may submit a Request for Evaluation of Prior Learning form along with appropriate documentation of your learning to [email protected], who will forward your request to the appropriate academic school(s) to evaluate your learning and determine if credit can be granted.
Prove It:
- Prove your level of knowledge for a course by developing an electronic learning portfolio and submitting it for Portfolio Assessment.
Things to Consider When Requesting CPL
Eligibility
In order to apply for and receive CPL, you must be an active CNM certificate or degree seeking student.
Processing CPL Award
Please allow 10 business days for credit to be applied to your academic record, once you have submitted a CPL request, passed an exam, or submitted exam scores.
An Evaluation of Prior Learning may take two to four weeks. If credit is awarded, it will be applied to your academic record within 10 business days.
Financial Aid
Financial aid does not cover the costs of CPL. However, financial aid and VA benefits may be affected by credit hours awarded through CPL methods. Speak with a Financial Aid representative to find out how credit earned through the CPL Program may affect your award.
Acceptance of CPL Awards at Other Institutions
CPL is granted only for the purpose of satisfying CNM graduation requirements. These credits may not be accepted at other colleges. Students are responsible for contacting the institution to which they intend to transfer to determine that institution’s policy on accepting CPL awarded at CNM.
Credit for Prior Learning Policy
To find out more about credit for prior learning at CNM, see the CPL Policy.
Student CPL Handbook
Review the CNM Student CPL Handbook for more information.
For Other Colleges and Universities
CNM’s CPL Program strives for an appropriate balance of consistency, flexibility, rigor, and academic program integrity. A course-equivalency model is used to determine the award of credit for all prior learning assessment methods.