Prior Learning Assessment FAQs

Am I eligible for prior learning credit?

You must be currently registered and accepted into a degree program at CCRI to earn Credit for Prior Learning, and the prior learning must be used toward credits in your program of study. If you have not attended CCRI in the past two years, you should submit a "Returning Student" application at https://www.ccri.edu/onestop/admissions/apply/ and reach out to the Prior Learning Coordinator after you have received your confirmation email.

What if I have credits from another college or university?

If you have credits from other accredited colleges and universities, these credits might be transferable to CCRI and you may not have to go through the Credit for Prior Learning process. Have official copies of your transcripts forwarded to the Office of Enrollment Services: [email protected]. Credits from other institutions are subject to the CCRI's transfer of credit policy.

How many credits can I earn through Credit for Prior Learning?

The number of credits you can receive from sources other than the Community College of Rhode Island courses is limited to 75% of number of credits for your Associates degree program. The 75% includes transfer credit from other institutions as well as credit earned through Credit for Prior Learning.

For credentials of 30 credits or fewer (Certificate Programs), Credit for Prior Learning is limited to 25%.

These above limitations are included in Standards for Accreditation established by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the accreditation agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to oversee CCRI.

How will Credit for Prior Learning appear on my CCRI academic transcript?

Credit for Prior Learning will appear on your CCRI academic transcript with a grade of "XL" rather than a letter grade. It will appear on your CCRI transcript under at category with the heading "transfer credit accepted by the institution" (meaning accepted by CCRI). CPL credit will not be removed from your CCRI transcript once it is posted. 

What if I plan to transfer? Will this my CCRI Credit for Prior Learning transfer to my next institution?

You should discuss any transfer plans with a CCRI Academic Advisor before pursuing Credit for Prior Learning to best position yourself for transfer (for example, which specific courses to take and whether or not Credit for Prior Learning would be beneficial to you).

Advising & Counseling

Website - https://www.ccri.edu/advising/

Email - [email protected]

Phone – 401- 825-1240 (you can also text 401-308-3537 M-F 8am-4pm)

It is up to the receiving institution to decide how CCRI Credit for Prior Learning listed on your CCRI academic transcript transfers in. Once you make the transfer, if you have any questions about how the credit transferred in, you may be able to contact the receiving institution’s Credit for Prior Learning/Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator or Transfer Coordinator.

Rhode Island institutions such as Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island recognize CCRI's awarding of Credit for Prior Learning, but may have some stipulations regarding how and where these credits transfer as credits.

What if I switch to a different degree or certificate program later?

It is in  your best interest to decide upon your program before moving forward with Credit for Prior learning. This is because the credit you earn through Credit for Prior Learning may not be applicable under other programs. Additionally, CPL credit will not be removed from your CCRI record once it is posted.

What are the fees?

Fees vary depending upon the method of Credit for Prior Learning available for the course(s) you are pursuing. Please note that assessment fees are required for the assessment process and are to be paid prior to the assessment, regardless of credit outcome.