Turn your experience into college credit—and get closer to your degree.
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A group of construction workers in safety vests and helmets pose together outdoors, smiling at the camera.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is the process of acknowledging and awarding college credit for demonstrated college-level skills and knowledge acquired beyond the traditional classroom setting. Students can gain knowledge and skills from a variety of experiences, such as:

  • Military training
  • Industry training
  • State/federal government training
  • Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
  • Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g., Peace Corps)

It’s important to note that this definition of CPL excludes knowledge and skills that have already been assessed and granted credit through formal education at regionally accredited institutions, both in-state and out-of-state.

All CPL assessments must be reviewed and approved by faculty in the discipline of the course. Your learning must be verifiable and must meet the course’s student learning outcomes (SLOs) to qualify for credit.

If you are part of the carpentry apprenticeship or have completed the apprenticeship, visit here to learn more about CPL for Apprenticeship.

  • Accelerated Degree Completion — CPL allows you to apply your prior learning towards a certificate, degree, and transfer, helping you finish your educational goal sooner.

 

  • Cost Savings — By earning credit for what you already know, you can save on tuition and related expenses.

Course Restrictions — CPL may not apply to certain courses or degree requirements. Not all 4-year universities accept course credits earned through CPL.

How to Get Started

  1. Apply to Río Hondo College (if not already enrolled).
  2. Submit the CPL Interest Form.
  3. A CPL staff member will contact you.

Faculty and counselors may also refer you directly to the CPL team.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Coming Soon!

Approved CPL Courses

If your course or subject area is not listed yet, we still encourage you to reach out—our faculty are actively reviewing new CPL opportunities.

CourseDisciplineCertification Type
ASL 101: American Sign Language IAmerican Sign LanguageCredit by exam
ASL 102: American Sign Language IIAmerican Sign LanguageCredit by exam
AUTO 065: Smog Technician Diagnostic and Repair ProceduresAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 101: Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Underhood ServiceAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 103: Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar ServiceAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 106: Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 107: Intro to Light ServiceAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 115: Computerized Engine Controls and DiagnosticsAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 130: Level-I Smog Technician Training Course: Engine and Emission Control FundamentalsAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 135: Level-II Smog Technician Training Course: Smog Check Inspection ProceduresAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 140: Body & Chassis ElectricalAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 150: Engine Electrical SystemsAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 157: Automotive Specialized Electronics TrainingAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 160: Upper-End Engine RebuildingAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 200: Suspension & SteeringAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 210: Brake SystemsAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 220: Manual Drive TrainsAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 230: Automatic TransmissionAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
AUTO 240: Heating & Air ConditioningAutomotive TechnologyIndustry Certification
CIT 170: Server+Computer Information TechnologyCompTIA Network+; Joint Services Transcripts
CIT 171: Network+Computer Information TechnologyCompTIA Network+; Joint Services Transcripts
CIT 180:  PC MaintenanceComputer Information TechnologyCompTIA A+
CIT 192: Security+Computer Information TechnologyCompTIA Security+
EMT 093: Emergency Medical TechnicianEmergency Medical ServicesCalifornia EMT, National Registry EMT, or Out-of-State EMT
SPAN 101: Spanish ISpanishCredit by exam
SPAN 102: Spanish IISpanishCredit by exam

Courses not listed here may still be eligible for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) based on your prior experience, training, or certifications. Contact us to learn more.

How Is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Assessed?

To earn CPL, your learning must be documented, measurable, and equivalent to what’s taught in a Rio Hondo College course. All assessments are reviewed and approved by faculty in the subject area.

Assessment MethodDefinitionBest ForHow It’s Assessed
Military Transcript (JST)A standardized transcript from the U.S. military showing training, coursework, and occupational roles.Veterans and active-duty service membersFaculty review your Joint Services Transcript (JST) for alignment with learning outcomes.
Industry Certification or LicenseA verified credential proving mastery in a trade or skill.Students with current certifications (e.g., CompTIA, ASE).Faculty evaluate certification content and training to match learning outcomes.
Credit by ExamA faculty-created test demonstrating mastery of course content.Students with work experience or prior learning.You complete a proctored exam to prove you meet learning outcomes.
Portfolio ReviewA collection of work samples and reflections demonstrating learning.Students with non-traditional experience (e.g., job experience, volunteer roles).Submit a portfolio for faculty review showing how your learning meets learning outcomes.

All CPL Credit Must Be:

  • Reviewed and approved by discipline-specific faculty
  • Aligned with the learning outcomes of an existing Rio Hondo College course
  • Documented and verifiable
  • Assessed according to Title 5 §55050 Credit for Prior Learning
  • Transcribed through established campus procedures

CPL Interest Form

Please complete the interest form if you are interested in learning more about CPL.

* Required Field

Contact & Support

Claudia Romo
Counselor, Center for Career and Re-Entry Services (CCRS)
Credit for Prior Learning Lead
562-463-3213

Not Sure Where to Start?

Three construction workers in safety gear and hard hats stand under a bridge; one holds a laptop, another gestures with a walkie-talkie, and they appear to be discussing the project.

CPL can seem overwhelming—but that’s what we’re here for. Just fill out the CPL Interest Form, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

Reference Documents & Resources

  • Title 5 55050
  • CCCCO Memos
  • CSU Memo
  • UC Document
  • ACCJC Document

Frequently Asked Questions