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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/oes/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.

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 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.

As of Fall 2023, fees associated with Credit for Prior Learning are as follows

Type Fee
Portfolio Assessment Assessment Fee is equivalent to One Credit Hour - in state General Tuition Fee ($221 Fall 2023) (ccri.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/
Departmental Challenge Exam Assessment Fee is equivalent to One Credit Hour - in state General Tuition Fee ($221 Fall 2023) (ccri.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/
CLEP

$93 Registration Fee (paid to College Board)

Please note that a registration fee voucher is available to students complete CLEP test preparation through an organization called Modern States (https://modernstates.org/).

DSST

$100 Registration Fee (paid to Dantes)

How do I begin the process of Credit for Prior Learning?

To guide your exploration of your Credit for Prior Learning options, please first review Steps 1-3 (on the right navigation) and then submit an interest form. A CPL Coordinator will review your interest form in order to help you determine your options and will follow up with you accordingly.

You may also use the button below to schedule a call to discuss your options for Credit for Prior Learning!

Schedule a Call