Credit for Prior Learning

Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy

Credit for Prior Learning can be granted through internal UM-Dearborn examination, DSST and CLEP examinations, industry recognized certification, or portfolio assessment. Veterans and active service members in the Military/Armed Forces may earn credit through a separate campus policy. Experiences post high school in which college-level learning was acquired, assessed and documented may qualify for prior learning credit. Requests for CPL will be individually evaluated and approved internally by appropriate  program faculty as determined by the deans, chairs, and directors within an academic unit. All credit by CPL is subject to  the following regulations: 

  1. All CPLs shall be graded as “Prior Learning” credit (No GPA credit).  

  2. Credit awarded via prior learning can be used to meet any of the University graduation requirements except for the residency requirement in which a student must complete 30 credits at UM-Dearborn. 

  3. CPL credit may be given for specific course credit, lower level credit,  or general departmental credit at the program faculty discretion. 

  4. CPL credit earned at another higher education institution, whether awarded by internal examination or some other  form of CPL, is subject to review by UM-Dearborn program faculty. 

  5. Initial assessment of new CPL materials is reserved for actively enrolled University of Michigan-Dearborn students and will be completed within 30 business days of their receipt during the Fall and Winter Semesters (not Summer). Established  course equivalencies through CPL will be posted in the Course Transfer System. 

  6. Each department will engage content expert faculty in reviewing and approving CPL credits and shall provide  documentation of such activities to the CPL Coordinator for reporting and Higher Learning Commission (HLC)  accreditation purposes. 

  7. Credit for Prior Learning cannot be used to "double count" credits – that is, CPL credits may not be applied  toward a course for which the student has already earned a passing grade or for currently enrolled courses past the  10th day of the semester. 

  8. Application for CPL is encouraged within a student’s first full semester. Application for CPL is not permitted in  a student’s last full semester or during the Spring and Summer Terms. 

  9. To receive credit for Industry-Recognized Credentials, students must provide current and valid proof of completion (certificates, credentials, or licenses). 

  10. Portfolio review and internal examinations will carry a fee to cover the expenses associated with faculty review  and assessment. 

  11. The total number of CPL credits that can be awarded by UM-Dearborn through any combination of examination,  industry certification, or portfolio assessment is 30, with the exception of articulation agreements which may designate a higher amount of transfer credit.

  12. Decisions on CPL credit cannot be appealed on the basis of the content or curricular review by faculty, but may be appealed based on procedural concerns.