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Credit for Prior Learning

What has life experience taught you?

Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL) helps you gain college credit through evaluation of life experiences. So do you qualify? Let’s have a talk and find out.

Contact Us
scc.acpl@scc.spokane.edu

ACPL/PLA Application Form

How do I get credit for experience?

SFCC student with glasses smiling at the camera, outdoor shot
Experience-to-Credit

Check out the seven methods listed below that we use to evaluate prior learning experiences in order to possibly turn them into credit.  

Military

Testing

Work Experience

Portfolio

How do I get started?

SCC Students on a warm spring day
Do you have college-level learning based on prior learning experiences?

Because each student has their own life experiences, all assessments for Academic Credit for Prior Learning are evaluated individually to ensure a student's specialties aren’t compared to other students' experiences. 

Reach out to us first.

Before you start the ACPL process, call or email the ACPL coordinator to make an appointment to discuss the following:

  • General questions about the ACPL program.
  • Thorough explanation of each step of the ACPL process.
  • References to specific department and/or faculty members.

Before You Apply – What you need to know

CCS Achievement Awards

What you need to know

The following requirements may apply to you:

Be a Student

You must be a student at Spokane Community College before PLA credits can be granted.
 

Fees

There is no fee associated with the granting of credit from AP, ACE, CLEP, DSST, IB, military education, and Industry Certifications and Licensures (with established crosswalk).

For all other ACPL assessments, there is a nonrefundable fee due at the Cashier’s Office before reviewing begins.
 

General Guidelines and Policies

  • ACPL eligibility/credits are determined by CCS and subject to SCC department approval.
  • Students can apply for ACPL once they have completed the admission process at SCC.
  • ACPL credit is not counted toward the SCC residence requirement for graduation.
  • ACPL credit may not satisfy credit load requirements for funding from benefit programs including: veteran’s benefits, or the student financial assistance program.
  • Payment of fees does not guarantee credit awards.
  • Credits granted will not exceed 25 percent of required credits for graduation.
  • ACPL credit may not be awarded for a course a student is currently enrolled in, has previously earned credit for, or has previously audited. This includes classes with an F, W, or Z grade.
  • ACPL credit may be used to meet appropriate graduation requirements.
  • If students attempt to transfer ACPL credit to another college outside of CCS, it will be subject to the policies of the receiving institution.

ACPL Application

Once you have met with the ACPL Coordinator and are ready to move forward, complete the Application for  Application for Prior Learning Assessment.