Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)

Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is a way to save thousands of dollars and countless hours in your quest for a college degree. The Vermont State Colleges (VSC) believe that college-level learning can occur in many places other than a classroom. If you are an adult who is considering going to college, join the 7,000 people who, since 1976, have earned college credit for learning acquired on the job, in the military, in the community, and through independent study.

Assessment of Prior Learning - 3 cr. (EDU-1240) is an opportunity for students to earn college credit for prior learning acquired either on the job or in other settings. Students explore past learning experiences and identify future educational goals. Students develop an individual portfolio describing and documenting prior learning. Upon successful completion of the course, students may submit their portfolios to the Office of External Programs for review of credit requests. College credits gained through this process can be transferred into degree programs. PREREQUISITE: English Composition. Students must consult an academic advisor before enrolling.

How does the program work?

Assessment of Prior Learning is a three-step process:

1. Enroll in Community College of Vermont’s three-credit Assessment of Prior Learning course (EDU1240 see above). During the 15-week semester, you develop a portfolio that identifies, articulates and documents your prior college-level learning. Classroom instruction consists of large and small group work, as well as individual sessions with the instructor and possibly some on-line work.

2. Submit a portfolio. At the end of the semester, you will submit your portfolio to the Vermont State Colleges Office of External Programs (OEP). OEP assembles advanced standing committees to assess the portfolios and recommend college transfer credit.

3. Transfer the credit you’re awarded to a degree-granting institution. The credits awarded are considered Vermont State Colleges transfer credits. You may transfer your credit to a college or university of your choice that accepts experiential learning credits.

How much does it cost?

Assessment of Prior Learning is a great value. You only pay tuition and fees to take the APL course; there is no additional cost for credits awarded through your portfolio. Many students earn the equivalent of one, two, or more semesters of college credit for the cost of one three-credit course.

Where can I transfer my credit?

Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) credit, as it applies to the student’s degree program, is fully transferable within the Vermont State Colleges system. In addition to CCV, the Vermont State Colleges include Castleton State College, Lyndon State College, Johnson State College, and Vermont Technical College.

Additionally, most colleges in Vermont and many outside of Vermont accept APL credit.

How do I get started?

You may register for the APL course at your local CCV academic center. Before registering, you should meet with a CCV academic advisor to ascertain whether the course is appropriate for you. College-level writing skills are necessary to enroll in the course; the CCV advisor will discuss the writing requirements and assessments with you. Call the CCV academic center nearest you to set up an appointment.

You should also plan to attend a free information session on APL, which is offered on Vermont Interactive Television, occasional webinars, and at select locations before the start of each semester.

Other FAQ

How is my portfolio evaluated?

At the end of the semester, portfolios are sent to the Assessment of Prior Learning program office for evaluation. Advanced standing committees of faculty and practitioners will be assembled to evaluate each group of portfolios.

Do I have to be a degree student to take APL?

No. Although most students go on to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees, there is no requirement to enroll in a degree program. Students use APL to advance their careers, qualify for pay raises, meet personal goals, or simply to identify what they know at the college level.

Do I have to be a Vermont resident?

No, there is no residency requirement.

Where can I take Assessment of Prior Learning?

Assessment of Prior Learning is offered at all 12 CCV locations.

How many credits can I earn through APL?

No limits are placed on the number of credits you may receive. Your credit award will depend on how much college-equivalent knowledge you have acquired and on how well you can articulate and document what you know.

How long does the process take?

From start to finish, it takes seven to ten months. Assessment of Prior Learning is a one-semester course. Your portfolio is evaluated for credit sometime during the following semester.

What fields qualify for college credit?

Students can earn credit for any subject covered in a college curriculum. Students have earned credit in business, education, social services, religious studies, journalism, aviation, environmental studies, office administration, manufacturing, nursing, real estate, and a host of other fields.

Who can I call for more information?

Call the Vermont State Colleges Office of External Programs at 802-828-4064. The staff there will be happy to talk with you and send you additional information.