Bay Path University recognizes the professional, academic, and personal experiences that adult learners bring with them to the educational environment. Because we value and affirm the various ways in which adults learn, the institution offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to eligible undergraduate students and, on a program-by-program basis, to graduate students with permission of their program leader. 

CPL enables students to accelerate progress toward degree completion, potentially reducing time to degree and associated costs, while formally recognizing relevant workforce and life experience in support of career advancement. Detailed guidelines for Credit for Prior Learning are available in the CPL Handbook. Veterans and students with significant military experience are specifically encouraged to explore CPL options.

Credit for Prior Learning for Undergraduate Students

Portfolio Claims for Academic Credit

The portfolio claims process begins by taking PLA250: Prior Learning Assessment, a 3-credit, 7-week online course that meets the standards of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). In PLA250, students will identify, categorize, and organize their learned knowledge and skills, and learn how to prepare a portfolio that aligns this knowledge with college-level courses. Bay Path University uses a course equivalency system as the basis for all claims for credit. To enroll in PLA250, students must be in good academic standing, have completed ENG 124 or ENG 134 (or transfer courses that are equivalent), and have advisor confirmation that CPL credits fit their degree plan. Due to the nature of the course, in the session that a student is enrolled in PLA250, credit overloads are discouraged. PLA250 credits count toward the degree (3 credits, typically fulfilling a general elective) and do not count toward the CPL credit cap.

The undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning portfolio is both a process and a product. As a product, the portfolio is a compilation of documents including a résumé, an autobiographical narrative, written claims for credit (7–10 pages each), and supporting documentation. Upon successful completion of PLA250 (grade of ‘C-’ or better and submission of at least one completed claim), the student’s initial portfolio will be assessed at no additional charge. Fees apply to any additional claims, at the equivalent of one credit hour per submission; these fees are not covered by financial aid, and no refunds are permitted. 

CLEP Examinations

Undergraduate students may earn Credit for Prior Learning through the successful completion of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Credit is awarded based on institutionally approved score thresholds and course equivalencies. A maximum of 12 credits may be applied through CLEP. Students should reference the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.

BYU Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS)

Undergraduate students may earn credit for demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language through the BYU Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS). Credit awards are based on exam performance and established equivalencies. Students may earn up to 12 credits for a first language and up to 6 credits for a second language, within the overall CPL credit limits.

Approved Credentials (Direct Transfer)

Undergraduate students may be eligible to receive CPL through the direct transfer of approved industry-recognized credentials, certifications, or licenses that align with course outcomes. Applicability and credit awards are determined by the institution and may vary by program. Students should consult with their advisor to confirm eligibility and how approved credentials will apply to their degree plan. Fees apply to the evaluation and awarding of credit for approved credentials and may not be covered by financial aid.

Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning Credit Limits

The University has set a limit of 36 credits that can be accumulated through all CPL methods combined for undergraduate students. Sub-limits apply by method:

CPL Credit Limits

CPL Type	Credit Limit
Overall CPL Credit Limit	36 credits across all methods below
Portfolio Claims	Up to 36 credits
CLEP Exams	Up to 12 credits
BYU FLATS (First Language)	Up to 12 credits
BYU FLATS (Second Language)	Up to 6 credits

It is possible that some programs may not be able to accommodate any CPL credits; students must confirm with their advisor that credits will apply to their degree plan.

Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning Course Eligibility

The following course types are not able to be fulfilled through the Credit for Prior Learning Process: internships and practicums, capstone courses, thesis, senior seminars, independent study, student teaching, and English or writing prerequisite courses. Credit for Prior Learning may not duplicate courses already taken or accepted in transfer.

As a guideline, students should begin the CPL process as early in their academic journey as possible and at least six months before their anticipated graduation date. Portfolio submissions are due at least four months prior to the anticipated date of graduation; this deadline also applies to any additional claims submitted after the first portfolio. 

Appealing Credit for Prior Learning Decisions

Students who wish to appeal an assessment decision must submit a signed Portfolio Appeal Form (Appendix C of the CPL Handbook) to the CPL Assessment Committee within 30 days of the denial; appeal decisions follow the institution’s grade appeal process.

Credit for Prior Learning for Graduate Students

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities for graduate students are available on a program-by-program basis and require approval from the student’s academic program leader, in consultation with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Accreditation. In some cases, graduate programs may permit the application of CPL through the direct transfer of approved professional credentials, certifications, or licensures that align with established course outcomes and program requirements.

Graduate students who wish to explore CPL options, including the applicability of previously earned credentials, must consult with their Program Leader prior to pursuing any CPL pathway. The Program Leader will determine whether specific credentials are eligible for consideration and how, if approved, they may apply to the student’s degree plan.

Not all graduate programs accept CPL, and limitations may apply based on accreditation, licensure requirements, or program structure. Students are responsible for confirming eligibility and applicability before submitting any materials for review.