The State University of New York (SUNY) policy on the Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation establishes a systemwide framework for recognizing verifiable college-level learning acquired outside registered credit-bearing courses, a practice also referred to as credit for prior learning (CPL). SUNY initially issued the Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation policy in 1976, one of the first university systems in the country to formally adopt this type of assessment.
The 2023 policy revision supersedes the original and expands the types of verifiable college-level learning to be recognized, including, but not limited to: performance on standardized published exams; military education and training; professional and industry certifications and licenses or other credentials; non-credit and continuing education study; on-the-job training/education; and work experience.
The revised policy affirms that the award of credit by evaluation promotes access and success in higher education by reducing time to degree, lowering costs, supporting accurate student placement, and contributing to improved retention and graduation outcomes. In recognition of persistent gaps in student awareness—particularly among low-income and underrepresented populations—the policy further emphasizes the obligation of institutions to ensure clear communication and outreach regarding the availability and benefits of such credit.
In June 2026, the SUNY Board of Trustees adopted an addendum to the Credit for Prior Learning policies establishing systemwide standards for the award of academic credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. The addendum is intended to promote greater consistency, transparency, and equitable treatment of students across SUNY while preserving campus and faculty authority over course equivalencies, applicability of credit, and academic standards. It establishes minimum score thresholds for AP and IB examinations, requires campuses to clearly communicate examination credit policies and maintain publicly available equivalency information, and directs campuses to engage faculty through shared governance in reviewing and aligning their policies and practices. The addendum further supports student mobility and timely degree completion by reducing unnecessary loss of examination credit when students transfer within the SUNY system.
MTP Information Session, September 3, 2026 12:30p (Zoom recording and MTP Vol. 26 No. 3 Guidance Presentation Slides)
CAEL Training
SUNY has partnered with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) for a two-year initiative to strengthen campus capacity in awarding credit for prior learning (CPL/PLA) through enhanced policies, processes, and professional development. Workshops for Fall 2026 are listed below; registration is limited to SUNY employees using a SUNY email address.
CAEL Training Options Fall 2026
Click on the drop down boxes below to view archived content and resources related to Credit for Prior Learning.
Council for Adult and Experiential Learning Partnership
In 2024, SUNY launched a two-year partnership with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to build campus-level capacity and expand opportunities for awarding academic credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).
CPL Fundamentals and Benefits Webinar
September 25, 2024 (recording)
ACE Military Guide Resources and Training
SUNY Workshops on ACE Military Tools
Operationalizing Military Credit Using the ACE Military Guide June 25, 2026 (recording)
Introduction to ACE Military Guide September 18, 2023 (recording)
ACE Military Guide Overview February 1, 2024 (recording)
ACE Military Guide Overview February 15, 2024 (recording)
User Roles in the ACE Military Guide February 29, 2024 (recording)
User Roles in the ACE Military Guide March 7, 2024 (recording)
ACE Military Guide and Campus SIS March 21, 2024 (recording)
ACE Military Guide and Campus SIS March 28, 2024 (recording)
ACE National Guide Presentations
Using the ACE National Guide (non-military) March 26, 2024 (recording)
ACEnet Training (PLA) September 7, 2023 (recording)
NCCRS Credit Recommendations and Stakeholder Benefits February 13, 2024 (recording)
NCCRS Credit Recommendations and Services September 13, 2023 (recording)
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Training Opportunities
IB101 Overview of the International Baccalaureate October 20, 2023 (recording), slides
IB201 Creating your IB Policies November 13, 2023 (recording)
IB201 Creating your IB Policies November 28, 2023 (recording)
Attracting and Recruiting IB Students - Developing a Competitive Edge March 12, 2024 (recording)
Frequently Asked Questions
Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation
Q: Are all campuses required to have a policy on Award of Credit by Evaluation (CPL)?
A: Yes. According to SUNY Policy 2023-8, "campuses are responsible to develop local policies and procedures" that align with SUNY Policy 2023-8.
Q: What is a campus action plan?
A: A campus action plan is a strategic document that has been developed through the appropriate campus governance processes and endorsed by the campus president. It outlines the campus's approach to implementing SUNY Policy 2023-8 and advancing Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) practices. Guidance on the Campus Action Plan due January 15, 2027, including the required supporting documentation, is provided in Memorandum to Presidents (MTP) 2026-03.
Q: When are the campus policy and action plan status reports due to SUNY System Administration?
A. By January 15, 2027, each campus must submit an updated status report on the Campus Action Plans previously submitted in 2024 and 2025. The status report should describe the campus's progress toward its previously established goals for expanding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities and include an updated Campus Action Plan for the 2026–2027 academic year and beyond. As outlined in Memorandum to Presidents (MTP) 2026-03, this year's action plan should describe how the campus will expand CPL opportunities in the identified priority areas, develop strategies to award academic credit for prior learning gained through structured service experiences, and adopt policies and procedures that place primary responsibility on the campus - rather than the student - for identifying opportunities to award academic credit through Credit for Prior Learning. The report should also provide an update on the status of campus policies and procedures related to the Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation, including the campus's plan to comply with SUNY Board of Trustees Policy 2026-51, which requires campuses to review and, as appropriate, reaffirm, revise, or establish policies governing the award of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit. Please refer to MTP 2026-03 for complete guidance and requirements.
Q: What is a campus inventory?
A: Each year, campuses submit an inventory of the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) awarded during the previous academic year. System Administration uses these submissions to maintain the systemwide inventory of recognized CPL published on the SUNY website.
For the 2025-2026 inventory, the reporting template will follow the same format used in prior years. However, each Chief Academic Officer (CAO) will receive a campus-specific template that has been pre-populated with the data previously reported for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 academic years.
For the report due on January 15, 2027, campuses should review the pre-populated data, verify its accuracy, make any necessary corrections, and then enter the CPL awards for the 2025–2026 academic year in the designated column.
Q: What about fee schedules for credit for prior learning?
A: Any fees charged for the evaluation or award of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) must be based on the services provided during the assessment process and may not be determined by the number of credits awarded. Assessment fees should reflect only the actual costs incurred and the services performed. Campuses should recognize that some forms of prior learning assessment involve minimal expense or administrative effort; therefore, charging an assessment fee may not be appropriate in every case. All CPL fee schedules must be submitted annually to the Office of Finance and Budget for review and approval by the Chief Financial Officer.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of credits that an institution can award for credit for prior learning?
A: Individual campuses have the discretion to determine the number of credits awarded that can be applied towards degree requirements, in alignment with campus residency regulations. Consistent with Seamless Transfer policy (2012-09), campuses are urged to demonstrate flexibility in order to bolster student achievement and facilitate timely completion of degrees.
Q: Does credit for prior learning apply to graduate courses/programs?
A: The assessment of student learning for the granting of academic credit may be applicable to undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as microcredentials at any award level.
Q: May campuses award credit for prior learning in all programs and disciplines?
A: Academic credits awarded through evaluation can fulfill various established requirements, such as courses within the major, SUNY General Education, Transfer Path courses, approved applied learning experiences, and credit-bearing microcredentials developed in alignment with SUNY Trustee policy. However, campuses may determine the appropriateness of granting credit for prior learning in specific instances within individual programs or disciplines and based on programmatic accreditation. Any restrictions must comply with SUNY policies and be communicated transparently.
For more information, contact Ellen Gambino, Provost Fellow.
