Credit for Prior Learning

• Memorandum to Presidents Vol. 25, No. 3 – Guidance: Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation

• State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees’ Resolution 2023-8 – State University of New York Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation Policy
• June 2026 Addendum to State University of New York Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation

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 Spring 2026 are listed below; registration is limited to SUNY employees using a SUNY email address.

CAEL Schedule Spring 2026

CAEL Training Options Spring 2026

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 carefully designed document that undergoes thorough review within all campus governance processes. It outlines the strategic implementation of SUNY Policy 2023-8 within the campus setting. This detailed plan covers: 

• A thorough description detailing the local campus policy's completion.
• Identification of high-priority areas for the expansion of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities, with a particular emphasis on bolstering military education and training, as well as professional and industry certifications.
• Detailed plans for collaborative efforts with non-credit workforce programs and the integration of non-credit microcredentials.
• An outline of strategies detailing how the campus plans to promote credit for prior learning opportunities as a key element of its enrollment growth strategy.
• A comprehensive data tracking strategy, including the creation of baseline data for efficient progress monitoring. SUNY System Administration is developing new procedures, tools, and data collection methods to aid in tracking of campus-level data for the Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation within the Seamless Transfer framework. Further information will follow as development continues.
• A comprehensive plan for the professional development of faculty and staff, ensuring their alignment with the objectives outlined in the campus action plan.
• An inventory of recognized credit for prior learning categories and sources.

Q. When are the campus policy and action plan status report due to SUNY System Administration?  

A. By December 31, 2025, each campus is required to submit a status report on the plan previously submitted in 2024, to support and monitor ongoing progress in achieving the goal of maximizing opportunities for students. This report will include the following:

1. An update on the status of campus-level policies and procedures concerning the Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation
2. Description of progress toward previously stated campus goals for expanding credit for prior learning
3. Updated campus plans for the 2025–2026 academic year and beyond. Updated plans should include, but are not limited to, expanded recognition of military education and training, professional and industry certifications and licenses, and other relevant credentials

Q: What is a campus inventory? 

A: Each year, campuses will report an inventory of credit for prior learning awarded by the campus throughout the prior academic year. System Administration will use the updated data to support the System-wide inventory of recognized credit for prior learning posted on the SUNY website. Each year, System Administration will convey to campuses the mechanism for reporting. For the 2024-2025 report that is due on December 31, 2025, the format will be consistent with the report for 2023-2024 and will be available on the Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation | CPL page, in the "Campus Plan and Data Submission: Forms and Templates" section.

Q: What about fee schedules for credit for prior learning? 

A: Assessment fees should accurately represent the expenses involved and the services rendered. When setting these fees, campuses should be aware that certain categories of prior learning assessment may not involve significant costs or require extensive services. Consequently, assessment fees may not be justified in all instances. Examples of types of assessments that may not warrant fees are provided in the MTP. Fee schedules are submitted annually to the Office of Finance and Budget for 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.

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.