Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

The City University of New York (CUNY) and Queens College (QC) recognize that students entering or returning to college come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including many that involve the equivalent of college-level learning.

The CUNY Policy for the Use of Credit for Prior Learning applies to all colleges of The City University of New York. The awarding of credit for the various nationally recognized standardized examinations is effective as of Fall 2021, but colleges and schools will be permitted to phase in the requirement of awarding credit for non-credit coursework as they establish campus-based procedures to do so and in alignment with university-wide standards and criteria. The awarding of credit via portfolio remains voluntary at this time.

• Standardized Exams:
  QC offers CPL credit for several college-level examination programs that offer nationally recognized, subject-area examinations: AICE, AP, CLEP, DLPT, DSST, UEXCEL, IB
• Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Military Training:
  QC offers CPL credit for knowledge and experience gained through military service, using credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide.
• Industry Credit:
  QC offers CPL credit for licenses, certifications, and training that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).

Eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning
You must matriculate or be matriculating at the College in order to be eligible for any form of CPL credit options listed above. In addition, you may be required to submit official transcripts/scores to CUNY or to QC.

CPL Credit and Student Transcript 
Credit for Prior Learning credits earned will be identified by CPL credit type on your student transcript with a grade of “CR”.  CPL Credit will be awarded in the first term you are enrolled or the enrollment term when the credit is officially reported to the College. Credit for Prior Learning Credit cannot be used to repeat a class previously graded.

CPL Credit and Residency Requirement
Credit for Prior Learning credit does not count toward the undergraduate degree residency requirement.  In order to graduate from QC with an undergraduate degree, you must earn a minimum of 45 credits through courses taken at the College.

CPL Course Equivalencies
Every effort has been made to give credit for specific courses or disciplines in the College’s undergraduate offerings and in disciplines in which the College has faculty expertise.  When no specific course exists, the College shall give credit for prior learning to satisfy degree program requirements (general education or major or minor). General elective credit will only be given when no other option is available.