Credit for Prior Learning
What Does the CPL Program Do?
At Pittsburg State University, we understand that students gain knowledge in a number of ways and in a number of places.
The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program provides students an opportunity to gain college credit by demonstrating that the knowledge gained in an area is equivalent to the learning outcomes of a specified PSU course. By utilizing the CPL program, students can save money and finish their degree sooner!
Students can provide evidence of knowledge in a specific area in a number ways. To learn more about these methods, check out the options below. (Transferring college credit from a regionally accredited institution? Please visit our Transfer Equivalency Guides for information.)
Regardless of the avenue credit is awarded, these policies apply to all CPL:
- Students awarded CPL must be degree-seeking and enrolled at Pittsburg State.
- Recommendations for CPL must be ratified by the respective department faculty.
- The Registrar’s Office posts CPL to a student’s transcript at the direction of the appropriate department chairperson.
- CPL awarded by PSU may not transfer to other institutions. It is the responsibility of the student to check for acceptance at another college.
- CPL policies are reviewed routinely and subject to change.
- No more than 75% of the hours toward degree can come from CPL.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board
Students completing the AP exam in high school with scores of 5, 4, or 3 may receive appropriate university credit. The results of AP exams must be sent to PSU directly from the College Board. (Please note: AP credit awarded by another Kansas public university will be accepted by Pittsburg State so long as the credit is indicated on the school’s transcript.)
Any credit awarded will be recorded as a pass and not included in GPA calculations. There is no fee charged by PSU for evaluating and posting the results of AP exams. A list of exams along with the required scores is available on the AP Exams Chart.
PSU Departmental Exams
Departmental exams are available for credit and are available by special arrangement through the individual academic department involved. No fee is charged for departmental exams. The departments establish the maximum number of credit hours that may be earned by taking departmental exams and determine the standards for awarding grades.
Credit by departmental exam may be recorded as a pass or a letter grade as determined prior to the exam. Students may elect to accept or not to accept the grade assigned. For contact information for the academic departments, please visit the University Directory.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The subject exams are accepted at PSU to validate previous learning for academic credit provided the credit does not represent a duplication of credit previously awarded. Credit is awarded for scores starting at the 50th percentile and is recorded as a pass.
There is no fee for evaluating or posting the results of the CLEP general exam. Results of a CLEP exam must be sent to PSU directly and can be requested by visiting CLEP. (Please note: CLEP credit awarded by another Kansas public university will be accepted by Pittsburg State so long as the credit is indicated on the school’s transcript.)
If a student wishes to sit for the exam at the PSU Testing Center, a fee is accessed by CLEP and the PSU Testing Center. To schedule the exam through the PSU Testing Center, visit PSU Testing Center. For details on the exams and equivalencies, visit the CLEP Exam Chart.
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs)
Many DSST exams are eligible for credit at Pittsburg State. DSST exams, originally designed for military, are also available to civilian students. Credit awarded is recorded as a pass.
A list of accepted exams along with their equivalencies can be found on the DSST Equivalency Chart. The exams can be taken at the PSU Testing Center. For additional details, including the cost of the exams, please visit the PSU Testing Center.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is earned at PSU by achieving a minimum score on the exams. Students who have completed IB school and the exams should have an official report of their scores sent directly to PSU.
Any credit awarded will be recorded as a pass and not included in GPA calculations. There is no fee charged by PSU for evaluating and posting the results. A list of IB credit is available on the IB Credit List.
Thomas Edison State College Examination Program (TECEP)
Students completing tests offered by Thomas Edison State College may be eligible for credit at Pittsburg State. An official transcript must be sent directly to Pittsburg State from Thomas Edison State College for evaluation.
Tests are reviewed by individual academic departments for determining credits awarded. Credit awarded is recorded as a pass. There is no fee for evaluating or posting test results through TECEP. For additional information on TECEP, including the cost for sitting for the tests, please visit TECEP.
Military Service Credit
Students with military experience and training may earn college credit for educational experiences in the armed forces. Pittsburg State University generally follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE). Credits as noted on the student’s military transcript will be given for formal service school courses on the basis of the ACE.
Pittsburg State University also participates in the Kansas Board of Regents Military Articulation Initiative. The following MOS designations have been articulated for the United States Army.
- MOS 42A – Human Resources Specialist
- MOS 92G – Culinary Specialist Please visit https://military.kansasregents.org/ for additional details. And, check back often as this is an ongoing initiative.
Military service credit awarded is recorded as a pass. Students should submit their Joint Services Transcript (JST) for evaluation. There is no fee assessed for this process.