What Is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) refers to academic credit a student receives for showcasing university- or college-level skills. The formal recognition of competencies gained outside the conventional classroom enables learners to cut costs in pursuing post-high school credentials.
What Are the Benefits of Using CPL as an Academic Institution?
Establishing a CPL program comes with numerous benefits for your institution and learners. Some of these key perks include
- Increased Enrollment and Retention: Offering CPL can improve your institution’s appeal to a wider range of students. This includes non-conventional learners like working professionals who ordinarily wouldn’t consider enrolling in your program. Recognizing their previous experience can encourage them to pursue and complete their higher education within your institution.
- Enhanced Student Satisfaction: Allowing learners to earn academic credit for what they already know can result in higher levels of satisfaction. The CPL program enables students to showcase their competencies to their new program, bypassing redundant coursework. By seeing the relevance of their prior knowledge, your learner’s self-esteem can improve, serving as motivation for their new program.
- Improved Cost Efficiency for Students: CPL reduces the financial burden on students. By recognizing prior degrees or work experiences, your learner can complete their programs faster and with fewer required courses.
Partner With Medcerts
Embracing CPL as an academic leader enables you to support learners while ensuring your institution’s success. Finding the right method to evaluate competencies and award credits can be difficult without the right framework. Luckily, you can leverage MedCerts Partner Solutions to implement CPL in your institution. To set up your CPL program, start by:
- Connecting With MedCerts: Since 2021, we’ve been helping academic leaders establish CPL programs. In the first consultation, you’ll provide your objectives for the collaboration and highlight courses you’d like to use.
- Reviewing Our Courses: All of our 50+ IT, healthcare and professional development programs have transferable credits. With the help of our academic experts, you can evaluate selected coursework to ensure that learner outcomes and the programs align.
- Developing Articulation Agreements: Having a CPL policy agreement ensures there’s a framework for transferring credits between institutions.
- Marketing your Institution: With the CPL program up and ready, you’ll require a campaign strategy to appeal to prospective students. Luckily, partnering with us gives you access to our extensive network of eager graduates looking for future career advancement opportunities.
As educational preferences evolve, CPL programs provide your institution with an excellent opportunity to broaden your target audience and stay relevant in the evolving higher education space. Collaborate with MedCerts today to connect with students seeking to take the next step in their careers.
