Turn your real-world skills into college credits.
Welcome to Opportunity, Earn College Credit for Your Experience
Save time, reduce costs, and accelerate your path to a degree. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Whether from military service, work experience, or exams, CPL at Saddleback validates what you already know — empowering working adults, veterans, and lifelong learners to achieve more, faster.
Why CPL? You’ve Already Done the Work—Now Get the Credit
CPL isn't just about earning credits—it's a smart strategy to make education work for you. By recognizing prior learning, you can shorten your time to graduation, keep more money in your pocket, and gain a motivational boost from seeing your experiences count.
Ways to Earn CPL—Your Experience Counts
- Standardized Exams (AP, IB, CLEP, DLPT): High scores mean you can bypass some basic classes and fast track your degree.
- Military Service: Advance your civilian education seamlessly with CPL.
- Industry-Recognized Credentials: Turn professional certifications into credits that align with your career path.
- Portfolio Review: Showcase your work in a portfolio to earn recognition for hands-on expertise.
- Credit by Examination: Test out of courses, saving time with what you already know.
Ready to Start? Get Personalized Guidance
Explore your CPL options today. Fill out the form below for more information–our counselors are here to help! Download the CPL Fact Sheet.