Credit for College-Level Learning

Policy Overview

“Credit for college-level learning,” also known as credit for prior learning (CPL), refers to the academic credit that SUNY New Paltz may award for college-level learning acquired outside formal higher education. Such learning must be documented and verified before academic credit can be granted.

New Paltz recognizes several ways to verify college-level learning for which academic credit may be awarded:

• Transcripts from other accredited institutions that have awarded credit for degree-applicable learning acquired outside the traditional college classroom.
• Acceptable scores on national for-credit examination programs such as those offered by College Board (CLEP and AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Education, and DSST.
• Credit recommendations listed in the American Council on Education (ACE) National Guide and the ACE Military Guide.
• Passing scores on New Paltz faculty-prepared assessments (i.e., “challenge exams”).

Many of these reflect longstanding practices at New Paltz. By including them here, we recognize their association with SUNY’s policy on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), or Award of Academic Credit by Evaluation, and with New Paltz’s transfer-credit policies.

Eligibility

Students seeking credit for college-level learning must be accepted or enrolled in a degree or credential program.

Number of Credits

A maximum of 45 credits may be awarded for verified college-level learning. Of the 45 credits, no more than 15 “applied” (APL) credits and no more than 30 credits for standardized examinations may be awarded¹.

Application

College-level learning credits shall be applied to degree requirements in the same manner as credits earned at SUNY New Paltz, consistent with all applicable transfer credit policies.

Transferability

SUNY New Paltz will follow SUNY’s Seamless Transfer policy to support students' progress toward their degree.

Fees

New Paltz does not charge a fee for college-level learning that we currently accept. As we expand opportunities to award credit for college-level learning (e.g., challenge exams, portfolios, apprenticeships), fees may be implemented, consistent with SUNY policy.

Review

This policy shall be reviewed on an annual basis or as needed to reflect changes approved by campus governance.

Policy Approved: 11/5/2025
Effective Date: 1/1/2026

¹

These credit limits will be reviewed and may change following appropriate consultation.