Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

The City University of New York (CUNY) and Hunter College 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. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may allow students to earn credit for college-level learning gained outside the traditional college classroom. CPL is not awarded for experience; it is awarded for college-level learning gained from experience. If students have applicable work, military or volunteer experience; certifications, licenses or industry credentials; or have completed professional training programs, they may be eligible for CPL.

The CUNY Policy for the Use of Credit for Prior Learning (https://www.cuny.edu/academics/academic-policy/credit-prior-learning/) applies to all colleges of The City University of New York. CUNY Transfer Explorer (https://explorer.cuny.edu/), also known as CUNY T-REX, is a tool designed to help transfer students navigate the transfer credit process. By using T-REX, students can access information on how their previous college coursework, including CPL exams and trainings, may transfer to Hunter College.

CPL credits at Hunter College may be achieved in the following ways.

 Standardized Exams:
Hunter College offers CPL credit for several college-level examination programs that offer nationally recognized, subject-area examinations including AICE, AP, CLEP, DLPT, DSST, UEXCEL, IB.

Military Training:
Hunter College offers CPL credit for knowledge and experience gained through military service and may award up to fifteen (15) college credits based on eligible military training and examinations, such as the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). For a comprehensive list of approved exams and corresponding scores, refer to the T-REX database. The exact number of credits will be determined by a committee appointed by the Hunter College Senate, taking into account credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE). All credits will be awarded as general elective credits. Students may apply to departments or programs to obtain specific course equivalencies.

CPL Course Equivalencies:
Hunter College may offer course credit for prior learning. To have prior experience reviewed, a student must complete and submit the form here. Hunter College will review the application and contact the applicant for further information. Credit for specific courses or disciplines will be evaluated by the department chairs and program directors. If no specific equivalencies exist, Hunter College may also provide general elective credit.

 Eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning
A student must matriculate or be matriculating at Hunter College to be eligible for any form of CPL credit options listed above. In addition, an applicant may be required to submit official transcripts/scores, industry credentials or other relevant documentation to CUNY or to Hunter College.

 CPL Credit and Student Transcript 
Credit for Prior Learning credits earned will be identified by CPL credit type on the student transcript with a grade of “CR”.  CPL Credit will be awarded in the first term of enrollment 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 Hunter College with an undergraduate degree, a student must earn a minimum of 30 credits through courses taken at the College.