Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
The City University of New York (CUNY) and the College of Staten Island (CSI) 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)
The CUNY Credit for Prior Learning Policy allows you to earn academic credit for verified college-level learning gained outside the traditional classroom. Eligible learning experiences include nationally recognized standardized examinations, military service, licenses, certifications, trainings, and other qualifying experiences.
Find Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Equivalencies
Use the Non-CUNY Courses, Trainings, and Exams search function in CUNY’s Transfer Explorer (T-Rex) to see how the College of Staten Island evaluates and applies credit for CUNY and non-CUNY courses, as well as other eligible learning experiences.
Eligibility for CPL
To be eligible for CPL at the College of Staten Island, you must be matriculated or in the process of matriculating. You must submit official transcripts, examination scores, or other documentation to verify your prior learning.
How CPL Appears on Your Transcript
Approved CPL credits are recorded on your transcript with a grade of CR and considered transfer credits in your first enrolled term or in the term they are reported to the College.
CPL Credit and Residency Requirements
Credit earned through CPL does not count toward CSI's residency requirements. For more information on graduation requirements, please visit the Registrar’s website.
Standardized Examinations
Standardized exams provide an opportunity for students to earn CPL by demonstrating college-level knowledge and skills acquired through prior learning experiences. Some exams may be completed before enrollment and evaluated for credit after matriculation, while others may be taken during enrollment. The following standardized exams are eligible for CPL:
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are for students who complete college-level coursework in high school through the College Board's Advanced Placement Program. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may be awarded for AP exam scores of three (3) or higher (equivalent to a grade of C or better). To have your AP exams evaluated for CPL credit, request that an official copy of your AP Score report be sent to the College of Staten Island (CUNY/CSI, School Code 2778).
Advanced International Certificate Education Program (AICE)
The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an international curriculum and assessment program equivalent to the British Advanced (A) Level system. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level courses are typically completed over one academic year. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may be awarded for A and AS Level examination grades of E or higher (equivalent to a U.S. grade of C or better). To have your AICE examinations evaluated for CPL credit, request that an official copy of your AS & A Level grade transcripts and/or AICE Diploma be sent to the College of Staten Island.
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CAPE Exams
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CAPE Exams provides examinations for secondary and post-secondary candidates in Caribbean countries. CPL may be awarded for CAPE scores of 1-5 (equivalent to a grade of C or better). To have your CAPE examinations evaluated for CPL credit, request that your official CAPE Score report be sent to the College of Staten Island.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) consists of standardized examinations that assess knowledge acquired outside the traditional classroom in a variety of college-level subjects. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may be awarded for CLEP exam scores of fifty (50) or higher (equivalent to a grade of C or better). To have your CLEP examinations evaluated for CPL credit, request that your official CLEP Score report be sent to the College of Staten Island (CUNY/CSI, School Code 2778). Modern States offers free online classes that cover the material tested on CLEP exams. For more information, please visit the Modern States website.
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DSST) (formerly DANTES)
The DSST examinations assess your knowledge of a variety of college-level subjects, regardless of where the knowledge was acquired. CPL credit may be awarded for DSST examinations with a minimum score of 400 on a Criterion-Referenced test or 45 on a Norm-Referenced test (equivalent to a grade of C or higher). To have your DSST examinations evaluated for CPL credit, you must request that an official copy of your DSST score report or transcript be sent directly to the College of Staten Island.
Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) is a multi-service school for active and reserve components, foreign military students, and civilian personnel working in the federal government and various law enforcement agencies. Credits shall be awarded for a minimum score of 3 or better (equivalent of C or higher). To have your DLPT Exams evaluated for CPL credit, you must request that an official copy of your DLPT transcript be sent to the College of Staten Island
Excelsior College Exams (UEXCEL)
Excelsior College Exams, formerly known as Regents College Exam or ACT/PEP exams, are designed to test achievement in select college subject areas and programs. CPL credit may be awarded for exams with a minimum grade of C or higher. To have your UEXCEL Exams evaluated for CPL credit, you must request that an official copy of your UEXCEL transcript be sent to the College of Staten Island.
General Education Development Test (GED®)
The General Educational Development (GED®) Test consists of four subject examinations: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may be awarded for GED® subject exam scores of 175–200, indicating college readiness and mastery of skills taught in college-level courses. To have your GED® Test examinations evaluated for CPL credit, request that your official GED® transcript be sent to the College of Staten Island.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization Diploma Program (DP)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization Diploma Program is a rigorous course of study for highly motivated high school students that culminates in standardized examinations. If you earn an IB Diploma with a score of thirty (30) or higher, you will be awarded thirty (30) credits. If you earn an IB Diploma with a score of 29 or lower, or you do not complete the diploma, you may be awarded credit for Higher Level (HL) IB examinations with scores of five (5) or higher (equivalent to a grade of B or better). To have your IB Diploma and/or IB examinations evaluated for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), request that an official IB transcript be sent to the College of Staten Island.
New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one world language. Students who provide documentation of the NYSSB (notation on their high school diploma and/or official transcript) will receive three language credits (LNG 199) for each language in which they have earned the seal. Students who earn the NYSSB in a language offered at the College of Staten Island should complete the Fast Track Language Placement Exam to determine their proficiency level and appropriate placement within the College's language course sequence. For more information, visit the NYSSB page in our catalog.
In addition to the above, CSI awards credit for a limited number of exams offered through select online learning platforms. Please use the Non-CUNY Courses, Trainings, and Exams search function in Transfer Explorer (T-Rex) to confirm that your chosen exam is eligible for credit. Credit will only be awarded for exams offered through the select online learning platforms listed in Transfer Explorer (T-Rex). We strongly encourage you to consult with an academic adviser before considering taking an exam. An adviser can help you confirm eligibility.
Joint Services Transcript (JST)
CSI offers credit for knowledge and experience gained through military service, using credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide on the JST. The JST is an academically accepted document that validates a service member’s occupational experience and formal military training. When evaluating programs offered by the armed forces, the following military records shall be used by the College to verify successful completion of military service, and military training courses:
- Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS)
- Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART)
- Community College for the Air Force (CCAF) transcript
- Coast Guard Institute Military Education Transcript
- DD Form 295, Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service.
Military Education offices can provide this form to active-duty personnel and reservists. This form must be certified by an authorized commissioned officer or his/her designee.
Joint Services Transcripts are available for all service members regardless of separation date. To have your Joint Services Transcript evaluated for CPL credit, you must request an official copy of your Joint Services Transcript be sent to the College of Staten Island.
Licenses, Certifications, and Training (Industry Credit)
CSI offers CPL credit for licenses, certifications, and training that have been evaluated as college-level learning. These can help fulfill your degree requirements and support your professional development. Evaluations are based on recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). CSI may also conduct its own Professional Learning Evaluations (PLEs) of trainings and credentials.
Examples of organizations and training providers for which CSI has previously awarded Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) include:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- American Heart Association
- American Payroll Association (APA) Educational Programs
- American Red Cross
- Arthur Ashe Health Science Academy
- Cisco
- CodePath
- CompTIA
- Council for Professional Recognition (CDA)
- Credible Messenger
- CUNY Microcredentials
- CUNY Public Safety
- Direct Support Professional
- Entrepreneurship – Starting Your Business (Small Business Development Center & NYS Center for Disability)
- Financial Securities Exam
- ISSA
- McDonald's Corporation
- National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
- New York City Department of Health
- New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
- New York City Police Department (NYPD) Learning Experiences
- New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
- New York State EMT Certification
- New York State Real Estate License
- Oracle
- Police and Peace Officer Training
- Year Up
- Young Entrepreneurs Academy (Staten Island Chamber of Commerce)