Credit for Prior Learning — Statewide Coordination and Advisory Committee

Many Oregon institutions offer Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) as a way for individuals to obtain credit for learning that occurs outside of traditional college-level coursework. On this page you can learn about state standards for CPL, reports to the Oregon Legislature on statewide efforts to increase these opportunities, and information on recent funding. You can also find public meeting materials and information on the CPL Advisory Committee.

Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 350.110 defines "prior learning" as "the knowledge and skills gained through work and life experience, through military training and experience and through formal and informal education and training from institutions of higher education in the United States and in other nations." The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) works with institutions and partners to support and expand CPL opportunities. We are responsible for developing state standards, reporting to the Legislature, administering funding, and convening a public advisory committee.

State Standards, Reporting, and Funding of Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning Standards

The HECC has formally adopted Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Standards  to be implemented by any Oregon institution offering CPL. The Standards, first adopted in 2014 and updated in 2017, require Oregon institutions to submit data to the Commission annually on the types and number of CPL opportunities offered. Note: The Credit for Prior Learning Advisory Committee met in 2023 to review and make recommendations for revisions to the CPL Standards to align with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities 2020 Accreditation Standards.

• Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Standards 
  

Annual Legislative Report

Since 2012, the HECC has reported annually to the Oregon Legislature as required for CPL. View the Annual Legislative Reports on our website for more information.

Expansion through Future Ready Oregon

The Future Ready Oregon investment package continued and expanded Credit for Prior Learning efforts across Oregon public institutions. This 2022 investment included $10 million in one-time funding to increase opportunities for students from Priority Populations to receive academic credit for prior experience or skills gained outside of traditional higher education institutions. Learn more in the Future Ready Oregon annual report.

Credit for Prior Learning Advisory Committee

The HECC convenes an Advisory Committee to address and report to the Oregon Legislative Assembly annually on its progress in increasing and improving CPL opportunities across institutions. ORS 350.110 requires the HECC to appoint members to the CPL Advisory Committee representing the sectors as outlined in ORS 350.110 (2). The CPL Advisory Committee works with public universities and community colleges, independent for-profit and not-for-profit institutions of higher education, employers, students, and labor representatives. 

• View the list of current CPL Advisory Committee members.
  

The Credit for Prior Learning Advisory Committee is convening a short-term workgroup to address the improvement of data reporting for CPL from Oregon’s community colleges, starting in April 2024. Members of the workgroup include community college institutional researchers, data professionals, information technology professionals, registrars, academic administrators, students, and faculty.

Stay Engaged  

Our public processes are conducted at public meetings. Public testimony is welcomed at all public meetings of the HECC. Subscribe to receive public meeting notices by email here.