The new Credit for Prior Learning program at Glen Oaks Community College allows students to receive college credit for experience and knowledge gained outside of the classroom.
Glen Oaks Community College has expanded its offerings for students to earn credit for prior learning. The school has already seen positive results from its CPL (Credit for Prior Learning) program. The program lets students receive college credit for knowledge acquired outside of a traditional classroom setting.
The new program started back in 2023. The CPL program gives credit for learning experiences gained from national college-level examinations, professional certifications, military training, and work experience.
The program is part of Glen Oaks’ goal of giving the community more access to education, while also allowing students to more quickly earn their degrees.
In an article posted on Glen Oaks Community College’s website, vice president of academics Dr. Adam L. Cloutier was quoted as saying about the program, “Many students bring valuable experience with them when they begin college. Recognizing that prior learning helps students move forward with confidence while continuing their academic and professional journeys.”
Students attending Glen Oaks who have a significant amount of experience through advanced learning or the military can work with the school’s faculty to prove their skills and knowledge. The faculty then evaluates those demonstrations and decides whether it aligns with any classes offered at the community college, and awards college credit if appropriate.
Some examples of technical credentials and industry certifications that are recognized by Glen Oaks Community College are: Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA A+.
Incoming Glen Oaks students who have finished military training can also utilize their Joint Services Transcript (or JST) to receive credit.
Like many other institutions of higher learning, Glen Oaks Community College accepts Advance Placement (or AP) classes and CLEP exams, but Glen Oaks now also accepts a range of other examination programs such as Cambridge Assessment examinations, International Baccalaureate (or IB), and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (or DSST).
Glen Oaks also provides the opportunity for students to take in-house examinations that allow for them to demonstrate their expertise in a number of different subjects.
The Glen Oaks administration noted that they expect the new policy will lower barriers to higher education and support students who have acquired important skills outside of a traditional classroom setting. The president of Glen Oaks Community College, Dr. Bryan Newton, was quoted as saying on this point, “Many students don’t realize how much college-level learning they’ve already completed. Credit for Prior Learning is another way we are helping students stay on track toward a degree or certificate.”
The CPL program is an extension of Glen Oaks’ larger promise to the community in which it is committed to expanding access to higher learning for adult learners through varied and diverse pathways of education.
More information about the Credit for Prior Learning program can be found on its webpage.
More information about Glen Oaks Community College can be found on the school's website.