Credit For Prior Learning

Turn Your Experiences into Credit Towards Your Degree

More than 35 million workers in the U.S have completed some college but no degree. FGCU believes that learning counts, no matter where or how it is acquired.

Our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)/Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program helps you earn college credit for learning that has taken place outside the traditional classroom environment. This helps students graduate faster, while saving money.

Get Started

Calculate your progress towards your degree with the CAEL predictor quiz. 

CAEL Predictor Quiz

Next Step

Fill out our interest form and a program representative will be in contact with you. 

Express Interest

Eligible for Prior Learning Experiences

  • Extensive work experience 
  • Professional training
  • Industry credentials/certifications 
  • Military training
  • Non-credit coursework
  • Independent study 
  • National standardized exams 
  • Volunteer or community service 

This program might be right for you if you developed college level knowledge, skills, abilities and are able to demonstrate that these meet the learning objectives of an FGCU academic course.

FGCU Complete student at commencement


When should I consider CPL/PLA?

Earn college credit for what you already know and have accomplished.

You should consider CPL/PLA early in your educational planning to prevent taking classes on material you already know.

What are the eligibility requirements to partcipate in CPL/PLA?

View the FGCU Prior Learning Assessment Policy for eligibility requirements and more information.

Learn More

Who Should Consider CPL/PLA?

  • Active degree seeking students
  • Undergraduate students
  • Students who did not enroll directly in college upon completion of high school
  • Students who began college previously and, after a gap of time, returned to complete a degree

Questions? Frequently Asked Questions


How to Turn Your Prior Learning into College Credits

  • Portfolio-based assessment 

    Toggle More Info
  • Challenge Exams

    Toggle More Info
  • Professional training or industry credentials/certifications 

    Toggle More Info
  • Non-credit to credit

    Toggle More Info
  • Military Service Credit

    Toggle More Info
  • National Standardized Exams 

    Toggle More Info
  • ACE Training

    Toggle More Info
  • National College Credit Recommendation Service

    Toggle More Info

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions

FGCU Complete is located in Modular 2 on the south end of campus.  Visitors can park in the adjacent lot or Garage 2 after receiving a parking pass at the information booth at the main campus entrance. 

Hours | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Questions? | Call (239) 745-4700

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions