Rogue Community College believes learning happens in many places, not just in the classroom. Through Credit for Prior Learning, you may be able to earn college credit for knowledge and skills you already have.
If you have work experience, military training, certifications or other real-world learning, Credit for Prior Learning can help you save time and money — and move faster toward your certificate or degree so you can enter or advance in the workforce more quickly.
What is CPL?
Credit for Prior Learning allows you to earn college credit for learning gained outside a traditional college course. This may include:
- Work experience or on-the-job training.
- Military training or service.
- Industry-recognized certifications.
- Standardized exams.
- Volunteer service or independent learning.
If you have already mastered the skills or knowledge, you may not need to repeat coursework or pay for classes covering the same material.
Who Benefits from CPL?
Credit for Prior Learning is especially helpful if you:
- Are an adult learner returning to college.
- Are changing careers or upgrading your skills.
- Have hands-on experience in your field.
- Want to complete your program more quickly and start working sooner.
Eligibility Requirements
To request Credit for Prior Learning, you must:
- Be admitted to Rogue Community College.
- Request credit only for courses within your declared degree or certificate program.
- Be in good academic standing.
Credit for Prior Learning earned at RCC may not transfer to other colleges or universities. If you plan to transfer, talk with your Academic Advisor and confirm transferability with the receiving institution before moving forward.
Ways To Earn CPL
RCC offers several options to evaluate your existing knowledge and experience. Each option has specific requirements.
You may receive credit for military training based on guidance from the American Council on Education. Department chairs review your training to determine course equivalency at RCC.
- Submit your military transcripts to Student Records. Documentation can be emailed to studentrecordsFREERogue%20Community%20College.
- Credit is evaluated based on your academic program.
You may be eligible for college credit if you have completed approved standardized exams.
- Official score reports or transcripts must be submitted to Student Records.
- Documentation can be emailed to studentrecordsFREERogue%20Community%20College.
Credit for Prior Learning may apply to many programs, including:
- Automotive Technology
- Computer Information Science
- Manufacturing and Engineering Technology
- Welding Technology
- Business
- Allied Health and Public Safety programs
- Early Childhood Education
- Human Services
Availability varies by program.
Programs that Offer CPL
Credit by Certification
Documentation of past/current AWS, 3G/4G-7018, and any E6010 qualification will earn credit for:
- WLD111 Industrial Welding I
- WLD112 Industrial Welding II
- WLD160 AWS Certification Seminar-Plate
- WLD250C Selected Topics in Welding SMAW
Credit by Certification
Documentation of past/current Class 4 Boilermaker/Class V Steam Fitter qualification.
Credit by Certification
- Documentation of past/current Class 4 Boilermaker/Class V Steam Fitter qualification, or
- Documentation of past/current BOLI Journeyman Sheetmetal qualification.
Credit by Certification
- Documentation of past/current Class 4 Boilermaker/Class V Steam Fitter qualification, or
- Documentation of past/current BOLI Journeyman Sheetmetal qualification.
Credit by Certification
- Documentation of past/current Class 6 Pressure Vessel Welder qualification, or
- Documentation of past/current Class 4 Boilermaker/Class V Steam Fitter qualification.
Credit by Certification
- Documentation of past/current BOLI Journeyman Millwright and AWS qualification.
Credit by Certification
- Documentation of past/current Class 6 Pressure Vessel Welder qualification, or
- Documentation of past/current Class 4 Boilermaker/Class V Steam Fitter qualification.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview focusing on job experience and prior project examples, 10-12 examples of work that relate to the Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview focusing on job experience and prior project examples, 10-12 examples of work that relate to the Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Certification
- Adobe Express® Certification
Credit by Certification
- Adobe InDesign® Certification
Credit by Certification
- Adobe Illustrator® Certification
Credit by Certification
- Adobe Photoshop® Certification
Credit by Certification
- Adobe After Effects® Certification
Credit by Portfolio
- Two examples of video production, student interview on knowledge and student demonstration.
Credit by Certification
- Adobe Animate® Certification
Credit by Certification
- Adobe Express® Certification
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview and examples of completed work to ensure Course Learning Outcomes have been met.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview and examples of completed work to ensure Course Learning Outcomes have been met.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview and examples of completed work to ensure Course Learning Outcomes have been met.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview and examples of completed work to ensure Course Learning Outcomes have been met.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student interview and examples of completed work to ensure Course Learning Outcomes have been met.
Credit by Certification
- Active NHA Certification CPT
Credit by Certification
- Completion of an RCC non-credit Phlebotomy Skills training certification.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation of 2,000 hours of work experience (within five years) that includes phlebotomy as a part of the job description, student interview and student demonstration. An 80% passing score on the demonstration and interview is required.
Credit by Certification
- Completion of an RCC non-credit Phlebotomy Skills training certification.
Credit by Portfolio
- Student demonstration and interview, 80% passing score on demonstration and interview required.
Credit by Certification
- Completion of an RCC non-credit Phlebotomy Skills training certification.
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Successful written exam: Scores of 90% or higher receive an A, 80 percent or higher receive a B, 70 percent or higher receive a C.
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Successful written exam: Scores of 90% or higher receive an A, 80 percent or higher receive a B, 70% or higher receive a C.
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Successful written exam: Scores of 90% or higher receive an A, 80 percent or higher receive a B, 70% or higher receive a C.
Credit by Certification
Radiation Health and Safety Certification issued by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Credit by Certification
- Must be submitted with DA201/DH204.
- Radiation Health and Safety Certification issued by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Credit by Certification
- Oregon Board of Dentistry Certificate for Dental Assisting with endorsement of restorative function.
Credit by Certification
- Oregon Board of Dentistry Certificate for Dental Assisting with endorsement of restorative function.
Credit by Certification
- Oregon Board of Dentistry Certificate for Dental Assisting with endorsement of restorative function.
Credit by Portfolio
- Credits may be granted in recognition of documented full-time employment of at least one year with a fire or emergency medical services (EMS) agency. Eligible experience must include direct involvement in 9-1-1 emergency response and patient transport operations.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation required:
- Current Oregon or NREMT certification.
- Curriculum, lesson plans and hours of courses with specific competencies and outcomes completed.
- The course must have included comparable hours in the didactic, clinical and lab. Purely online courses will NOT be accepted.
- One year of full-time experience in a transporting or high-volume non-transporting system can be used in place of clinical and field hours not completed as part of an initial educational program.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation required:
- Current Oregon or NREMT certification.
- Curriculum, lesson plans, and hours of courses with specific competencies and outcomes completed.
- The course must have included comparable hours in the didactic, clinical and lab. Purely online courses will NOT be accepted.
- One year of full-time experience in a transporting or high-volume non-transporting system can be used in place of clinical and field hours not completed as part of an initial educational program.
Credit by Certification
- DPSST Certification or certification of nationally recognized training program.
Credit by Portfolio
- Credits may be granted in recognition of documented involvement in a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) team or training; classes related to field death investigation and notification; professional experience in grief, abuse or domestic violence counseling; experience in mental health services; and/or continuing education/training that is considered comparable in content to the course outline. A single course covering a single item will not meet this requirement.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation required:
- State/national certificates (agency not accepted).
- Certificates from regionally, nationally or internationally accepted rescue organizations.
- Curriculum, lesson plans and hours of courses with specific competencies and outcomes completed.
- Instructor name and state number for primary course.
- Certificates must total and match at least 75% of the ES268 Course Learning Outcomes in topics and subject matter covered.
Credit By Portfolio
Credits may be granted by documenting current career-related experiential learning connected to their program of study. Students must be in good standing and be a current student firefighter or employee with an approved employer. Portfolio materials must demonstrate meaningful on-the-job learning, time worked on the job, skill development and achievement of program-related outcomes. Award is subject to Fire/EMS Coorindator or Dept Chair approval.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation required:
- State/national certificates (agency not accepted).
- Certificates from regionally, nationally or internationally accepted rescue organizations.
- Curriculum, lesson plans and hours of courses with specific competencies and outcomes completed.
- Instructor name and state number for primary course.
- Certificates must total and match at least 75% of the ES268 Course Learning Outcomes in topics and subject matter covered.
Credit by Portfolio
- Five (5) years in a professional setting in which they served continuously in a promoted leadership position over a minimum of three people and completed a formal educational program. Employer letter of verification, transcripts, etc.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation required:
- State/national certificates (agency not accepted).
- Curriculum, lesson plans and hours of courses with specific competencies and outcomes completed.
- Instructor name and state number for primary course.
- As needed, hours to bridge hours not obtained in the course. One year of full-time experience can be used in place of hours not completed as part of an educational program.
Credit by Portfolio
- Documentation required:
- State/national certificates (agency not accepted).
- Curriculum, lesson plans and hours of courses with specific competencies and outcomes completed.
- Instructor name and state number for primary course.
Credit by Certification
- NFPA or DPSST Fire Apparatus Equipped with a Pump Certification.
Credit by Certification
- NFPA or DPSST Mobile Water Supply Apparatus Certification.
Credit by Certification
- NFPA or DPSST Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations or higher certification
Credit by Certification
- DPSST Fire Inspector 1 Certification.
Credit by Certification
- DPSST Fire Inspector 1 certification DPSST Fire Investigator, or
- Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) OR Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI), or
- IAAI* Fire Investigator Technician (FIT)
*IAAI = International Association of Arson Investigators.
Credit by Certification
- NFPA or DPSST Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1 or higher certification
Credit by Certification
- Unexpired American Heart Association Basic Life Support card.
Credit by Certification
- Unexpired American Heart Association Emergency First Aid Heartsaver card.
Credit by Certification
- Must have Child Development Associate Credential or have a Step 7 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Credit by Certification
- Must have Child Development Associate Credential or have a Step 7 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Credit by Certification
- Must have Child Development Associate Credential or have a Step 7 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Credit by Certification
- Must have Child Development Associate Credential or have a Step 7 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO).
Credit by Certification
- Must have Child Development Associate Credential or have a Step 7 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) OR a Reflection Paper with employer verification.
Students must:
- Submit a copy of their CADC I certification.
- Submit a completed evaluation form by one or more supervisors that can attest to experience in a Human Services specific position.
- Complete an in-person interview with a faculty representative in which the student will answer a series of questions designed to demonstrate knowledge that aligns with Course Learning Outcomes for listed courses. Work product examples, job descriptions (current or previous) and documentation of completed training can be provided as supplemental documentation during interview, if relevant.
Note: Four credits per three months of experience (up to 12 credits) may be applied for HS261 depending on job duties and length of employment in said position.
Courses that fall under this CPL include:
- HE208 — HIV and Infectious Diseases
- HS175 — Ethics for Counselors
- HS202 — Substance Abuse Counseling
- HS261 — Practicum Seminar
- SOC243 — Drug Crime Addiction
- HS155 — Basic Counseling Skills
- HS260 — Group Counseling Skills
Credit by Challenge Examination
- Completion of an exam demonstrating knowledge of the key concepts and application of trauma informed practice to real world care settings in accordance with Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Portfolio
- Submission of documentation that includes employment verification and job duties in a position that includes group facilitation as a responsibility, supervisor evaluation of group facilitation skills, and a reflective narrative describing work experience in group settings (including answers to prompts about key course concepts and work product examples if relevant).
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Completion of an exam demonstrating knowledge of terminology, pharmacology, individual and societal impacts and prevention and treatment strategies specific to substance use and abuse in accordance with Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Completion of an exam demonstrating knowledge of ethical principles and decision making in accordance with Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Completion of an exam demonstrating knowledge of chemical dependency, addiction and substance abuse counseling theory and practice in accordance with Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Portfolio
- Submission of documentation that includes verification of employment in a Human Services position providing direct service to clients. Student will submit supervisor evaluation with certification of timeframe worked in the field that meets or exceeds current course on-site hours required for completion of HS261. Up to 12 credits can be awarded (in increments of 4 per three months of work).
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Completion of a video demonstration with written self-evaluation that reflects the Course Learning Outcomes have been met.
Credit by Challenge Exam
- Completion of an exam demonstrating knowledge of the key concepts and application of trauma informed practice to real world care settings in accordance with Course Learning Outcomes.
Credit by Portfolio
- Submission of documentation that includes employment verification and job duties in a position that includes crisis intervention as a responsibility. Supervisor evaluation of crisis intervention skills. A reflective narrative describing work experience in intervening in crisis situations (including answers to prompts about key course concepts and work product examples if relevant).
Costs & Next Steps
Fees apply for Credit for Prior Learning evaluations and exams. Costs depend on the method used and the course being evaluated.
- Military Training: No cost
- Standardized Exams: No cost
- Credit by Certification: $10/awarded credit
- Credit by Challenge Exam: $100/course
- Credit by Portfolio: $100/assessment
If you are unsure where to start, an Academic Advisor can help you explore your options and decide whether Credit for Prior Learning fits your goals.
Learn more and begin the process by contacting the department that oversees the program(s) you’re interested in or contact your Academic Advisor.