Credit for Prior Learning

What is Prior Learning?

Learning does not only take place in the halls of academia. Adult learners bring to the classroom many years of learning through diverse experiences in life and in the workplace. Some of these experiences may be counted toward college-level work through prior learning credits.

Prior Learning is defined as documented college-level learning acquired through previous study or through non-classroom experiences. These experiences may include travel; volunteer work; independent acquisition of knowledge; participation in formal courses sponsored by associations, business, government, industry, the military, and unions; and participation in certification programs and professional development courses. Only documented, college-level learning will be awarded college credit. Credit is granted for learning from experience, not for experience alone. Students must complete the last 25 percent of the credits required for their degree through courses taken at Berkeley College (either on site or online). For more information, please click here for the Credit for Prior Learning Guide.

Students enrolled in the LPN to BSN, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Practical Nurse, Surgical Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology programs should refer to their respective Student Handbook Supplements for additional information regarding credit for prior learning.

For information about transfer credits, see the Transfer Credit Policy.