FAQ about PLA

What is CPL?
The concept of CPL is not new, CPL has gained a considerable amount of attraction over the years due to the rising costs of higher education and the expansion of non-traditional training programs. CPL provides a range of options that allow consideration for prior training, to include standards and practices that students can demonstrate college-level knowledge and competencies. Prior learning gained from experiences and training that can merit academic credit through CPL options:

• Advance Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
• DANTES DDST Exams
• Challenge Exams
• Portfolio Assessments (In-Process)
• Competency Based Education (In-Process)

What Prior Experiences May Qualify for CPL?
Formal and informal learning experiences that have resulted from a rich array of:

Professional Work Experiences
Military
Training Classes
Professional Skills Workshops and Seminars
Volunteerism
Unique Life Experiences

What are the Benefits of CPL?

• A CPL award will save money and accelerate degree completion.
• CPL will reduce the repetition of relevant course-related material for students with prior learning.
• Most importantly, CPL enables students to gain greater insight about themselves, while having MSU validate the importance of their prior learning.

The Transfer Evaluation and Articulation Team in the Office of the  Registrar
The Transfer Evaluation and Articulation team in the Office of the Registrar ensures the timely evaluation and input of transfer credit; evaluates and inputs specialized credits, including, but not limited to, CLEP, IB, foreign, AP, and military; creates, maintains and reviews articulation agreements; administers the Connect program; maintains data on transfer students, trends, and issues; maintains and updates The Articulation System (ARTSYS); and ensures compliance with Maryland Higher Education Commission and Code of Maryland (COMAR) transfer policies. Upon official acceptance to the University students must maintain the established cumulative GPA, required for admission (inclusive of current course work) and remain in good academic standing.