Credit for Prior Learning
Earn College Credit for Your Law Enforcement or Military Experience
Are you a working peace officer with a POST Basic Certificate or a veteran with military law enforcement training? You may be closer to earning your Administration of Justice degree than you think!
Our college values the hard work and dedication you've put into your law enforcement career and/or military service. You've spent countless hours training, gaining real-world experience, and serving your community and your country - now it's time to get the credit you deserve.
Through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), we recognize your expertise and help you turn your professional achievements into college credit. Earn credit for your industry-recognized training and experience, saving you time and money while advancing your career.
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
CPL allows you to earn college credit for knowledge and skills gained through:
- POST-certified training
- On-the-job experience in law enforcement
- Military training evaluated through Joint Service Transcripts (JSTs)
If you've already attended a POST-certified police academy and earned your POST Basic Certificate, or have relevant military law enforcement training, you may qualify for CPL in key Administration of Justice (AJ) courses - helping you fast-track your degree.
CPL Credit Opportunities
Eligible students may receive up to 27 units toward their Associate Degree (AA or AS-T) in Administration of Justice.
Industry-Recognized Training Credit
If you have a POST Basic Certificate, you may be eligible to receive credit for the following courses:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AJ 50 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| AJ 60 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJ 61 | Evidence | 3 |
| AJ 63 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| AJ 68 | Police Ethics & Leadership | 3 |
| AJ 70 | Community Relations | 3 |
| AJ 55 | Introduction to Correctional Science | 3 |
| AJ 66 | Juvenile Procedures | 3 |
Credit by Portfolio – Investigative Report Writing
If you have investigative report writing experience, you may also petition for Credit by Portfolio for:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AJ 54 | Investigative Reporting | 3 |
Credit for Military Experience – Joint Service Transcripts (JSTs)
If you are a veteran with military law enforcement training, you may be eligible for CPL based on an evaluation of your Joint Service Transcripts (JSTs). Your military coursework and training will be reviewed to determine applicable college credit.
Am I Eligible?
- To qualify for CPL, students must:
- Be in good standing with the college
- Have an educational plan on file
- Have previously earned or currently enrolled credits at the college
- Apply for credit in a course not currently enrolled in
Important: Credits earned through CPL do not count toward the 12-unit residency requirement for an Associate Degree.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let your training and experience go unrecognized! Earn credit for what you already know and move closer to completing your degree.
Contact us today to learn more about CPL opportunities and start your petition for credit for prior learning.