Earning College Credit for Your Prior Learning Experience At SAU Tech

Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. SAU Tech recognizes that students gain valuable college-level knowledge through work, training, and life experiences. Through our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process—also known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)—you may be eligible to receive college credit for that learning.

What Is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?

CPL is the process of evaluating and awarding academic credit based on your demonstrated knowledge, skills, and competencies gained outside of traditional higher education. Credit is awarded for proficiency in college-level learning, not just experience.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply for CPL, you must:

  • Be an active certificate or degree-seeking student at SAU Tech
  • Be enrolled in coursework at the time CPL is awarded
  • Request CPL evaluation directly (it is not automatic)

How CPL Credit Can Be Applied

  • Credit may only be awarded for courses required for your declared degree or certificate
  • CPL credits are applied like traditional credits and assigned course titles/numbers from the SAU Tech catalog
  • Neutral grades of CR (credit) or TR (transfer) are used; CPL does not affect your GPA
  • CPL cannot be used to fulfill more than 50% of your program requirements
  • CPL may or may not count toward SAU Tech’s academic residency requirement, depending on the method
  • Transcribed to your student record within 10 business days of approval

Assessment Methods for Prior Learning:

SAU Tech uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate prior learning:

  • Standardized Exams – AP, CLEP
  • Credit by Examination – Faculty-created exams for SAU Tech courses
  • Challenge Exams – Similar to credit by exam; based on learning outcomes
  • Portfolio Assessment – A documented submission demonstrating course-level learning
  • Aviation Maintenance – Based on FAA certification
  • Arkansas Fire Training Academy (AFTA) – CPL available for AFTA training
  • Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) – Up to 28 credit hours toward an A.A. in Professional Studies (Law Enforcement)



Note: If a challenge exam is available, a portfolio option may not be offered.

Information To Know:

Costs & Financial Aid Considerations

  • Financial aid does not cover CPL fees
  • CPL credit hours do count toward your total attempted and earned hours, which may affect:
  • Financial aid eligibility
  • Veterans’ benefits
  • Satisfactory academic progress (SAP)


Talk to a financial aid advisor before requesting CPL to understand any impact on your aid package.

Portfolio Credit Process

  • Students must complete GS 1021 Portfolio Development to request portfolio credit
  • Portfolio credit will be posted after course and semester completion
  • Exception: Aviation program credits are posted upon completion of degree requirements

Transferring CPL Credit

CPL credit is awarded for use at SAU Tech to meet graduation requirements.
Transferability to other colleges or universities is not guaranteed. Always check with the institution to which you plan to transfer.


SAU Tech reserves the right to evaluate or deny CPL credit awarded by other institutions.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact your academic advisor or reach out to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academics to discuss your eligibility and next steps for applying for Credit for Prior Learning.