Credit for Prior Learning

Our program, designed around the CAEL Standards, allows you to earn credit when you demonstrate relevant, college-level knowledge gained through formal and informal work training, continuing education, self-instruction, professional certifications and other learning.

Two primary ways to earn credit for prior learning:

Option One | Documented credit [for certifications]

• Submit required documentation for your specific industry certifications.
• We’ll apply credit as applicable to your program.  

Option Two | Petition [for all other prior learning]

• Use the credit for prior learning petition to describe how you’ve mastered the concepts of a specific course and how you apply that knowledge.
• A Capella faculty expert reviews the petition to determine if credit should be awarded.
• Use the credit for prior learning lab to develop your petition(s).

View Capella’s credit for prior learning policy and fees

GuidedPath eligibility

You are eligible for the credit for prior learning process if:

• You are currently enrolled in an eligible program at Capella (you must remain enrolled throughout the credit for prior learning process).
• Your course is eligible for credit for prior learning.
• Your course meets the requirements of your program.

FlexPath eligibility

• You can only submit credit for prior learning within 12 weeks of starting your first FlexPath course.
• The effective date of your certifications must be prior to the start date of your first FlexPath course.

We accept more than 50 certifications including:

•  CISSP®
  
•  SHRM®-CP/SCP
  
•  PMP®