CPL Methods

Methods for Demonstrating Prior Learning

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

  • Students may earn credit for College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exams with scores of 3, 4, or 5 (unless otherwise noted below). AP credit can be used to meet institutional requirements for Napa Valley College (general education and/or major requirements), and transfer requirements for Cal-GETC. Course credit and units granted at Napa Valley College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. The actual AP transfer credit awarded is determined by the CSU and UC. Credit for external exams at CSUs and UCs varies by campus, but minimum acceptance standards are updated and published periodically. For CSUs and CSU GE Breadth applicability, see the “CSU Systemwide Credit for External Examinations” policy found within the CSU Policy Library. For UCs, visit the AP & Exam credits webpage. For Cal-GETC, view the “Standards, Policies, and Procedures Manual” online.
  • To see which courses are eligible for AP credit, please check the Credit for Prior Learning: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Tests

  • Students may earn credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) tests. Passing IB Exams with a score of 5, 6, or 7 may obtain college semester credits to be applied to the Associate Degree general education requirements at Napa Valley College and/or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) certification. Students must have the College Board send IB exam results to the Admissions Office for use on GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Napa Valley College may differ from course credit and units granted by another college or transfer institution.
  • To see what credit can be granted for IB Tests, please check the Credit for Prior Learning: International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams

  • Students may obtain college semester credits to be applied to the Associate Degree general education requirements at Napa Valley College or the California State University General Education (CSU GE). UC does not award units for CLEP credit. Please consult with your Counselor or Advisor for clarification. 
  • To see what credit can be granted for CLEP Exams, please check the Credit for Prior Learning: College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Credit by Examination

  • Department faculty assess a student’s mastery of course material and assign a grade based on their assessment. The faculty expert shall determine whether a student requesting Credit by Examination is sufficiently well prepared to warrant being given this opportunity. This determination is based upon a review of previous course work and/or experience. Students wishing to take a course through Credit by Examination are encouraged to discuss the matter with the faculty expert during the petition process. The Petition for Credit by Examination must be completed prior to the end of the current semester or session. 
  • Credit by satisfactory completion of an examination administered by the district in lieu of completion of a course listed in the Napa Valley College Catalog.
  • For credit by exam only, a student must be registered at the college and in good standing.

Military Training/Joint Services Transcripts

  • Military Training: The various forms of education and training provided to military personnel during their service. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including technical skills, leadership development, military tactics, and more. 
  • JST: An official transcript that documents military training and experiences, as well as recommendations for college credit equivalency. It consolidates information from all branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) into a single document that can be used for educational and career advancement purposes.

Industry Training/Industry Credentials

  • Industry training and credentials refer to the training programs and certifications that individuals pursue to acquire the specific knowledge, skills, and qualifications required for a particular industry or profession. These credentials are typically recognized by employers within the industry as evidence of an individual's competency and readiness to perform specific job roles or tasks.

Student-created Portfolios

  • A portfolio is a curated collection of a student’s work that demonstrates their achievements, skills, and learning experiences. It may include a range of materials such as essays, projects, artwork, presentations, certificates, and other forms of documented accomplishments. In addition, portfolios can feature evidence from the following experiences:

    • State or federal government training

    • Apprenticeships, internships, and other forms of work-based or industry-related learning

    • Verified volunteer or civic engagement activities (e.g., Peace Corps)

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