Credit for Prior Learning

What is Credit for Prior Learning?

Many non-traditional students (adults age 25+) come to Merced College with skills gained through military, workplace, and civic experiences. These students hold industry credentials, are graduates of public service academies, and were trained for military occupations. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a strategy to help students get credit for what they already know and can do, saving them time and money on their educational path.

Credit for Prior Learning is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained through experiences such as:

  • Military training
  • Industry training
  • State/federal government training
  • Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
  • Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g., Peace Corps)

It’s important to note, CPL does not include knowledge and skills already assessed and awarded credit through formal education at regionally accredited in-state and out-of-state institutions.

Programs Offering CPL

 

Course Name and Number Course Description Assessment Methods Notes
AUTO-32 Wheel Alignment and Suspension 4 Units: 3 hours lecture, 3 hours

This course is designed to provide the technical knowledge and experience required for aligning and servicing suspension systems on modern automobiles. Laboratory exercises will provide the student an opportunity to develop entry-level skills in the use of machines and equipment commonly used in wheel alignment, tire service, and front-end repairs.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • ASE A4
AUTO-33 Automotive Brake Systems 4 units: 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

This course is designed for students without prior experience in automotive brake repair. The course will cover theory, service and repair of conventional, Antilock Brake Systems (ABS) and related brake systems. Laboratory exercises will provide the student the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the use of tools and equipment necessary in the repair and service of automotive brake systems.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • ASE A5
AUTO-36 Automotive Manual Transmissions and Drive Trains 4 units: 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

This course is designed for the student without any prior experience in standard transmissions or drive axles. The class will provide technical information required for understanding and repairing of manual transmissions and drive trains. Laboratory exercise will provide the student with proper repair procedures and use of related tools and equipment. Standard transmissions, transaxles, differentials, drivelines, and related components will be covered.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • ASE A3
AUTO-44 Automotive Air Conditioning, Heating System, Cooling System 4 units: 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

This is a basic course in the principles of operation of automotive air conditioning, heating system, and cooling system. The course covers theory, system controls, troubleshooting, service, and repairs. Lab emphasis consists of system diagnosis servicing, repairs, and preventive maintenance on live vehicles.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • ASE A7
AUTO-55 Automotive Emissions Level 1 and 2 Training 5 Units: 4.5 lecture, 1.5 lab

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to perform Smog Check Inspections. Level 1 training is intended to provide students with fundamental knowledge of engine and emission control theory, design and operation. Level 2 training is intended to provide students the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform Smog Check inspections. Students who successfully complete this training will have met the California Bureau of Automotive Repair requirements for Level 1 and 2 training to qualify to take the Smog Check Inspector state licensing examination.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • SMOG inspector and repair license

Course Name and Number Course Description Assessment Method Notes
FIRE-30 Fire Protection Organization 3 units: 3 hours lecture

This course provides an introduction to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; and introduction to fire strategy and tactics.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • FESCHE – Accreditation
  • CFSTES Firefighter 1 Certification
FIRE-31 Fire Behavior and Combustion 3 units: 3 hours lecture

This course presents the theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics; fire characteristics of materials; extinguishing agents; and fire control techniques.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • FESCHE – Accreditation
  • CFSTES Firefighter 1 Certification
  • FSTEP Fire Control 3
FIRE-32 Fire Prevention Technology 3 units: 3 hours lecture

This course provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire safety education and suppression systems.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • FESCHE – Accreditation
  • CFSTES Fire Inspector 1A and 1B Courses
  • CFSTES Fire Inspector 1 Certification
FIRE-33 Fire Protection Equipment and Systems 3 units: 3 hours lecture

This course provides information relating to features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection, and portable fire extinguishers.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • FESCHE – Accreditation
  • CFSTES Fire Inspector 2 Certification
  • CFSTES Fire Inspector 2C Course
  • CFSTES Plan Examiner Certification
  • CFSTES Plan Examiner 1B Course
FIRE-34 Building Construction for Fire Protection 3 units: 3 hours lecture

This course is the study of components of building construction that relate to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • FESCHE – Accreditation
  • CFSTES Plan Examiner Certification
  • CFSTES Plan Examiner 1A Course
FIRE-40 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival 3 units: 3 hours lecture

This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • FESCHE – Accreditation
EMER-50A Emergency Medical Technician 1, Module A 2.5 units: 2.25 hours lecture, 13.5 hours lab TBA

This is the first of two modules designed to teach basic emergency medical procedures and responsibilities, including stabilization of the sick and injured for transportation to medical facilities, care during transport, communication with base-hospital personnel, and transfer of the injured to the base-hospital emergency room. This course meets the requirements of Title 22, Division of California Administrative Code. Students successfully completing EMER-50A and EMER-50B are eligible to take the EMT 1 certifying exam from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification – State of CA
  • EMT – course completion record from a CAMESA approved training program
EMER-50B Emergency Medical Technician 1, Module B 4.5 units: 3.75 hours lecture, 40.5 hours lab TBA

This is the first of two modules designed to teach basic emergency medical procedures and responsibilities, including stabilization of the sick and injured for transportation to medical facilities, care during transport, communication with base-hospital personnel, and transfer of the injured to the base-hospital emergency room. This course meets the requirements of Title 22, Division of California Administrative Code. Students successfully completing EMER-50A and EMER-50B are eligible to take the EMT 1 certifying exam from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

 Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification – State of CA
  • EMT – course completion record from a CAMESA approved training program

Course Name and Number Course Description Assessment Method Notes
EMER-10 Paramedic I 12.5 units: 12.25 hours lecture, 13.5 hours TBA lab Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Paramedic License – State of CA
  • Paramedic – course completion record from a CAEMSA approved training program
EMER-11 Paramedic I Lab 1.5 units: 81 hours TBA lab Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Paramedic License – State of CA
  • Paramedic – course completion record from a CAEMSA approved training program
EMER-20 Advanced Paramedic 11.5 units: 11.5 hours lecture Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Paramedic License – State of CA
  • Paramedic – course completion record from a CAEMSA approved training program
EMER-21 Advanced Paramedic Lab 1.5 units: 81 hours TBA lab Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Paramedic License – State of CA
  • Paramedic – course completion record from a CAEMSA approved training program
EMER-30 Paramedic, Acute Clinical Lab 3 units: 9 hours lab TBA Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Paramedic License – State of CA
  • Paramedic – course completion record from a CAEMSA approved training program
EMER-31 Paramedic Field Experience 9 units: 27 hours lab TBA Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Paramedic License – State of CA
  • Paramedic – course completion record from a CAEMSA approved training program
EMER-50A Emergency Medical Technician 1, Module A 2.5 units: 2.25 hours lecture, 13.5 hours lab TBA Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification – State of CA
  • EMT – course completion record from a CAMESA approved training program
EMER-50B Emergency Medical Technician 1, Module B 4.5 units: 3.75 hours lecture, 40.5 hours lab TBA Assessment Methods:

  • Industry Recognized Certification
 Accepted Certifications:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification – State of CA

CPL can help you save time and money on your educational path.

If you hold industry credentials and/or certifications, were trained for military occupations, have work experience that can be demonstrated through an exam or portfolio review, or are a graduate of a service academy, then you may qualify for CPL!

We highly appreciate and seek to acknowledge the wealth of knowledge and skills you’ve acquired beyond our institution. We offer opportunities for you to potentially earn college credits based on the valuable expertise you’ve gained through your diverse experiences.

Here are just some examples that might fit your experience:

  • Military training
  • Industry training
  • State/federal government training
  • Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
  • Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g., Peace Corps)

Credit for Prior Learning Survey

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Have you completed any of the following? (Check all that apply)(Required)
Do you believe you have the knowledge to test out of a course?(Required)
(e.g., knowledge to test out of Spanish 1 and take Spanish 2)
Do you have military training, military education, or have you been involved in any Department of Defense training programs?(Required)
Do you have prior work experience similar to a course taught at Merced College?(Required)
(Learning gained through work experience that may demonstrate proficiency in a course)
Do you have an industry certification(s)?(Required)
(Industry credentials / certifications that may demonstrate proficiency in a course)
Do you have professional development learning or other learning experiences you believe may qualify for credit for prior learning?(Required)

Frequently Asked Questions

Research indicates that students who earn CPL:

  • are roughly twice as likely to complete a degree than those who do not
  • accumulate more credits through coursework at the institution than their counterparts, which translates to increased enrollment for colleges
  • save an average of 6-10 months in time to degree compared to their non-CPL counterparts

Importantly, CPL can help you save time and money on your educational path. Students can now get credit for a course instead of just waiving a prerequisite!

If you hold industry credentials and/or certifications, were trained for military occupations, have work experience that can be demonstrated through an exam or portfolio review, or are a graduate of a service academy, then you may qualify for CPL!

Each CPL eligible course will have different methods of assessment. These methods include:

  • Military Transcript (Joint Service Transcript)
  • Credit by Exam
  • Portfolio Review
  • Industry Certification/Accreditation or License
  • AP, IB, CLEP

Check out our college catalog (see pages 25-26) for the most up-to-date CPL eligible courses.

For students interested in CPL, contact the Counseling Department at (209) 381-6478 to set up a CPL counseling appointment and complete an Ed Plan.

For faculty interested in learning more about CPL and potential opportunities for students within your discipline, please contact the CPL Coordinator, at [email protected]. Also, visit the Merced College CPL Faculty Resource Center on Canvas for additional information and resources.

Counseling & Guidance

For more information on CPL and to create an education plan, which is required to earn credit through prior learning, contact the Counseling Department at (209) 381-6478 to set up a CPL counseling appointment.