Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is knowledge and skills that students gain outside the traditional classroom for college credit. College of Eastern Idaho currently recognizes credit by exam, military training, course challenge exams, and prior learning portfolios as evincible CPL.

College of Eastern Idaho recognizes that learning can happen in a variety of settings, and may award up to 2/3 of the total credits required for graduation through the transfer of credit from an accredited college or university, and/or learning that has been evaluated. Official transcripts or scores must be received and evaluated by the college before credit can be awarded. Prior learning credit may not be applied toward CEI’s 25% residency requirement.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

What is CLEP?

• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) helps students receive college credit for courses through an exam rather than completing a semester-based course

How much is CLEP?

• Exams cost $90, plus a $30 proctoring fee if completed at the CEI Testing Center

Why CLEP?

• Students who complete CLEP tend to have higher GPA’s
• Higher performance in subsequent courses compared to peers who take the introductory course
• Students who score 50 or higher on an exam have higher rates of transfer from two-year to four-year colleges

Are you or were you in the Military?

• Military personnel take CLEP exams for FREE and receive FREE test prep books as part of their education benefits

What exams will be accepted through CEI?

• See the chart below
• Don’t see an exam you would like to take? Contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance
  • assistant.registrar@cei.edu
  • 208-535-5664

How do I register?

• Visit the link below to explore exam topics and register
  • https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams
  • All CLEP information collected from the following website: https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-benefits-for-everyone

Advanced Placement (AP)

What is AP?

• AP (Advanced Placement) exams are available for current high school students. These exams allow students the opportunity to earn college credit and placement

How much is AP?

• Exams taken within the United States cost $97 per exam. Cost may vary if taken outside of the United States

Why AP?

• Earn college credits before you even set foot on campus
• “AP” classes on your high school transcript show colleges that you’re motivated to succeed and committed to tackle college-level work
• Save money and your time! AP exams can help you get ahead on your college academic schedule
• Earning college credit gives you the flexibility to change majors, study abroad, pursue a second degree, and seek internships

What exams will be accepted through CEI?

• See the chart below
• Don’t see an exam you would like to take? Contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance
  • assistant.registrar@cei.edu
  • 208-535-5664

How do I register?

• Visit the link below to explore exam topics and register
  • https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/register-for-ap-exams
  • All AP information collected from the following website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

What is DSST?

• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) provides students the opportunity to earn college credit outside of the traditional classroom

How much is DSST?

• Each test costs $85 plus a $30 proctoring fee if completed at the CEI Testing Center
  • If you are a military member, the proctoring fee is waived

Why DSST?

• Earn college credits for each qualifying test
• Save on your tuition
• Earn your degree on time or early
• Creates flexibility for your degree program

What exams will be accepted through CEI?

• See the chart below
• Don’t see an exam you would like to take? Contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance
  • assistant.registrar@cei.edu
  • 208-535-5664

How do I register?

• Visit the link below to explore exam topics and register
  • https://www.getcollegecredit.com/exam_fact_sheets/
  • All DSST information collected from the following website: https://www.getcollegecredit.com/

Joint Service Transcripts (JST)

• Joint Service Transcripts are evaluated on an individual basis. Please visit the Registrar’s Office in Building 3, Room 353 or call 208-535-5664 for any questions regarding your credits

Prior Learning Portfolio

What are Prior Learning Portfolios?

• Prior learning portfolios demonstrate knowledge gained outside the traditional learning classroom
• The portfolios demonstrate professionalism and adequate proof that learning has been gained to receive college credit; based on prior experience

How do I receive credit for a portfolio?

• Please contact the academic department for the course that you are seeking to receive credit 
• Instructors and department chairs will determine if a student has gained adequate experience to create a portfolio

Course Challenge Exam

What is a challenge exam?

• Is an exam designed and administered by faculty in the discipline, and approved by the Department Chair and Instructional Dean as CEI

How do I receive Credit for a challenge exam?

• Communication and approval from faculty must be done first
• Challenge Exam form filled out and pay $15 per credit for at the cashier’s office (fee is non-refundable)
• When exam is completed, if student passes, ‘CH’ will appear on student record. If student fails, nothing is added to student record
• Form is sent to the Registrar’s Office final processing and student is notified via CEI email