Executive Policy 5.235 Executive Policy 5.235

Credit for Prior Learning

Executive Policy Chapter 5, Academic Affairs
Executive Policy 5.235, Credit for Prior Learning
Effective Date:  July 2026
Prior Dates Amended:  N/A
Responsible Office:  Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy
Governing Board of Regents Policy RP 5.201, Instructional Programs
Review Date:  July 2029

1. To establish consistent system-wide implementation of awarding academic Credit for Prior Learning and the articulation of professional skills trainings to credit-bearing courses and programs.



2. To identify campus responsibilities in the development of policies and practices designed to ensure academic standards and consistent practice in the awarding of Credit for Prior Learning and the articulation of professional skills trainings to credit-bearing courses, so that both may assist students who seek further education leading to a degree.



3. To facilitate the continued progression of students with relevant professional skills trainings and other forms of non-collegiate learning into degree programs.



4. To outline the criteria by which the University of Hawai‘i may grant academic credit for learning acquired through professional skills or continuing education training programs.



5. To recognize and validate diverse learning pathways and encourage lifelong learning while maintaining the integrity and standards of the University's academic programs.

1. “Prior Learning” describes the skills, competencies, knowledge and learning individuals acquire through life, work experiences, training programs, and formal and informal education.



2. “Credit for Prior Learning” (CPL) describes the assessment of college level learning that has been acquired outside a traditional academic environment for college credit. There are different forms of assessments, but Credit for Prior Learning must only be awarded to students who demonstrate knowledge, skills and performance at the college level.
   
   
3. “National Equivalency Exams” are college-level exams yielding college credit for specific subject areas developed by institutions, private organizations or government agencies (e.g., AP, CLEP, DSST, UExcel). In the University of Hawai‘i (UH) System, Credit by Institutional Exam (CBIE) are equivalency exams that are created by University of Hawai‘i  faculty for specific courses.



4. “Portfolio Based Assessment” (PBA) is a form of Credit for Prior Learning in which college credit is awarded by the assessment of a student’s learning through an evaluation of a portfolio demonstrating a student’s documented learning, certifications, licensures, work samples, awards, honors, job descriptions, job accomplishments, evidence of self-directed study or work. This type of assessment may also incorporate performance and skills evaluations and faculty interviews of students.



5. “Non-Collegiate Sponsored Education” refers to learning sponsored by institutions or organizations whose primary focus is not education, such as private industry, labor unions, professional associations, voluntary associations, state and federal government agencies (military training, federal or state certified professionals).



6. “Professional Skills Trainings” consist of educational experiences that are not part of a degree and do not award academic credits. Instead, these trainings are designed to teach specific job skills for professional development. Professional skills trainings, offered throughout the University of Hawai‘i System, refer to formal, instructor-led courses that lead to a credential and are usually designed to prepare students for specific occupations or roles within the workforce.



7. “Credential” is a general term that can be used to describe a degree, certificate, or other form of institutional-based acknowledgement (EP 5.205).



8. “Non-Degree Credentials” (NDCs) are credentials such as certifications and licenses that professional skills trainings can lead to.

1. Principles and Assumptions
   
   
   1. In alignment with the purposes of this policy, the University of Hawai‘i System shall endeavor to consistently and rigorously assess prior learning in order to award academic Credit for Prior Learning that meets specified standards for college-level learning.
   
   
   
   2. In order to facilitate students transferring between programs and campuses, Credit for Prior Learning should reasonably transfer to minimize credit loss and support students’ progress toward degrees.
   
   
   
   3. In a dynamic academic environment, this policy seeks to establish the parameters within which University of Hawai‘i can formally recognize many sources of rigorous learning that are relevant to programs’ learning outcomes.
   
   
   
   4. The workforce needs of Hawai‘i in the public, private and non-profit sectors are dynamic and ever evolving. Formal recognition of collegiate-level learning from many sources will facilitate lifelong learning as learners return to the University for their upskilling and reskilling needs.
   
   
   
   5. Learning equivalent to that embedded in collegiate coursework happens in a variety of contexts and may be formally recognized by academic institutions.
   
   
   
2. Credit for Prior Learning
   
   
   1. Methods of Earning Credit for Prior Learning
      
      A list of some of the more commonly accepted methods of earning Credit for Prior Learning is provided below. It is anticipated that new methods of earning Credit for Prior Learning and new forms of assessment may develop. Therefore, this list is not exhaustive and this policy is not limited to only the methods mentioned below.
      
      
      1. National equivalency exams created by non-University of Hawai‘i institutions or agencies.
      
      
      
      2. Credit by Institutional Examination (CBIE) created by University of Hawai‘i faculty for specific courses.
      
      
      
      3. Portfolio-based assessment
         
         
      4. Non-collegiate sponsored education/training equivalency evaluation.
         
         1. This applies to on-the-job training, skills and experience, learning through community courses, professional development programs or skills and knowledge gained through voluntary work.
         
         
         
      5. Professional skills trainings offered throughout the University of Hawai‘i System and other accredited higher education institutions.
      
      
      
      6. Non-degree credentials such as industry-recognized credentials, which are assessed and issued by a third-party accrediting organization. Preparation to take the assessment for a non-degree credential may be embedded in professional skills trainings or credit-bearing courses.
      
      
      
   2. National Equivalency Exams
      
      
      1. Advanced Placement Examination Program (AP) – Series of exams developed by the College Board for high school students to earn college credit.
      
      
      
      2. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – Series of standardized subject exams developed by the College Board to assess college-level learning for college credit.
      
      
      
      3. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests – DSSTs are standardized subject exams developed to assess college-level knowledge for college credit originally limited to members of the armed forces but now available to civilians.
      
      
      
      4. Excelsior College Examination (UExcel) Program – Formerly named Regents College Exams or American College Testing (ACT) Proficiency Examination Program (PEP). UExcel exams are standardized subject exams offered by Excelsior College for college credit.
      
      
      
   3. Non-Collegiate Sponsored Education
      
      
      1. American Council on Education (ACE) Guides – Published credit recommendations for formal instructional programs and examinations offered by non-collegiate agencies (military, civilian employers, professional associations, and other workplace related training).
      
      
      
      2. ACE Military Credit Recommendations – College credit recommendations for military training through the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services or through direct evaluation of a service member’s Joint Service Transcript.
      
      
      
      3. Evaluation of Industry Certifications and Workplace Credit – Evaluation of non-collegiate instructional programs or industry-recognized certifications, professional licensures or apprenticeships that demonstrate the competencies required for completion of a course, degree or certificate program.
      
      
      
   4. Portfolio-Based Assessment (PBA)
      
      
      1. College credit is awarded by the assessment of a student’s learning through an evaluation of a portfolio demonstrating a student’s documented learning, certifications, licensures, work samples, awards, honors, job descriptions, job accomplishments, evidence of self-directed study or work. This type of assessment may also incorporate performance and skills evaluations and faculty interviews of students.
      
      
      
      2. Fees and appeals
         
         1. An administrative fee set by the campus will be charged to the student upon submission of the application to cover the costs of the review by an official campus representative and administrative processing of Portfolio-Based Assessments. This transaction and service fee (as defined by RP 6.203) is non-refundable, regardless of the credit decision.
         
         
         2. Appeal process:  If a student’s application is denied, they may submit a written appeal to the appropriate dean of the program, college or school within ten (10) business days of the notification. The appeal must clearly articulate why the denial is considered incorrect, based on the documented evidence and the criteria outlined in this policy The dean’s decision on the appeal is final.
      
      
      
   5. Professional Skills Trainings
      
      
      1. To be considered for academic credit, a professional skills training must meet the following minimum requirements:
         
         1. Sponsor/Provider: The training must be offered by a recognized and reputable organization (e.g., industry-leading companies, professional associations, government agencies, accredited training bodies, University of Hawai‘i program).
         
         
         
         2. Rigor and content: The training must demonstrably be of a collegiate level in terms of intellectual rigor, depth, scope of content, and learning outcomes.
         
         
         
         3. Duration and contact hours: The training must involve a significant number of instructional or experiential hours (e.g., a minimum of 30-45 hours per credit requested is a typical guideline, though specific departmental standards may apply).
         
         
         4. Assessment: The training must include a formal, documented assessment mechanism (e.g., final exam, comprehensive project, certification assessment) that verifies the learner's mastery of the material. A simple certificate of attendance is insufficient.
         
         
         
         5. Alignment: The professional skills trainings must align directly with the content and learning objectives of a specific, pre-existing course or courses offered by the University to be considered for articulation.
         
         
         
      2. Limitations of credit for professional skills trainings
         
         1. Course exclusions: Credit will not be granted for:
            
            1. Remedial or introductory skills-based training below the collegiate level,
            
            
            2. Trainings that largely overlap with other credits already earned
            
            
            3. Specific capstone courses, clinical requirements, or thesis/dissertation credit.
            
            
         2. Degree requirement: Professional skills training credit must satisfy a specific elective or required course within the student’s program of study. It will not simply add hours toward graduation without fulfilling a specific curriculum requirement.
      
      
      
      3. Transferability:
         
         1. Campuses across the University of Hawai‘i System may offer similar programs for relevant professional skills trainings. Faculty from those programs shall work together to determine the for-credit equivalencies and academic credit awards for applicable professional skills trainings.
         
         
         2. The academic credits and General Education designations awarded by a University of Hawai‘i campus or  multi-campus group of faculty shall be honored by all other University of Hawai‘i campuses.
   
   
   
3. Program Transparency
   
   All efforts must be made to ensure all aspects of the University of Hawai‘i Credit for Prior Learning programs are made available to students, faculty, staff, academic administration and the general public. It is recommended that printed and electronic materials be published and made available in a clear and transparent manner. Recommended information for publications:
   
   
   1. Description of Credit for Prior Learning program
   
   
   2. Limitations of credits earned for prior learning
   
   
   3. Credit for Prior Learning program definitions
   
   
   4. Credit for Prior Learning program language in college catalogs
   
   
   5. Student advising
   
   
   6. Student expectations and participation
   
   
   7. Student qualifications
   
   
   8. Transferability of academic credit earned for prior learning
   
   
   9. Tuition and fees
   
   
   10. Uses of credits earned for prior learning
   
   
   11. Web page with Credit for Prior Learning program Information
   
   
   12. Appeals procedures
   
   
   
4. Standards
   
   Maintaining standards and consistency across the University of Hawai‘i System is paramount to ensure student academic development and success. Consequently, understanding that although each University of Hawai‘i campus operates collaboratively across the University of Hawai‘i System, each campus also operates individually and processes between campuses may differ. To ensure consistency in policy and allow for campus autonomy to develop, implement and maintain a Credit for Prior Learning program, campuses must maintain the following standards:
   
   
   1. Requirements for awarding Credit for Prior Learning
      
      
      1. Students must be admitted to the institution.
      
      
      
      2. Students must declare an academic program of study to apply for Credit for Prior Learning if those credits are applicable to the program of study. For other Credit for Prior Learning awards applicable to general education and elective credits, declaration is not necessary.
      
      
      
   2. Parameters of awarding Credit for Prior Learning
      
      
      1. Any credits awarded for prior learning must be in accordance with the standards and guidelines established by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). CAEL standards are recognized and endorsed by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and all other institutional accrediting bodies.
      
      
      
      2. Credit for Prior Learning shall not be used to meet credit minimum residency requirements for graduation.
      
      
      
      3. Criteria for awarding credit through a Portfolio-Based Assessment process should be demonstrated mastery of student learning outcomes at a “C” level or higher.
      
      
      
      4. Academic programs shall make public any program-specific limitations to the number of credits earned from prior learning which can be applied to certificates or degrees.
      
      
      
      5. No other limitations are to be placed on student eligibility for credits for prior learning, such as minimum age or work experience.
      
      
      
   3. Use of credits earned for prior learning
      
      
      1. Credits earned for prior learning may apply towards majors, general education requirements and electives that are applicable to degree or certificate requirements being sought in the same manner as traditional courses. These credits will also satisfy prerequisites in the same manner as their traditional course equivalencies and shall not be treated differently in their application unless otherwise specified by the awarding campus.
      
      
      
      2. Credits earned for prior learning may be utilized to satisfy academic areas where letter grades are required except where specifically stated otherwise by an academic program.
      
      
      
      3. The Credit for Prior Learning credit granted shall be accepted as transfer credit by all University of Hawai‘i campuses. The campus doing the original assessment shall evaluate the knowledge, preferably as course equivalents that are part of program, degree or graduation requirements. Any subsequent campus to which the student transfers shall accept the credits as a transfer course but may convert general elective credit to a course. No college, however, may convert to elective credit a Credit for Prior Learning exam or course assessed by another institution as a course equivalent.
   
   
   
5. Campus Responsibilities
   
   Responsibility for creating, implementing and maintaining a Credit for Prior Learning program in compliance with this policy resides with all participating University of Hawai‘i Colleges and Universities.
   
   
   1. The Chief Academic Officer shall be responsible for periodic review of Credit for Prior Learning assessment programs: Institutions are to review Credit for Prior Learning program related policies, procedures and data gathered periodically. All reviews must include an evaluation of the effectiveness of each institution’s Credit for Prior Learning related policies, procedures and credit awards/denial to ensure consistency with Credit for Prior Learning standards.
   
   
   
   2. The Chief Academic Officer or Student Affairs Officer overseeing advising and counseling shall be responsible to ensure that their campus’ advising staff is current regarding the articulation and transfer policies of programs, colleges, and campuses across the system.
   
   
   
6. University of Hawai‘i System Office Responsibilities
   
   
   1. The University of Hawai‘i System Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy (OVPAS) supports the coordination and communication of Credit for Prior Learning activities and practices, ensuring the transparent flow of information between campuses, and maintaining records of Credit for Prior Learning decisions and practices that are developed between campuses;
   
   
   
   2. The OVPAS shall maintain a system-wide, web-based Credit for Prior Learning information system based on updates provided by each campus; and
   
   
   
   3. The OVPAS shall collaborate with campuses to ensure the informed and smooth transfer of students throughout the University of Hawai‘i System.

The President delegates to the Vice President for Academic Strategy and to the Chancellors who have responsibility for implementing this policy and fostering practices that facilitate the awarding and transfer of Credit for Prior Learning between University of Hawai‘i campuses.

Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy
956-6897
ovpas@hawaii.edu

Executive Policy 5.205, Academic Programs Definitions and Guidelines
Executive Policy 5.209, University of Hawai‘i System Student Transfer and Inter-Campus Articulation
UH Community Colleges Policy 5.302, Prior Learning Assessment Program
HRS §304A-802, College-credit equivalency program established; purpose; policies and procedures; eligibility

No Exhibits and Appendices found

    President