Many Oregon public and private institutions offer Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) as a way for individuals to obtain credit for learning that occurs outside of traditional college-level coursework. On this page you can learn about state standards for CPL, reports to the Oregon Legislature on statewide efforts to increase these opportunities, and information on recent funding. You can also find public meeting materials and information on the CPL Advisory Committee.
Oregon Revised Statute (ORS)
350.110 defines "prior learning" as "the knowledge and skills gained through work and life experience, through military training and experience and through formal and informal education and training from institutions of higher education in the United States and in other nations." The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) works with institutions and partners to support and expand CPL opportunities. We are responsible for developing state standards, reporting to the Legislature, administering funding, and convening a public advisory committee.
State Standards, Reporting, and Funding of Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning Standards
The HECC has formally adopted Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Standards as guidance for any Oregon institution offering CPL. The Standards, first adopted in 2014, and updated in 2017 and 2024, encourage Oregon public institutions to submit data to the Commission annually on the types and number of CPL opportunities offered.
Annual Legislative Report
Since 2012, the HECC has reported annually to the Oregon Legislature as required for CPL. View the Annual Legislative Reports on our website for more information.
Expansion through Future Ready Oregon
The
Future Ready Oregon investment package continued and expanded Credit for Prior Learning efforts across Oregon public institutions. This 2022 investment included $10 million in one-time funding to increase opportunities for students from Priority Populations to receive academic credit for prior experience or skills gained outside of traditional higher education institutions. Learn more in the
Future Ready Oregon annual report.
Credit for Prior Learning Advisory Committee
The HECC convenes an Advisory Committee to address and report to the Oregon Legislative Assembly annually on its progress in increasing and improving CPL opportunities across institutions. ORS 350.110 requires the HECC to appoint members to the CPL Advisory Committee representing the sectors as outlined in ORS 350.110 (2). The CPL Advisory Committee works with public universities and community colleges, independent for-profit and not-for-profit institutions of higher education, employers, students, and labor representatives.
The Credit for Prior Learning Advisory Committee is convening a short-term workgroup to address the improvement of data reporting for CPL from Oregon’s community colleges, starting in April 2024. Members of the workgroup include community college institutional researchers, data professionals, information technology professionals, registrars, academic administrators, students, and faculty.
Public Comment and Accommodations Guidelines
- Contact the meeting administrator: Rachel.Ramirez@hecc.oregon.gov
- Provide public comment: To sign up for public comment, submit written comment, or ask questions about the meeting, email the meeting administrator. All written comments received become part of the public record and will be shared publicly in meeting materials. You can also read an
introduction to providing public comment here.
- Request accommodations: The HECC is committed to accessible services for all. Please send requests for alternative formats or accommodations for individuals with disabilities to the meeting administrator at least 72 hours in advance if possible.