HS Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

The work you’ve already done can count towards your degree!

If you’ve spent years supporting people in crisis, coordinating care, or holding a credential in behavioral health, you’ve likely already developed some of what a Human Services degree teaches.  Credit for Prior Learning is how you demonstrate that and convert it into academic credit.  

Credits may be awarded for demonstrated learning, not for years on the job. Two people can hold the same role for a decade and arrive with very different expertise. Your experience is the evidence and what you have learned from it, is what you will showcase.

Human Services is the first program at PSU to offer a portfolio-based CPL, and the first to map professional credentials directly to credit. 

Two Paths, up to 20 credits total

If you hold professional credentials, you can submit your certifications and documentation for credits, no portfolio required. 

Credit is awarded for the highest credential in a track, but credentials in different tracks combined could earn more credit, for example:. CADC-I plus QMHA-I earns 18 credits.

If you don’t hold credentials, the portfolio path awards up to 8 credits.  HS 412 and HS 413 may each be claimed for 4 credits - pursue one or both, depending on the level of practice your experience reflects. You will build a resume mapped to learning outcomes, a written narrative analyzing your learning, and supporting documentation reviewed by faculty against the course objectives.   CPL At a Glance 

What to Expect

This is not a shortcut, and no credit is awarded simply for time worked in the field.  You will be asked to analyze what you know and how you came to know it, not describe your job.  It is a demanding process but your CPL coordinator will guide you through it.

Enrolled HS majors who’ve completed HS 411, typically with two or more years in the field are eligible. Take this quick CPL assessment to determine if this is a path for you.  The cost is $300, whether you claim one course or both, and $300 if you claim one credential or more. 

If you’ve worked in behavioral health, addictions, peer support, or family services, or started college once but didn’t finish, let’s talk about what your path might look like. 

To request more information: contact HS@pdx.edu  

To learn more about CPL in Human Services, a full CPL Student Guide is available.