Alpena Community College is introducing a new, comprehensive Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy 4042, presented for first reading to replace older CLEP and non-traditional credit policies. The policy aligns with CAEL standards, HLC expectations, and MiLEAP guidance, and establishes multiple CPL pathways, including standardized exams, departmental exams, military credit via ACE, industry certifications, articulated workforce training, and portfolio-based assessment. The policy calls for structured procedures, documentation, faculty and evaluator training, fee frameworks, and a five-year review cycle run by the VP of Instruction, Dean of Workforce Development, and Registrar.Because this is a first reading and implementation details will depend on administrative procedures, ACC is in an open planning phase for technology, training, and workflow tools to support CPL processes, transcript evaluation, portfolio management, and cross-walks to industry credentials. Vendors in student information systems extensions, CPL/PLA software, advising tools, and adult learner recruitment strategies can position offerings to help ACC operationalize this policy over the next year.

Policy will replace existing Policies 4017 and 4018 and their associated administrative procedures, indicating process and system changes across advising, workforce, and registrar functions.