In this episode of the English With Grace podcast, host Grace welcomes Frank, the director of ADVANCE, to discuss Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). They delve into how CPL can help students save time and money by converting work, military, and life experiences into college credits. The conversation covers the importance of CPL for adult learners, working students, and immigrants, emphasizing how it supports educational equity. Frank shares his insights on the portfolio approach for documenting skills and the various methods by which CPL credits can be earned. They also address common misconceptions, challenges in accessing CPL, and ways to better support students in this process. Success stories of learners benefiting from CPL are highlighted, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating CPL for educational advancement.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:49 Understanding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)03:12 Examples of CPL-Eligible Experiences05:33 Methods to Earn CPL13:09 Success Stories of CPL17:40 Challenges and Misconceptions about CPL18:30 Dispelling the Myth of Insufficient Skills19:09 Anecdote: Discovering Hidden Skills20:29 Challenges in Accessing CPL23:08 Supporting Educational Equity26:20 Future Improvements for CPL32:17 Advice for Instructors on CPL34:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

🚀 Episode Summary:In this episode of the Speak English Confidently podcast, Grace is joined by Frank, director of ADVANCE, for an eye-opening discussion on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) — an educational tool that recognizes real-world experience as legitimate college-level learning.

CPL is often underused, yet it offers students a chance to fast-track their degrees by earning credit for what they already know through work, life, or military experiences. Frank breaks down the process of earning CPL, shares inspiring success stories, and explains how educators can play a crucial role in expanding access.

🌟 In This Episode, You’ll Learn How to:

• Define and explain Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

• Identify what kinds of experiences can qualify for CPL credit

• Understand how CPL benefits immigrants, adult learners, and working students

• Advocate for CPL access and equity in education

💡 Why It Matters:CPL is about validating experience. It empowers learners who may not have taken traditional academic routes but have valuable skills that deserve recognition. It also reduces time and cost barriers in higher education.

🛠️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast00:49 – Understanding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)03:12 – Examples of CPL-Eligible Experiences05:33 – Methods to Earn CPL13:09 – Success Stories of CPL17:40 – Challenges and Misconceptions about CPL18:30 – Dispelling the Myth of Insufficient Skills19:09 – Anecdote: Discovering Hidden Skills20:29 – Challenges in Accessing CPL23:08 – Supporting Educational Equity26:20 – Future Improvements for CPL32:17 – Advice for Instructors on CPL34:31 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

📃 Want to Learn More?Visit https://advance-learnearngrow.org/ or https://www.cael.org/cplsearchnetwork-0 for tools, templates, and guidance to start earning credit for your knowledge.

🌍 About This Podcast:Speak English Confidently helps English learners and professionals build practical communication skills, expand vocabulary, and access life-changing resources in English. Hosted by Grace from English With Grace.