California Pushes Colleges to Grant Credit for Work Experience

State aims to have 250,000 students earn college credits for prior learning by 2030

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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California is encouraging its community colleges to award college credits to students for their prior work experience, military training, and other forms of 'prior learning.' The state has approved over $34 million in funding in recent years to help colleges implement these programs, with the goal of having 250,000 students earn credits this way by 2030. However, implementation has been uneven, with some colleges moving faster than others to set up systems to evaluate students' prior experience and award credits accordingly.

Why it matters

Awarding college credits for prior learning can save students thousands of dollars and help them graduate faster. This is especially beneficial for veterans, working adults, and others who have gained valuable skills outside of the traditional classroom. Expanding access to these programs is seen as an important equity issue, helping students from diverse backgrounds get credit for their existing knowledge and experience.

The details

California's community colleges have slowly been expanding the ways students can earn credits for prior work experience and other 'prior learning' since 2017. This includes accepting Advanced Placement exam scores, military transcripts, industry certifications, and in some cases, even evaluating students' portfolios. At Cabrillo College, for instance, students can get credits for wine courses if they can demonstrate knowledge of French, Italian or Spanish wines. While veterans have historically benefited the most, the programs are open to students with a wide range of professional experience.

  • In 2017, California's community colleges began expanding programs to award credits for prior learning experiences.
  • In 2018, the state legislature passed a law mandating that all colleges adopt policies for awarding credits for prior learning, though colleges received little funding to implement it.
  • In 2026, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office aims to have at least 250,000 students earn college credits this way.
  • In January 2026, Governor Newsom proposed an additional $37 million in state funding for prior learning credit programs.

The players

California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

The state agency that oversees California's 116 community colleges and is leading the effort to expand prior learning credit programs.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who has made expanding prior learning credit programs a priority, approving over $34 million in related funding in recent years.

Laylah Rivers

A student at West Los Angeles College who was able to earn college credits for her prior work experience at Amazon and in the military.

Allison Tom-Miura

The dean of academic affairs and workforce development at West Los Angeles College, who says making students aware of prior learning credit opportunities is an important equity issue.

Samuel Lee

A senior adviser to the California Community Colleges Chancellor who oversees the state's dashboard for tracking prior learning credits.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, with 13 years of experience, I should get more credit for what I'm doing. But I'm grateful.”

— Laylah Rivers, Student, West Los Angeles College

“This is a big equity issue. How can we help students from repeating courses that they do not need?”

— Allison Tom-Miura, Dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development, West Los Angeles College

“Our goal is not for them to meet the deadline. Our goal is to get people funding and support.”

— Samuel Lee, Senior Adviser, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

What’s next

The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office plans to require all colleges to begin logging information on prior learning credits into a shared statewide tracking system, which will be supported by $50,000 in funding for each campus.

The takeaway

California's efforts to award college credits for prior work experience and other forms of prior learning could save students thousands of dollars and help them graduate faster. However, implementation has been uneven, highlighting the need for more consistent statewide policies and funding to ensure equitable access to these programs.