Awarding credit for prior learning
Grouptrail simplifies the full lifecycle of credit for prior learning (CPL) applications, evaluation, and award management. Our platform provides a flexible, configurable system where colleges can design a workflow that reflects their unique structure while still benefiting from automation, transparency, and streamlined communication. Grouptrail enables institutions to reduce administrative burden, improve student satisfaction, and implement a CPL process that is fair, consistent, and scalable. Our approach focuses on three pillars:
Key features
- Centralized intake and documentation: Students submit CPL applications through an online form with built-in document uploads for transcripts, certificates, work samples, syllabi, or other evidence. This ensures that all required materials are submitted in a consistent, organized format.
- Automated, role-based workflows: Customized workflows route applications to the correct faculty, department chairs, or evaluators. Conditional logic can adapt the workflow based on program, type of credit, or required assessment steps.
- Visibility, reporting, and compliance: Administrators gain real-time insight into application volume, progress, outcomes, and processing times. Built-in reporting supports accreditation requirements, internal audits, and data-informed decision-making. Optional e-signature forms ensure secure approvals when needed.
“The process on Grouptrail took 1/10 of the time that it used to take.”
- Peralta Community College District
Challenge and opportunity
Colleges increasingly recognize the value of awarding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to students who bring professional, military, or life experience to their academic journey. Yet, CPL processes are often fragmented, paper-based, and inconsistent across departments. Students may struggle to understand requirements, faculty evaluators lack a streamlined review method, and administrators face complex manual tracking and reporting demands.
At the same time, CPL represents a powerful opportunity: reducing student time-to-credential, increasing completion rates, and honoring the knowledge students already possess. For colleges, building efficient CPL workflows enhances the student experience, improves operational clarity, and ensures compliance with institutional and accreditation standards.
However, every institution approaches CPL differently—requirements, documentation, approvals, and departmental responsibilities vary widely. That variability often makes it difficult to adopt a standardized technology solution.
Streamlined onboarding
We partner with your team to set up a system that works for you:
- Customize your workflow: During this phase, we partner with key stakeholders—CPL coordinators, registrars, faculty evaluators, IT teams, and program administrators—to document your current process and identify opportunities for streamlining. Together, we map the ideal future workflow, including:
- Application forms and required fields
- Document upload requirements
- Approval chains and departmental responsibilities
- Optional e-signature steps
- Reporting and data needs
- Permissions for students, faculty, and staff
Using this blueprint, we configure your Grouptrail environment to match your institutional structure. This includes form creation, workflow automation, dashboard setup, and testing with sample applications.
- Train and launch: Once the system is configured, we guide your team through a structured training process. We provide written guides, video tutorials, and live training sessions to ensure all users feel confident. After training, we support a soft launch or pilot period to allow early feedback before the campus-wide rollout.
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Share and iterate: We view implementation as the beginning—not the end—of our partnership. As your CPL process evolves, Grouptrail evolves with you.
Our platform’s flexibility allows you to make refinements over time without needing technical resources. As policies, programs, or accreditation requirements change, your CPL system remains up-to-date and fully aligned with institutional goals.
Get started today
Ready to simplify and scale your process for awarding credit for prior learning?