Credit for Prior Learning: Get Credit for What You Already Know

Nov. 18, 2025

Vasana Moran-Hernandez at work for Dallas Water Utilities. When Vasana Moran-Hernandez started back to college after more than two decades, she was worried about completing a degree while working full-time. Now, just months away from graduation, she said earning Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) helped make that possible.

At age 18, Moran-Hernandez began college at Brookhaven but left to help her family. She later married and raised five children while building a 20-year career with the City of Dallas.

“I started as an entry-level 911 call taker,” she said. “I did the best Vasana Moran-Hernandez poses with City of Dallas colleagues. I could and never turned down an opportunity to train for something new. Now, I am the superintendent for revenue and customer operation for Dallas Water Utilities.”

Years earlier, a manager said she would need a degree to advance in her career. While that did not prove to be true, those words stuck with Moran-Hernandez.

Moran-Hernandez's daughter Anaiya Moran graduated from Dallas College during the pandemic and the family celebrated at home. She watched three of her children attend Dallas College, Moran-Hernandez's daughter Jessaimee Moran is a 2022 Dallas College alumna. supporting their success while waiting for her turn.

She finally went back to Brookhaven in Fall 2023. At first the experience was daunting, and she questioned whether she had made the right decision. Fortunately, she had the support she needed.

“There are some really wonderful people at Dallas College who understand the struggles of working and learning,” said Moran-Hernandez.

Her success coach, Cheryl Parry, told her about earning CPL. Moran-Hernandes learned she could get credit for the skills and knowledge she gained on the job. She tested out of classes, submitted a portfolio to demonstrate her expertise, and received credit for professional development completed through the city.

Moran-Hernandez's daughter Latika Hernandez is a current Dallas College early college high school student. Dr. Tina Root, Dallas College senior managing director, alternative credit programs, worked with faculty to create a “crosswalk” that allows some of the city’s training coursework to convert into college credit.

“It’s great because a lot of people take these classes,” said Moran-Hernandez. “I’m telling everybody, ‘You should take the training because it will go toward a degree.”’

“Vasana was the very first person from the City of Dallas to earn credit for prior learning for their leadership training program,” said Root.

Moran-Hernandez said she can hardly believe she will complete her associate degree in business management this semester. She hopes more of her colleagues will consider Dallas College and Credit for Prior Learning.

With her years of service at the City of Dallas, combined with her soon-to-be-earned associate degree, she will now be qualified for an assistant director position with the city.

“Yes, I would love to get there but if it doesn’t happen just knowing that there’s no roadblock is a big step!” she said.

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