The CF accepts that military personnel may have civilian training, education or experiential learning acquired prior or during military service that may be equivalent to that provided by military courses. Recognition of this prior learning could save training resources and provide member with advanced standing.

The Canadian Forces Military Equivalencies Program (CFMEP) recognises equivalent non-military training, education and experiential learning by granting military qualifications. The Canadian Defence Academy provides central coordination services for the program. This arrangement is designed to optimise potential training delivery alternatives with community colleges and to promote national standards in training and education, prior learning assessment and the portability of credits.

The CFMEP is governed by the DAOD 5031-1.