What is Prior Learning Assessment?

Jones Hall Prior Learning Cess or PLA is a term used to draw learning gained exterior a traditional bookish environs. Put another way, it's learning and knowledge students learn while working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the armed services, studying independently, volunteering or doing customs service, and studying open source courseware.

In short, PLA is the evaluation and cess of an private's life learning for college credit, certification, or avant-garde standing toward further education or grooming.

PLA includes options such as:

  • Portfolio-based Assessments—Evaluations of student portfolios.

  • American Council on Education (ACE) Guides—Published credit recommendations for formal instructional programs offered by non-collegiate agencies, both civilian employers and the military

  • College Level Examination Programme (CLEP) Exams—Tests of college material offered by the College Board

  • DSST Credit by Examination Plan—Formerly known equally the DANTES Program, owned and administered by Prometric, tests knowledge of both lower-level and upper-level college material through 38 exams

  • Evaluation of Local Training—Program evaluations done by individual departments of non-collegiate instructional programs

  • Challenge Exams—Tests adult past one of the Colleges on campus to verify learning achievement

Before seeking credit for prior learning, please make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor, coordinator or chair of your program.  In addition, please consult the PLA FAQs for detailed data regarding PLA policies.

Delight note that when PLA credit is awarded, this change tin upshot in an increase in fees paid to your college.  Higher fees are based on academic standing (i.eastward. freshman, sophomore, junior, etc).