Credit for Prior Learning
What is a Prior Learning Assessment?
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning refers to prior learning assessment (PLA) as the process of earning college credit for college-level learning acquired from other sources, such as work experience, professional certification, or military training.
As the American Council on Education explains, "PLA awards credit for learning, not credit just for your experience. What is being evaluated for college credit is not your learning experience, but the knowledge you acquired and how that knowledge translates into specific college-level courses"
Some departments offer departmental challenge examinations for Prior Learning Assessment, which allow students who demonstrate satisfactory evidence of acquired knowledge from prior learning to receive course credit.
Students seeking permission to complete Prior Learning Assessment can begin the process by completing the appropriate form below.