Students!

Prior Learning Assessment can save you time and money. As you enter a degree or certificate program, these five methods depend on having a qualified academic advisor to help you, as well as time and effort of your part. Not all methods apply equally to all programs, but be sure to ask about PLA as you enter a new program.

Programs

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process of identifying and measuring previous learning that has the potential to receive academic credit as part of a degree or certificate program.

Colleges use 5 methods to document and evaluate the prior learning (PLA) of an adult student:

Transfer credit — this is documented from your previous transcripts that are sent to a university.
Challenge Exams (Credit by Examination) — colleges and universities develop internal examinations for many of their courses that you can take to demonstrate that you've mastered the content of a particular course.
Standardized National Exams — The College Board has developed exams that are part of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES (for military training). These tests are administered at a formal testing center, and credits will be accepted into degree programs at many universities. For more information see:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/exams.html
American Council on Education (ACE) — ACE has evaluated many military and corporate training programs and has published guidelines of credit recommendations for adults who have completed these programs. Academic advisors at colleges and universities use ACE recommendations for credit in advising new students.
Portfolio — Through an instructor-led course (either face to face or online) an adult student can develop a portfolio that demonstrates past learning experiences and outcomes. The Student Portfolio is then evaluated by faculty members and recommendations are made about the amount and content area of credit to be awarded. Many colleges offer Portfolio Development courses.


Programs Telecom Technologies Courses of Interest Requirements Prior Learning Assessment Financial Aid			Students! Prior Learning Assessment can save you time and money. As you enter a degree or certificate program, these five methods depend on having a qualified academic advisor to help you, as well as time and effort of your part. Not all methods apply equally to all programs, but be sure to ask about PLA as you enter a new program. Programs - Prior Learning Assessment Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process of identifying and measuring previous learning that has the potential to receive academic credit as part of a degree or certificate program. Colleges use 5 methods to document and evaluate the prior learning (PLA) of an adult student: Transfer credit — this is documented from your previous transcripts that are sent to a university. Challenge Exams (Credit by Examination) — colleges and universities develop internal examinations for many of their courses that you can take to demonstrate that you've mastered the content of a particular course. Standardized National Exams — The College Board has developed exams that are part of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES (for military training). These tests are administered at a formal testing center, and credits will be accepted into degree programs at many universities. For more information see: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/exams.html American Council on Education (ACE) — ACE has evaluated many military and corporate training programs and has published guidelines of credit recommendations for adults who have completed these programs. Academic advisors at colleges and universities use ACE recommendations for credit in advising new students. Portfolio — Through an instructor-led course (either face to face or online) an adult student can develop a portfolio that demonstrates past learning experiences and outcomes. The Student Portfolio is then evaluated by faculty members and recommendations are made about the amount and content area of credit to be awarded. Many colleges offer Portfolio Development courses.