Did you know you can transfer up to 105 academic credits for a Bachelor’s degree? Your past experiences could give you a big boost towards your degree. With prior learning assessment, you can use your work, training, and real-world skills to speed up your graduation.
Prior learning assessment (PLA) lets students get college credits for what they’ve learned outside the classroom. It checks your past learning and gives you credits for your degree program. This saves you time and money. By using these credits, you can finish school quicker and pay less tuition.
Key Takeaways
- Prior learning assessment (PLA) enables you to earn college credits for work, training, and life experiences
- PLA can significantly reduce the time and cost required to complete your degree program
- Several methods are available to earn credits through PLA, including exams, portfolios, and evaluations
- Military-connected students can often receive academic credit for their military training and service
- Researching your college’s PLA policies and documentation is key to maximizing your credit opportunities
What is Prior Learning Assessment for Degree Credit?
Prior learning assessment (PLA) lets students get college credits for their life experiences. It looks at what they’ve learned outside the classroom and gives them credits for their degree. This saves them time and money in their studies.
PLA values learning that’s not just from school. It looks at all the learning experiences students have had. This way, students can move faster towards getting their degree. They use what they already know and have learned.
Earning Credits Through Prior Learning Assessment
Students can get college credits through PLA in different ways, such as:
- Standardized exams like CLEP and DSST
- Portfolio assessments showing college-level learning
- Evaluating non-credit academic experiences and training
These methods let students prove they know the material and get credits for their degree. They don’t have to redo work they’ve already done through their prior learning and experiential learning.
| Credit Earning Limits | Maximum Credits Allowed |
|---|---|
| Portfolio Assessment | 15 credits |
| Departmental Examinations | 15 credits |
| Military Training and Service | 45 credits |
| Certificate and Licensure Evaluations | 15 credits |
Using life experience credits and non-traditional credits, students can cut down the time and cost to finish their degree. This makes going to college easier and more reachable.
Benefits of Earning College Credit through Prior Learning Assessment
Using prior learning credits can cut down the time and cost to finish a degree. Students can use what they already know and have done to move ahead faster. This means they can finish school quicker and pay less in tuition fees.
By getting college credit for their work and life experiences, students can cut the time to get their degree in half. This also helps them save a lot on tuition costs.
PLA has many benefits for students wanting to speed up their studies and cut costs. It lets students get credit for what they already know, helping them fast-track their way to graduation. This way, they can pay less in tuition fees.
- PLA can help students earn their degree up to two years faster than usual.
- Using PLA can save students up to $5,000 in tuition costs.
- Both undergrad and graduate students can use the comprehensive and respected PLA programs at many colleges and universities.
By using prior learning assessment, students can make the most of their academic progress and save money. This tool lets them turn their real-world experiences into academic credits. It helps them finish their degree faster and spend less overall.
“PLA is considered one of the most comprehensive and respected programs in higher education, helping students earn college credits for their work, training, and life experiences.”
Types of Experiences Eligible for Prior Learning Assessment
When it comes to prior learning assessment (PLA), you can count on three main areas: work experience, training experience, and life experience. These experiences can turn into college credits. This can help you move faster and save money on your degree.
Work Experience: Your past and current jobs, including military roles, can get you college credits. They show the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from your work.
Training Experience: Your past school and training, or even professional development programs, can be checked for credits. This includes any training you got while in the military.
Life Experience: Even your hobbies and other activities can be counted for PLA if they show you know a lot and you’ve been doing them for a long time. These can be many different things you enjoy doing.
Using your eligible experiences for prior learning assessment can get you college credits. This can save you time and money on your degree. Look into all the options and document your experiences well to get the most credits.
“PLA offers students an opportunity to translate their prior experiences into potential college credits, potentially leading to saving time and money on their degree.”
At the University of Phoenix (UOPX), they look at a lot of work experience, training experience, and life experience for PLA. They use portfolios, journals, and national tests to check your credits. This helps students get credits for what they already know and can do.
Methods of Earning College Credit for Prior Learning
If you want to speed up your degree, there are ways to earn college credits through prior learning. These options let you turn your real-world skills into academic credits. This can save you time and money on your education.
Standardized Exams: CLEP and DSST
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has been helping students for over 40 years. It offers 33 exams in various subjects. DSST exams are also available, giving you 3 credits per exam in subjects like business and math.
Portfolio Assessments
You can also earn credits by showing your college-level learning through a portfolio. LearningCounts.org helps you create a portfolio and get up to 3 credits per course. The cost ranges from $149 for independent study to $895 for instructor-led programs.
Evaluating Non-Credit Experiences
Your non-credit experiences and training could also get you college credits. Groups like the American Council on Education (ACE) and the University of the State of New York’s National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) check these experiences. They give advice on how many credits you can get at colleges.
Looking into these methods of prior learning assessment can help you finish your degree faster. You can turn your current knowledge and experiences into academic credits. This can save you time and money on your education.
Preparing for a Prior Learning Assessment
Getting college credits through a prior learning assessment (PLA) can save you time and money. It’s a big step towards finishing your degree. But, you need to plan and document your experiences well.
Creating a detailed portfolio is a key part of the PLA process. This portfolio should show your college-level learning. Include things like:
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors or mentors
- Samples of your work, like reports, presentations, or creative projects
- Detailed narratives outlining your past experiences and how they align with your academic and career goals
By documenting your experiences well, you show the assessment committee your learning. This can help you get more college credits. These credits can speed up your graduation.
When getting ready for a PLA, look into your school’s rules and what they expect. Some schools have special rules for portfolios. Knowing these rules early can make the PLA process smoother.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Students may apply for prior learning credit after completing | 12 graded UA hours in the New College LifeTrack Program |
| Regular ASK (Application to Submit Knowledge) evaluation fee | $500.00 |
| Modified ASK evaluation cost | No cost |
By preparing for prior learning assessment, documenting experiences, and developing a comprehensive portfolio, you can get more college credits. This can speed up your degree. The effort you put in now can really help later.
Prior Learning Assessment for Military Experience
Military-connected students can often get college credit for their training and service. The American Council on Education (ACE) suggests how many credits they should get for different military experiences. Students can show their military learning with their Joint Services Transcript (JST), which lists the courses they finished and jobs they had.
The prior learning assessment for military experience helps veterans use their training and experience to finish their degree faster. By sending in their Joint Services Transcript (JST), they can get ACE credit recommendations for their programs. This saves them time and money.
Maximizing Credit Opportunities for Veterans
To get the most credits through prior learning assessment, military-connected students should:
- Look into their college’s rules for giving credits for military experience
- Check their JST to find all eligible courses and training for credit
- Make a detailed portfolio of their military-gained knowledge and skills
- Work with academic advisors to make sure their prior learning assessment for military experience fits into their degree program
By doing these things, veterans can save a lot of time and money on their degree. They use their unique military background to their advantage.
“The ability to earn college credit for my military training and experience was a game-changer. It allowed me to complete my degree much faster and more affordably.”
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of military veterans with technical, administrative, and leadership training seeking college credit through Prior Learning Assessment | Data not provided |
| Ratio of potential tuition savings by obtaining course credit through PLA for military veterans | Varies depending on the number of credits granted |
| Occurrence rate of veterans having previous college credit or earning college credit while on active duty | Data not specified |
| Number of colleges a veteran may need to contact to get credit for previous coursework | Could range from one to multiple colleges |
| Frequency of requirement for course description when seeking credit for previous courses | Varies among different institutions |
Corporate Training and Professional Certifications
Your work training and professional certifications can also help you get college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) looks at these programs and makes recommendations on credits. Colleges often give credit for certifications that show you’ve learned a lot.
For instance, Capella University has a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. It looks at your work training, self-study, and professional certifications. You can get credit through industry certifications or by showing other prior learning experiences.
Franklin University also checks over 800 job-specific experiences for prior learning credit. Since 2017, students there have saved over $6 million by using prior learning credit. The university follows Ohio’s rules for career-technical credit transfer and checks experiences from accredited places.
| Certification | Eligible Programs | Potential Credits Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| CISSP® | BS in Business, MS in Information Assurance | 9 credits |
| SHRM®-CP/SCP | BS in Business, MS in Human Resource Management | 6 credits |
| PMP® | BS in Business, MS in Project Management | 6 credits |
The process of prior learning assessment looks at your professional training and certifications. It gives you college credit for a degree. Certifications from CompTIA, PMI, ISSA, and CREST can also get you college credit.
Using prior learning assessment for corporate training and professional certifications can save you time and money on your degree. This is thanks to the ACE credit recommendations from colleges and universities.
prior learning assessment for degree credit
Prior learning assessment (PLA) lets students get college credits for what they already know. It’s not just about how long they’ve been in class. This way, you can use your life experiences to speed up getting your degree.
Many schools have PLA programs, like Tennessee’s TimewiseTN. With TimewiseTN, you can get up to 12 credits at once. You do this by showing you know college-level stuff through exams or other ways. This can cut down the time and money it takes to finish your degree.
It’s important to make sure your past knowledge fits with your degree. Your experiences must match the degree you’re going for. Talk to your school to see what they accept and what you need to do.
PLA works well with online programs too, like LSU Online. They take transfer credits and give credit for things like professional certifications or military training. So, if you have things like AWS Cloud Practitioner or Certified Financial Planner, they can help you get closer to your degree.
“Earning college credit through prior learning assessment can help you save time and money on your degree. By leveraging your existing knowledge and skills, you can accelerate your path to graduation.”
To get the most out of PLA, do a formal degree audit and talk to your college’s advisors. With the right steps, you can get important credits and get closer to your goals faster.
Maximizing Credit Opportunities
To earn credits through prior learning, students should act proactively. They should look into their college’s policies, check out different assessment options, and document their experiences. This helps them make the most of their knowledge and skills.
Understanding the prior learning assessment process at their college is key. Students can then see what knowledge and skills they have that can get them credits. This can cut down the time and cost to finish their degree.
Research College Policies
Start by researching your college’s policies on prior learning credits. Learn about the requirements and steps for assessment. This way, you’ll know which methods are accepted and how credits work.
Explore Assessment Options
After learning about your college’s policies, look into the assessment options. You might find exams, portfolio reviews, or assessments of non-credit training. Pick the method that fits your experiences best.
Document Your Experiences
It’s important to document your experiences, no matter the assessment method. Collect things like certificates, transcripts, or work samples to show your learning. This will make your case stronger for getting credits.
By doing these things, you can turn your prior learning into credits. This saves time and money on your way to graduation.
“Awarding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) helps increase feelings of belonging, accelerates progression into major courses, and significantly boosts completion rates for students.”
Choosing a College with Prior Learning Assessment
When picking a college or university, it’s key to look for ones with strong prior learning assessment (PLA) programs. These schools help students earn more credits for what they already know and have done. This means students can finish their degrees faster and pay less tuition.
Over 2,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. accept CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) credits. They offer 33 different tests across many subjects. Each test costs about $89, making it a smart way for students to get college credit for what they already know.
Some PLA-friendly institutions also give credit for job training, professional experience, or military service. For example, Ivy Tech gives credits to students with certain qualifications or skills from before.
- Up to 30 college credits can be obtained through Prior Learning Assessment.
- Students have the potential to be awarded up to 18 credit hours for specific work experience.
- Credit for Prior Learning can be equivalent to over half a year of college (6 classes).
When looking at accelerated degree programs, check each college’s PLA policies. They can differ a lot. Some colleges might accept more PLA credits than others. Others might use different ways to assess prior learning, like portfolios or competency exams.
| Assessment Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| CLEP non-essay exam | $100 |
| CLEP essay exam | $107 |
| PLA Portfolio Credit | $50 per submission |
Choosing a college with a strong PLA program can cut down the time and cost to get a degree. It makes the most of what students already know and have done.
The Future of Prior Learning Assessment
The world of higher education is changing fast, and prior learning assessment (PLA) is becoming more important. It helps students turn their life experiences into college credit. This shift means students will have more control over their education.
PLA is linked to the growth of alternative credentials and skills-based hiring. In the U.S., there are over 549,000 non-degree credentials available. A 2020 survey found 62% of adults would choose skills training over traditional degrees if given the chance. PLA will be key in helping students use what they already know.
Studies show that students with prior learning credit are more likely to finish their degrees. Programs like Compete LA aim to help 650,000 Louisiana residents finish what they started. With fewer students going straight to college, PLA can help increase enrollment and improve success rates.
- PLA can boost student completion, with research showing a 17% increase in the likelihood of adult students’ completion.
- PLA has had a particularly positive impact on underserved students, with a 24% increase in completion for Hispanic students and a 14% increase for African American students.
- On average, adult completers with PLA had a shorter time to degree, saving 9-14 months.
Even with these benefits, not many students use PLA yet. We need more awareness and teamwork to make PLA more common. As education changes, using competency-based education and alternative credit pathways through prior learning assessment will help students and make education more fair and innovative.
“The future of higher education will be defined by the seamless integration of diverse learning experiences, with prior learning assessment serving as a powerful bridge between the classroom and the real world.”
Conclusion
Prior learning assessment (PLA) lets students get college credits for their work, training, and life experiences outside class. This process can cut down the time and cost to finish your degree. It also helps you see how your skills and background can boost your academic and career success.
Studies show that PLA students graduate at a rate two-and-a-half times higher than those without PLA. They finish their bachelor’s degrees about 2.5 to 10.1 months faster. This can greatly reduce your student loan debt, which is over $1.2 trillion in the U.S.
PLA is becoming more respected and accepted in higher education and the public sector. It’s a key strategy for helping more people finish their postsecondary degrees. By looking into different ways to earn college credit through PLA, you can make the most of your education and financial chances.
FAQ
What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
Prior learning assessment (PLA) lets students get college credits for their work, training, and life experiences. It checks a student’s prior learning and gives credits towards their degree. This saves time and money.
How can Prior Learning Assessment benefit students?
PLA can cut down the time and cost to finish a degree. Students use their knowledge and experience to move faster and graduate quicker. They also pay less in tuition fees.
What types of experiences are eligible for Prior Learning Assessment?
There are three main types of experiences eligible for PLA: work, training, and life experiences. Work experience covers current or past jobs, including military jobs. Training includes previous college courses and professional development. Life experience can also qualify if it shows college-level learning over a long time.
What methods are available for earning college credit through Prior Learning Assessment?
Students can earn college credit through PLA using exams like CLEP and DSST, portfolios, or by evaluating non-credit training.
How can students prepare for a Prior Learning Assessment?
To prepare, students need to document and organize their experiences. They should make a portfolio with things like letters of reference, work samples, and stories about their experiences and goals. This portfolio proves they’ve learned at a college level outside the classroom.
How can military-connected students earn college credit through Prior Learning Assessment?
Military students can get credits for their training and service. The American Council on Education (ACE) says how many credits they should get for different military experiences. They use their Joint Services Transcript (JST) to show what courses and jobs they did in the military.
Can workplace training programs and professional certifications translate into college credits?
Yes, workplace training and professional certifications can also get college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) checks these programs and says how many credits they should get. Colleges give credit for certifications that show they’ve learned at a college level.
How can students maximize their opportunities for earning credits through Prior Learning Assessment?
Students should look into their college’s PLA policies and options. They should document their experiences well. This helps them find and turn their prior learning into credits, saving time and money.
What should students consider when selecting a college or university for Prior Learning Assessment?
When choosing a college, look for ones with strong PLA programs. These schools help students earn more credits for what they already know, letting them finish faster and pay less in tuition.
Source Links
- https://sps.cuny.edu/academics/credit-prior-learning
- https://www.educationconnection.com/resources/how-to-earn-credit-for-college-with-life-experience/
- https://frederick-public.courseleaf.com/admission/pla/
- https://wsac.wa.gov/assessments-prior-learning
- https://post.edu/blog/pla-101-can-a-prior-learning-assessment-get-me-college-credit-for-work-experience/
- https://www.edcor.com/newsletter/advantages-prior-learning-assessment-benefits/
- https://www.highline.edu/academic-support/prior-learning-assessment/
- https://www.broward.edu/admissions/credit-for-prior-learning/prior-learning-assessment.html
- https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/what-is-pla.html
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/college-credit-with-plas/
- https://www.cuny.edu/academics/academic-policy/credit-prior-learning/
- https://learnon.ua.edu/current-students/prior-learning/
- https://egcc.edu/prior-learning-assessment/
- https://uwyo.libguides.com/c.php?g=725620&p=5765283
- https://www.capella.edu/cpl/
- https://www.franklin.edu/transferring-credit/types-transfer-credit/certificates-and-training-credit
- https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html
- https://tnreconnect.gov/Choose-a-Degree-College-Path/Prior-Learning-Assessment-Information
- https://online.lsu.edu/prior-learning-assessment/
- https://www.mus.edu/pla/index.html
- https://evolllution.com/the-importance-of-credit-for-prior-learning
- https://online.champlain.edu/blog/college-credit-life-experience
- https://www.wiche.edu/key-initiatives/recognition-of-learning/pla-advising/
- https://www.mydegreeguide.com/credit-for-prior-learning/
- https://www.ivytech.edu/admissions/credit-for-prior-learning/
- https://unbound.upcea.edu/innovation/alternative-credentialing/prior-learning-assessment-necessary-burden-or-future-proofing-strategy/
- https://www.wiche.edu/key-initiatives/recognition-of-learning/synthesis-brief/
- https://www.wiche.edu/key-initiatives/recognition-of-learning/pla-workforce-dev/
- https://www.cael.org/hubfs/CAEL_Reports/Future-of-PLA-Article.pdf
- https://ushe.edu/initiatives/prior-learning-assessment/
- https://www.acteonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Techniques-April2015-AcceleratedLearningPriorLearningAssessment.pdf
Leave a Comment