Quick Highlights:
- You can get college credits for professional experience, reducing education time and cost.
- You can earn credits through portfolios, exams, military experience, and volunteer work.
- Policies and eligibility for PLA credits differ by college and state.
- Colleges may limit PLA credits and require certain credits to be earned directly from the institution.
- It is important to understand application processes, costs, and how credits align with degree requirements.
Table of contents
A prior learning assessment (PLA) can help you earn college credit for professional experience. You may be able to gain university credit for work experience in your past. Not sure if your experience counts? Colleges that offer PLA credits have a specific process to evaluate your work experience. This could be a portfolio review or even an examination that lets you show what you know.
Prior learning assessment policies will vary by location and college. In general, you can use your professional career and life experiences to reduce the education requirements required for you to graduate. We highlight some of the different processes used by universities and give you some tips for how you can get college credit for work and life experiences.
Related:
- 10 Best Colleges for Work Experience Credit
- 25 Best Colleges for Jobs
- The Value of Gaining Work Experience Before Grad School
- How Prior Learning Assessment Can Fast-Track Your Degree
Importance of PLA for Returning Students
PLAs are important for a variety of reasons. Maximizing college credits through experience will decrease the time you must invest in college. You can also reduce college costs with work experience. Depending on the location of your college, these PLA programs can help you focus on your education without sacrificing your career or family life.
Colleges have many different ways to determine credit for experience. Some of the most popular ways to assess students are through:
- certifications
- corporate training
- community projects
- hobbies
- professional experiences
Through these programs, you can minimize the time you spend on your degree. You can also increase your odds of successfully completing your degree. Many students also get a sense of personal validation when a college decides to give them credit for their life and work experiences.
Comparing PLA Policies Across Universities
Because each college is influenced by various laws and institutional policies, you’ll find that the administrative process and requirements will vary from one school to another. Currently, 27 states have policies related to prior learning credits based on legislation or institutional programs. To learn how to get college credit for work and life experience, you’ll need to look up how PLA policies are handled at your specific university program.
Eligibility Criteria
The purpose of prior learning assessment policies is to boost college completion rates for all students. Many of these programs are designed to be inclusive and meritocratic so that individuals of every background can excel in their academic programs. Eligibility criteria for PLA programs can vary between each state and institution.
Typically, students are eligible for PLA credits based on their:
- life experience
- work history
- volunteer involvement
- certifications
For instance, your college may allow you to receive PLA credits for passing a College Credit by Examination (CLEP) test. Each school is different, so it’s important to look up the exact eligibility requirements set by your institution.
In order to receive PLA credits, you may also need to submit the following information.
- Test scores
- Placement tests
- Application for PLA credits
- Resume or proof of work experience
- PLA application fees
Types of PLA Credits
Through an in-depth understanding of common PLA eligibility criteria and assessments, you can learn what is required to obtain credits. These methods will vary between colleges and programs, so speak with your academic counselor about the process. By demonstrating your abilities and comprehension, you can avoid taking some of the coursework in your degree.
With PLA credits, you can earn university credit for work experience, tests, and life experience.
Portfolio Assessments: Earn college credit for professional experience by giving your school resumes and other proof of your work experience and portfolio projects.
Military Experience: Skills gained in the military can be applied to your academic career,
CLEP, Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, and Standardized Tests: There are several different standardized tests you can take that will qualify you for additional college credit.
Program Examinations: These are similar to standardized exams, but they are typically created by collegiate faculty to determine if you have comprehensive knowledge of the college’s curriculum.
Volunteer Experience: Your work with community service and charitable institutions demonstrates your knowledge and abilities.
Credit Limits and Restrictions
PLA credits in colleges and universities allow you to accrue credits toward your degree. Unfortunately, there are restrictions that prevent you from getting a degree based solely on your professional experience. Because every college is held to different legal standards and has unique policies, you will have to speak with your college or department to determine these limitations.
For example, the college may limit you to a set number of PLA credits. Many schools require you to get at least half of your credits from the university. There may be requirements about using PLA credits for your major or upper-level coursework. You may also need to apply for PLA credits before formally starting your degree.
What to Look for in PLA Policies
As you research the best universities for PLA credit, you should compare the policies and requirements at each school. Application deadlines, reasons for rejection, and appeal processes can all vary from college to college. Compare university PLA policies by examining the application process and determining if they accept your personal experiences.
Take a look at these factors when you review prior learning assessment policies.
Transparency and Support: Clear guidelines and administrative support will provide you with the information you need to successfully use PLA programs and apply for credit.
Alignment With Degree Requirements: When you earn college credit for professional experience, you’ll want to know how those credits will be applied to your degree requirements.
Costs Associated With PLA: Getting PLA credits in colleges may require fees. For example, you can find schools on the lower end of the cost spectrum, like Hill College, that just charge $25 to assess each credit.
Questions to Ask When Evaluating PLA Policies
As you learn how to get college credit for work experience, the most important thing you can do is to learn about your institution’s PLA process. Because laws differ from state to state, you should research how your state’s laws will impact getting PLA credits. Speak with admissions administrators or PLA coordinators to learn the steps for getting your PLA credits evaluated.
Ask your college the following questions about PLA policies.
- How are credits evaluated? Who makes the subjective determination?
- What documents and steps are required to get university credits for professional experience?
- How has the PLA process been for other students? Did other students find that the process was relatively easy?
Preparing for PLA
As you consider a college education, take some time to learn how to accelerate degrees with PLA programs. By building a resume or portfolio to prove your experiences to prospective colleges, you will be able to secure university credit for work experience. Getting information about PLA credits can be difficult, so you should research this information before applying for PLA examinations.
The following tips can help you enjoy the benefits of prior learning assessment opportunities.
- Guide your professional experience so that it aligns with the coursework you will need to take.
- Create a portfolio with relevant information and documentation to show assessors that you understand the college curriculum.
- Study for any examinations or practicals that you need to take to get credit.
Get Ready for PLA Credits
Now that you understand how to get college credit for work, it is up to you to apply this knowledge. Because you can earn college credit for professional experience or personal projects, you should work on building comprehensive examples of your work. PLA credits in colleges and universities can help reduce the time and effort it takes to get your degree.
Prior learning assessment policies will vary from state to state and college to college, so you will need to speak with your institution about what you need to do. Because university credit for work experience is so valuable, you should take your time and research PLA options before you apply for a degree program.