About Prior Learning Assessment
NOTE: This option is not approved for Financial Aid or Veterans’ Benefits.
Overview
Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a flexible, efficient way of earning college credits for college-level knowledge you have acquired through expertise developed outside the classroom. Thomas Edison State University has already helped thousands of adults save countless in-class hours by earning credits based on their college-level knowledge acquired beyond the classroom. Moreover, these credit awards are honored in transfer by many other colleges and universities throughout the country.
PLA operates on the philosophy that college-level learning, no matter how it is gained, may warrant consideration for credit. Therefore, nearly any area of learning can be converted into college credit as long as it is corresponds to what is taught in a course at a regionally accredited college or university, and you can demonstrate your expertise in it through the portfolio process.
With portfolio courses, you work with a mentor to determine what materials are appropriate for you to demonstrate college-level knowledge of the course content and outcomes. These courses require that the mentor approve credit based on prearranged criteria. No letter grade is assigned when credit is earned for PLA. To earn credit through PLA, select a course in the subject in which you plan to demonstrate college-level knowledge. As a PLA student, you will demonstrate college-level knowledge of this subject by creating a PLA electronic portfolio, or e-portfolio. You have one 12-week semester in which to complete your PLA e-portfolio, which is developed under the guidance of a mentor. The narrative and supporting documentation compiled during the PLA will serve as proof of your college-level expertise and the value it has in the academic world. Such documentation can include evidence of learning gained from a wide variety of sources, but these are some of the most common sources used for Prior Learning Assessment:
- full- or part-time jobs
- prior independent research
- training programs or in-service courses
- volunteer work
- cultural and artistic pursuits
- hobbies and recreational pastimes
- community or religious activities
- study abroad