PLA Credit by Examination

Standardized Exams: Students may take a standardized exam to show proficiency of college level learning.

Examples of Standardized testing includes:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• College-Level Examination (CLEP)
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) (DSST)

Departmental Exams: Students may take a departmental exam in the form of an interview, oral presentation, a performance or demonstration, a written test, or a combination of formats. Departmental exams are developed and evaluated by faculty and/or Deans and Chairs. Exams should be taken prior to the student’s last semester of enrollment preceding graduation.

• Complete the PLA application. On your application make sure you select Exam as your method of PLA.
• Indicate on your application what department/course/exam you are seeking to acquire credit from.
• PLA coordinator will connect you to the department you wish to earn PLA credit from.
• PLA coordinator will help to assist you scheduling your departmental exam.
• The student who wishes to take a departmental challenge examination must pay a $50 non-refundable fee prior to taking each examination. An official form, “Request for Credit by Examination,” may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar.
• If applicant takes and successfully passes an exam, they will be awarded credit to their A-State transcript.