Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Standardized Testing

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.

Academic Portfolio:

An academic portfolio is a method to document experiential learning that was not earned in a traditional setting or formally documented manner. Students may submit a comprehensive narrative documenting their competencies acquired from work, trainings, and life experiences for evaluation for academic credit

Academic Portfolio Process

• Student identifies competencies for which they want to earn college credit through an approved departmental course. 
• Student selects "Portfolio" on the PLA application found on the A-State website.
• Once the application has been submitted, the PLA coordinator will contact the student to explain the process in detail. 
• Students have the option to enroll Enroll in a 7-week self-guided, non- credit portfolio training course at no charge.
• Once the portfolio is completed, the PLA coordinator will submit the portfolio to the PLA committee.
• The PLA coordinator will contact the applicant via university email if he/she has been awarded credit.
• Students can earn no more than 12 credits through the portfolio process. 

Documentation:

Effective documentation is required and provides evidence and support of what the student knows. The documentation should be reflective of the learning experiences. Suggested examples of documentation may include but is not limited to (e.g., Licenses, Certificates, Job Descriptions/Classifications, Resume, Video of Fine Arts Performances, Artifacts).

Fee Structure:

Approved credit hours will be charged at 25% of the current A-State tuition per credit hour.

Students may be eligible to earn course credit to earn course credit for some licenses, certificates, military, and other credentials from outside organizations. Examples of professional licensure or credentials include:

• Real Estate
• EMT
• CNA
• On the job training/certification

Pre-Assessed Experiences Process

• Take an inventory of your knowledge and skills.
• Choose the areas you want to earn college credit
• Collect certificates, certifications, and/or licenses that verify you acquired knowledge.
• Complete the PLA application. On your application make sure you select Pre-assessed experiences as your method of PLA.
• Submit your verification documents to the PLA coordinator.
• The PLA coordinator will contact and submit documentation to the corresponding department in which you seek to earn PLA credit from.
• The PLA coordinator will notify the applicant via university email if he/she has been awarded credit.