To grant credits towards a certificate, diploma, or degree for learning gained through work, training, or informal experience.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that enables people to gain recognition and credit for what they already know and can do. It involves the identification, documentation and assessment of learning acquired through informal or independent study, work experience, volunteering, non-credit courses and other life experiences.
The process of examining and documenting an adult student's prior learning experiences through a variety of methods, the most common of which are: Testing that demonstrates an understanding of college-level subjects. The types of tests available are: Advanced Placement Exams Challenge Exams (Designed and administered by specific departments within schools) CLEP (College Level Examination program) Exams ACT/PEP (American College Testing Service Exam) DANTES (Defense Activity for Non Traditional Education Support) Documentation that public sector, private business and/or armed services training which is recommended for college credit has been satisfactorily completed. Information regarding training which has been recommended for credit can be found in the following publications: ACE/CREDIT American Council on Education / College Credit Recommendation Service
The process of identifying and measuring skills and knowledge for the purpose of recognizing and giving credit for learning that has been acquired through formal or informal education or training, work or other life experience. PLA allows the evaluation of past learning against established academic or occupational standards so that recognition may be granted by an academic institution, occupational regulatory body, or employer.
assessment by some valid and reliable means, by a qualified specialist, of what has been learned through non-formal education, training, or experience, and that is worthy of credit in a course or program offered by an institution providing the credit.
A process available at some colleges and universities by which you can earn academic credit for what you already know and can do, though the formal evaluation of a experiential or prior learning portfolio that identifies, documents, and assesses significant college-level learning acquired through informal or independent study, work experience, community service, non-credit courses, and other life experiences. PLA is based upon the belief that college-level learning is not limited to the classroom.