How to Turn Your Work Experience into College Credit
Posted by
Jess Lyon on Tue, Feb 07, 2012 @ 05:06 PM
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that institutions use to evaluate and offer credit for prior learning outside the classroom in a variety of ways including professional responsibilities, civic and volunteer experiences, military and corporate training, and independent study.
The PLA is an incredible opportunity for many to apply their learning experiences toward a college degree and career advancement.
There are a variety of methods in assessing prior learning which include:
*Standardized exams offered by the College Board, Excelsior College Examination Program or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests Program
*American Council on Education (ACE) guides to credit recommendations for civilian and military training programs
*Evaluations of local training programs by local colleges, campus challenge exams
*Portfolio assessment of experiential learning
This PLA has the potential to save you, the student, tons of time, money and gets you back on the track to becoming a college graduate. A study by The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) found that students who were awarded academic credit for prior learning were more than twice as likely to graduate and to persist if they did not graduate when compared to their peers who received no credit.
More than half of all colleges offer prior learning so get started today!
