HOW TO...

Promote Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) To Your Employees

What is it?

Prior Learning Assessment is the assessment and validation of work-based prior learning and competencies for the award of college credit.

How does it work?

Prior Learning Assessment can help your employees determine if they are eligible to receive credit for their work experience when returning to college, thus saving both you and your employees time and money. Post-secondary institutions may use a variety of ways to determine college credit:

• Student Portfolios: Review examples of an applicant’s work or conduct one-on-one interviews
• Employer training: Evaluate employer training programs and/or professional development
• Challenge exams or customized exams: Colleges or their departments may offer exams to verify learning achievement
• CLEP Exams (College Level Examination Program):
  Tests college material and is offered by the College Board
• DSST Exams (formerly known as the Dantes program): Tests knowledge of both lower-level and upper-level college material
• ACE (American Council on Education) National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training: Recommends college credit equivalents for formal instructional programs offered by non-collegiate agencies, such as professional or trade associations.
  
• ACE (American Council on Education) Military Guide: Published credit recommendations for formal military training