Alternative Options to Earn Credit – Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) describes learning gained outside a traditional academic setting. It is knowledge that students acquire while living their lives. PLA is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life earning. Mant students have acquired college-level knowledge and skills through their day-to-day lives outside of the classroom.
Here are some examples:
- Did you study a foreign language in high school?
- Did you serve in the military or are you currently active duty?
- Do you volunteer or perform any kind of community service?
- Have you participated in professional development in the workplace?
- Do you have specialized skills or training?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for Prior Learning Assessment!
In addition to evaluating transfer credits, the Accelerated Adult Degree Program (AADP) at Chestnut Hill College encourages returning students to consider the PLA Program to accelerate degree completion. At Chestnut Hill College, students have several other options to earn credit for prior learning that include:
- Portfolio Assessment – Students work with an instructor to document the college-level learning that has been gained through workplace training including professional certifications. Well-documented college-level learning can earn up to fifteen college credits.
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) https://clep.collegeboard.org/. AADP recognizes fifteen-approved CLEP credits at the ACE recommended level. Each CLEP exam is equivalent to one three-credit course. CLEP credits are recorded on the academic transcript as transfer credits and are not calculated into the cumulative GPA.
- Challenge Exams – Students may challenge up to four approved courses after the successful completion of fifteen credits. Challenge Exam grades are calculated into the cumulative GPA; a grade of “C” or better must be achieved for credit to be awarded. Students are assigned an instructor, who prepares a comprehensive in-house exam for the student to prove competence in a specialized area.
- Military Training and Service – Formal evaluation of military training.
- Workplace Training – Formal evaluation of participation in workplace training.
- Internships – Students earn credit for structured workplace experiences. These activities are highlighted in a Learning Agreement signed by the Site Supervisor, the Faculty Supervisor, and the student.
The benefits of PLA for students include:
- Saves time and shortens the time to degree completion.
- Saves money by reducing tuition costs.
- Enhances their resume as prior learning adds value to existing skill sets.
- Gains understanding about the many different ways that we learn and how to apply that learning throughout life.
For more information and to take advantage of this program, contact Elaine R Green, Ed.D., PHMC Grant/SCPS Administrator at green@chc.edu or 215-248-7063.