Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) empowers students to transform real-world learning from military service, job training, certifications, volunteer work, and language fluency into eligible college credit. By doing so, PLA can dramatically shorten the time to degree completion and lower overall educational expenses - a strong RoEDU™ strategy.
This guide walks you through how PLA works, how to qualify, and how to maximize the credits you receive.
PLA refers to a variety of evaluative methods colleges use to award academic credit for learning acquired outside traditional classroom settings. If you already possess college-level knowledge through work, training, or life experience, PLA enables you to bypass redundant coursework. Recognized sources of PLA credit often include military service, formal or informal work training, certifications, apprenticeships, and other non-traditional learning pathways.
Members of the armed forces (Active duty, reserves, or National Guard) can often convert documented training and occupational experience into credit accepted by colleges and universities.
Certifications from recognized providers (e.g., tech credentials, leadership training, safety certifications, etc.) may already be evaluated for credit by organizations such as ACE National Guide or NCCRS, making them eligible for PLA.
Standardized tests give learners the opportunity to “test out” of introductory college courses: exams such as CLEP or DSST are commonly accepted. Many exams cost under $100. Successful scores can replace entire courses.
If there is no existing exam or credential, you may compile a portfolio providing evidence of college-level learning. Portfolios can include work samples, project documentation, training records, employer verification, and reflective essays aligning your experience with course outcomes.
Some employer-based, government, or corporate training programs (e.g. public safety academies or specialized agencies) may already be assessed through ACE/NCCRS. These may be eligible for credit under PLA.
Step 1: Inventory Your Relevant Experience
Start by listing everything that might count for PLA - from military transcripts (e.g., JST or CCAF), professional certifications, workplace training, apprenticeships, corporate courses, to independent studies or specialized skills.
Step 2: Check Evaluation Guides
Consult resources such as the ACE National Guide or the NCCRS Directory to determine whether your training, certifications, or credentials have already been evaluated for academic credit and how many credits may apply.
Step 3: Align with Your Degree Plan
Reach out to your prospective or current college and ask what PLA options they accept, how PLA credits transfer, and whether they can apply toward general education, major requirements, or electives.
Step 4: Prepare & Submit Documentation
Depending on the PLA path, you might: submit a military transcript; send in certification documentation; register for a CLEP/DSST/TECEP exam; or compile a portfolio that includes evidence of college-level learning.
Step 5: Receive Credit on Your Transcript
Once accepted, PLA credits are recorded as transfer or prior-learning credits (not grades). These credits reduce the number of courses you need to complete to finish your degree.
PLA offers substantial savings in both time and tuition. For example:
Overall, adult learners may save $5,000–$20,000, while veterans and service members can save $12,000–$30,000. Time savings are often significant and many students finish their degrees 6–18 months faster.
For Active-Duty Military
Military transcripts (e.g., JST/CCAF), ACE-evaluated training, and credit-by-exam (especially when supported by military education benefits). Common degree paths: business, IT, cybersecurity, criminal justice, liberal studies.
For Veterans
JST transcripts, ACE/NCCRS-approved training, portfolios, and certifications.
For Working Adults
Industry certifications, employer-provided training, portfolios, and credit-by-exam are most effective.
For Career Changers
Combining portfolios with exams, and leveraging evaluated training or certifications helps maximize credits while transitioning fields.
Assuming Every School Accepts PLA
PLA policies are not universal. Always confirm with your college before investing time or money.
Failing to Match Experience with Degree Requirements
PLA credits only apply when they satisfy general education, electives, or major requirements. Ensure the credits align with your program map.
Submitting Weak Portfolio Documentation
Portfolios that lack firm evidence, such as formal records, project descriptions, or measurable outcomes, rarely result in credit. Focus on clear, outcome-based documentation.
Overpaying Instead of Testing Out
In many cases, credit-by-exam (e.g., CLEP or DSST) is cheaper and faster than portfolio assessment.
Ignoring Pre-Evaluated Training or Certifications
Many certifications, corporate trainings, and military courses are already reviewed by ACE/NCCRS. Failing to check these resources can lead to missed credit opportunities.
Return on Education (RoEDU™) measures the financial efficiency and life outcome gained from pursuing a degree compared to the total cost, time investment, and opportunity cost. PLA has one of the strongest positive impacts on RoEDU™ because it reduces both the expense and the time-to-completion; the two variables that most heavily influence student ROI.
Since PLA replaces courses you would otherwise pay for, every credit awarded directly increases your RoEDU™ score.
Students who earn 15–45 PLA credits typically see a double-digit increase in RoEDU™ because educational expenses drop significantly.
Faster completion creates substantial financial and career value. PLA often cuts 6–18 months off a bachelor’s degree and 3–12 months off an associate degree.
By finishing earlier, students:
This accelerated income benefit substantially elevates RoEDU™.
PLA stands out as a powerful way to convert real-world experience into tangible college credit. Whether you come from a military background, have accumulated job certifications, or have developed skills through on-the-job learning, PLA can fast-track your degree completion while cutting costs.