Earning Credit through Prior Learning Experience

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the process of evaluating a student’s knowledge and skillset outside of a traditional college setting that can be used to award college credit towards the completion of a certificate or degree. PLA may be granted for education obtained through a variety of methods including Continuing Education mirror courses, industry certification, nonaccredited private and technical college coursework, military training, and credit by examination (departmental and national exams). Each educational institution establishes their own requirements for PLA credit and therefore may not accept PLA credit awarded by Alvin College as transfer credit. Additionally, credit awarded by other institutions may not be eligible for PLA credit at Alvin College. Students should review PLA requirements at each institution when considering transfer.

The evaluation of PLA credit is based upon the guidelines of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Alvin College. Credit may also be awarded based on recommendations contained in the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs (ACE Guide), published to the American Council on Education. This guide is in the Registrar’s Office, Pathways Advising Office, and the College & Career Pathways Office (CCPO).

Prior Learning Assessment credit will be evaluated and approved by the Department Chair, the Dean of the respective subject, and the CCP office.

General Criteria

PLA credit will only be awarded as it applies to an active Alvin Collegeprogram of study.

• Student has paid for all fees associated with the review and/or assessment. Fees associated with PLA credit are waived for veterans with honorable or general conditions discharge.
• There is no charge for transcription of AP/CLEP/IBD/DSST PLA credit.
• PLA is noted with a grade of “S” for the semester hour value and is not calculated in the institution’s grade point average (GPA).
• Awarded PLA credit will not be counted towards the 15 college-level semester hours needed for residence for an Associate Degree, or the 11 college-level semester hours needed for residence in a certificate program.
• A maximum of 45 hours of PLA credit in any format may be awarded including all institutions previously attended or currently seeking to attend.

PLA Criteria for Departmental Exams, Skills Assessments, Industry Certifications, National Exams and Portfolios

• Student has successfully completed a minimum of 3 hours of Alvin College course work OR is currently enrolled after the census date of the requesting semester.

PLA Criteria for Military Credit

• PLA credit may be awarded when the student has successfully completed the Alvin College Admissions process and has submitted all Military documentation.

Requesting PLA Credit

• Complete PLA Application located in the Admission and College & Career Pathways offices (CCP) or http://www.alvincollege.edu/pathways/prior-learning-assessment/.
• Visit with Alvin College Department Chair to discuss PLA options. An unofficial Alvin College transcript should be available during the visit. Students may print a copy of the transcript through The POD.
• Submit application to the CCP office for review of student eligibility and criteria verification.
• Pay required fees to the Alvin College cashier’s office. There is no charge for transcription of AP/CLEP/IBD/DSST and Military PLA credit. There is a $10 per credit hour assessment fee for departmental exams and a $100 fee for each skill assessment.
• CE mirror classes carry the same tuition and fees as credit classes.
• Follow submission directions printed on PLA application according to the form of credit for which you are applying.

Types of Prior Learning Assessment

PLA-Continuing Education Mirror Courses

Mirror courses are taken through the Continuing Education Department for non-academic credit only (also known as a unit). Students interested in pursuing an academic degree can petition for PLA credit which would convert the CE unit to an academic credit.

• Students enrolling in a mirror class with known intent to request conversion to academic credit should take the class for academic credit.
• CE mirror classes linked will carry the same tuition and fees as credit classes.
• Students wanting academic credit for CE units should complete the PLA application available in the Admissions or College and Career Pathway Office; and submit to the CCP office for criteria approval.
• Approved applications will be submitted to the Registrar’s office for official evaluation and transcription.
• Academic credit will count as resident credit.

PLA-Credit for Military Service

PLA credit for prior military service/training is available to eligible veterans when the following criteria are met:

• PLA credit may be awarded when the student has successfully completed the Alvin College Admissions process and has submitted all Military documentation.
• Graduated from an accredited public or private high school or a school operated by the US Department of Defense;
• Honorably discharged with a minimum two years of service in the armed forces or was discharged because of a disability.
• Students wanting credit for military service should complete the PLA application available in the Admissions or College and Career Pathway office; and submit to the CCP office for criteria approval.
• Students should submit approved applications and supporting documents to the appropriate Department Chair for review.
• Honorably discharged or discharged under general conditions with a minimum two years of service in the armed forces or was discharged due to a disability.

The college will automatically award the following upon the student’s request:

• Two hours of physical activity credit from the DD214;
• Academic course credit directly equivalent and applicable to the student’s major from the military transcript (AARTS, SMART, CCAF), based on ACE Guide recommendations.

Students are eligible for a minimum of 12 hours of college elective credit to satisfy elective course requirements in the student’s degree program.

PLA-National Credit by Examination

PLA credit by examination offers students an opportunity to earn credit for previous knowledge and skills made evident by passing the exam. Types of national examinations considered for credit include Advanced Placement (AP) tests, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Dantes (DSST) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Content of any examination must be equivalent to a course in the current course catalog of the College. Required scores for each national exam accepted are published below. After taking the selected national exam, students wanting PLA credit should:

• Successfully complete the Alvin College admissions process.
• Request the testing company to send your official AP or IBD scores to the Registrar’s Office via mail or electronically to registrarsoffice@alvincollege.edu. Note: CLEP exams are available at Alvin College. Students do not need to request submission of scores to Admissions if taking the exam at Alvin College.
• Complete the PLA application and submit directly to the Registrar’s office for review and approval.
• Students will be notified by the Registrar’s office once credit has been transcribed.

DSST Exams (DANTES)

Departmental Credit by Examination

Departmental Credit by Examinations are available in certain disciplines. Students will be encouraged to take the national exam for academic courses that have been approved and are listed in the catalog. Technical programs may require additional skills assessment to demonstrate mastery of the skills being assessed. 

The student must:

• Check with the Department Chair to determine if a departmental examination is offered or visit the College & Career Pathways website for the list of exams.
• Complete the PLA application and submit to the CCP office for criteria approval.
• Pay the PLA exam fee ($10 per credit hour and $100 per skill assessment) prior to attempting the exam.
• Schedule exam with the Department Chair.

Industry Certifications and Career Portfolios

Experiential learning (life experiences) will be considered for credit. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills assessment if applicable by opting to take a national or departmental examination. Students desiring to earn PLA credit in this category should follow the steps as outlined above.

• Visit Alvin College Department Chair and review identified opportunities online.
• Students presenting certificates earned on the job should:
• Complete the PLA application and submit to the CCP office for criteria approval.
• Pay the PLA exam and/or skill assessment fee prior to attempting the examination or having industry certificate reviewed.
• Submit application and all supporting documents to the appropriate Department Chair for review.

Credit by Exam - Advanced Placement / CLEP

Advanced Placement

CLEP

• CLEP general exams are not accepted.
• Credit will be evaluated from an official score report sent directly to the Registrar’s Office from the testing service.
• Credit will be based upon Alvin College recommended passing scores. A letter grade of S (satisfactory) will be awarded.
• There is no charge for this service; request evaluation of scores for credit with the Registrar’s Office.