What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
Learning is a lifelong activity (see lifelong learning above). Many adults, who want to return to or attend college, seek credit for this lifelong learning in order to accelerate progress toward a degree or certificate. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a method whereby learning gained through an individual’s life is considered for credit toward a college degree program. A rising number of colleges and universities are conducting PLA to help these individuals earn college credit for their demonstrated learning. Credit is given by the institution depending on the criteria set by this PLA-offering institution. CAEL offers PLA training workshops to colleges and universities across the country and online. This training provides university staff and faculty assessors with the basic tools to assess an adult’s prior learning and its possible qualification for college credit.
