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Prior Learning Assessment FAQs
What is Prior Learning Assessment?
I never completed my degree, so how can I possess college-level knowledge?
Do most PLA students succeed?
How does the program work?
How many PLA courses does the College offer?
How can I determine if PLA is a good option for me?
What is Prior Learning Assessment?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a flexible, efficient way of earning college credits for college-level knowledge you have acquired outside a traditional college classroom. Thomas Edison State College has enabled thousands of adult learners to earn credit towards their degree based on college-level knowledge they have acquired outside the classroom. Credits earned through the PLA program are honored by many other colleges and universities throughout the country.
I never completed my degree, so how can I possess college-level knowledge?
Thomas Edison State College firmly believes that college-level knowledge, no matter how it is earned, warrants credit. We understand learning is life-long endeavor, and that that adults continue learning throughout their careers. Students draw on knowledge or skills gained from a wide variety of sources. Below is a list of common ways our students who have earned credit through the PLA program have acquired college-level knowledge:
• Full or part-time jobs
• Prior independent reading and study
• Training programs or in-service courses
• Volunteer work
• Cultural and artistic pursuits
• Hobbies and recreational pastimes
• Community or religious activities
• Military service
• Travel study
• Organizational memberships
Do most PLA students succeed?
Yes. More than 90 percent of our PLA applicants are successful in their attempts to earn college credits. While this is about the same success rate as in traditional classroom study as reported by conventional colleges, Thomas Edison State College believes it represents a more impressive achievement because PLA students are directing their own course of education to a much greater extent. While no two PLA candidates are exactly alike, those who succeed usually have the following elements in common:
I never completed my degree, so how can I possess college-level knowledge?
Do most PLA students succeed?
How does the program work?
How many PLA courses does the College offer?
How can I determine if PLA is a good option for me?
What is Prior Learning Assessment?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a flexible, efficient way of earning college credits for college-level knowledge you have acquired outside a traditional college classroom. Thomas Edison State College has enabled thousands of adult learners to earn credit towards their degree based on college-level knowledge they have acquired outside the classroom. Credits earned through the PLA program are honored by many other colleges and universities throughout the country.
I never completed my degree, so how can I possess college-level knowledge?
Thomas Edison State College firmly believes that college-level knowledge, no matter how it is earned, warrants credit. We understand learning is life-long endeavor, and that that adults continue learning throughout their careers. Students draw on knowledge or skills gained from a wide variety of sources. Below is a list of common ways our students who have earned credit through the PLA program have acquired college-level knowledge:
• Full or part-time jobs
• Prior independent reading and study
• Training programs or in-service courses
• Volunteer work
• Cultural and artistic pursuits
• Hobbies and recreational pastimes
• Community or religious activities
• Military service
• Travel study
• Organizational memberships
Do most PLA students succeed?
Yes. More than 90 percent of our PLA applicants are successful in their attempts to earn college credits. While this is about the same success rate as in traditional classroom study as reported by conventional colleges, Thomas Edison State College believes it represents a more impressive achievement because PLA students are directing their own course of education to a much greater extent. While no two PLA candidates are exactly alike, those who succeed usually have the following elements in common:
- They have a realistic view of their knowledge and its academic worth
- They research carefully to locate the course descriptions most appropriate to their
learning and educational needs - They pay attention to detail in gathering their evidence, preparing their narratives and
organizing their Prior Learning course materials - They seek help from their course mentors and maintain communication regularly
throughout the process to help ensure that their work results in a quality product
How does the program work?
Students typically demonstrate their college-level knowledge through a 12-week online PLA course, where a content expert, known as a mentor, guides students through the process of documenting their mastery of a subject. The assessment of course mastery is on a credit/no credit basis. No letter grades are assigned. In some cases, students may be able to complete the process in fewer than 12 weeks, and course completion timelines can be developed between students and their mentors.
How many PLA courses does the College offer?
The College offers more than 70 standard online PLA courses. In addition, students can develop an individualized PLA course if they wish to use the program to earn credit in a subject where no standard PLA course currently exists. View our PLA courses.
How can I determine if PLA is a good option for me?
To determine if you are a good candidate for the PLA program, Thomas Edison State College has developed a self-assessment guide. Access our PLA Self-Assessment Guide.
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