What Is Prior Learning Assessment?

Prior learning assessment is how colleges and universities evaluate knowledge you’ve gained outside traditional academic settings. If you’ve developed college-level skills through your job, military training, volunteer work, or independent study, PLA gives you a pathway to turn that learning into transferable college credits.

This isn’t a shortcut or a loophole. PLA requires you to demonstrate genuine mastery of course-level learning outcomes. You’re not getting credit for experience—you’re getting credit for verified, documented learning that matches what traditional students learn in the classroom.


PLA has been used by colleges for more than 50 years. The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) reports that adults who earn PLA credits are 17% more likely to graduate than those who don’t pursue credit for prior learning. Yet despite these benefits, approximately 9 out of 10 eligible students miss out on this opportunity simply because they don’t know it exists.

There are several pathways to earn credit for your prior learning, and the right method depends on your background and goals:

Standardized Credit-by-Exam: Programs like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST exams let you demonstrate knowledge in specific subject areas. CLEP offers 34 exams covering subjects from composition to calculus, with passing scores accepted at over 2,900 colleges. Each exam costs approximately $97, compared to hundreds or thousands of dollars for a comparable college course.

Portfolio Assessment: You compile documentation—work samples, training certificates, performance evaluations, and a reflective essay—showing how your experience meets specific course learning outcomes. A faculty member reviews your portfolio and determines if credit is warranted. This method works well for complex or specialized knowledge.

ACE-Evaluated Training: The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates workplace training programs, certifications, and military training and recommends appropriate college credit equivalents. If your employer’s training program has been ACE-evaluated, you may be able to transfer those recommendations directly to your college transcript.

Military Credit: The Joint Services Transcript (JST) documents all your military training with ACE credit recommendations. Over 2,300 colleges accept JST evaluations, and military members can access CLEP and DSST exams for free through DANTES.

The financial case for PLA is compelling. According to CAEL research, adult students who earn credit for prior learning save between $1,500 and $10,200 in direct tuition costs. Those with 12 or more PLA credits completed their degrees 9 to 14 months faster than students without PLA.

Consider the math: A single CLEP exam costs $97 and can earn you 3-12 credits depending on the subject. At a public university charging $400 per credit hour, passing one CLEP exam that awards 6 credits saves you $2,400 minus the $97 exam fee—a net savings of $2,303. At private institutions, the savings multiply dramatically.

Beyond direct cost savings, faster completion means you enter the workforce sooner. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with bachelor’s degrees earn a median of $1,543 per week compared to $930 for those with only a high school diploma. Every month you shave off your degree timeline, you gain higher earnings.

The 2020 CAEL-WICHE study of over 230,000 adult students found that credential completion was 22 percentage points higher among students with PLA credit than among those without. PLA doesn’t just save money—it dramatically improves your odds of actually finishing your degree.

Getting credit for your prior learning requires strategic planning. Schools vary widely in which PLA methods they accept, what minimum scores they require, and how many PLA credits can count toward your degree.

First, research your target school’s PLA policies thoroughly. Use the College Board’s CLEP College Credit Policy Search to find specific policies for each institution. Most schools limit PLA credits to 25-75% of your degree requirements and may not accept PLA for major-specific courses or residency requirements.

Next, gather documentation of your learning. For portfolio assessment, you’ll need training certificates, performance evaluations, work samples, job descriptions, and letters from supervisors. For military credit, request your Joint Services Transcript. For certifications, locate official documentation of any licenses or credentials you hold.

Then, meet with an academic advisor who specializes in adult learners or transfer credit. Many schools have dedicated PLA coordinators who can help you map your experience to specific courses and recommend the most efficient pathway.

Finally, prepare strategically. If you’re taking standardized exams, use official study guides and practice tests. The College Board offers free CLEP practice questions, and DSST provides exam fact sheets. Don’t underestimate these tests—they cover a full semester’s worth of material in 90-120 minutes.

PLA offers the greatest value to students who have substantial life and work experience but need formal credentials. Research shows particularly strong outcomes for several groups.

Working Adults: If you’ve spent 5+ years in your field, you’ve likely developed college-level knowledge through on-the-job training, professional development, and practical application. CAEL research shows PLA completion benefits are highest for adults at community colleges (25% more likely to graduate) and for Pell Grant recipients (19% more likely to graduate).

Military Service Members and Veterans: Your military training has likely already been evaluated for college credit equivalencies. The Joint Services Transcript provides a ready-made pathway to PLA credits, and DANTES funds exam fees for active-duty personnel. Over 28,000 military courses and occupations have been reviewed by ACE for credit recommendations.

Career Changers: If you’re pivoting fields, PLA lets you get credit for transferable skills while focusing your coursework on new domain knowledge. Someone moving from military logistics to supply chain management, for example, might test out of general education requirements while taking specialized courses in their new field.

Self-Directed Learners: If you’ve pursued independent study through books, online courses, MOOCs, or open courseware, portfolio assessment or standardized exams can validate your knowledge for formal credit.,

You might hesitate to pursue PLA because of misconceptions about how it works or how it’s perceived. Here’s the truth about common concerns.

“Employers won’t respect PLA credits.” Your transcript shows credits and grades, not how you earned them. Employers care about your degree and what you can do—not whether you sat in a classroom or demonstrated competency through assessment. A CLEP credit in accounting appears identical to a traditional course credit.

“PLA is easier than taking courses.” PLA is different, not easier. Standardized exams compress a semester’s material into a 90-minute test with no partial credit for almost-right answers. Portfolio assessment requires substantial documentation and reflection. You must demonstrate genuine mastery, not just exposure.

“Graduate schools won’t accept my degree.” Graduate admissions focus on your GPA, prerequisite completion, and preparedness for advanced study. How you earned your undergraduate credits rarely factors into admissions decisions. What matters is that your credits come from an accredited institution.

“PLA credits won’t transfer.” This is a legitimate concern worth investigating. PLA credits transfer similarly to regular credits—some schools accept them, others don’t. Check transfer policies before investing significant effort in PLA, especially if you plan to transfer before completing your degree.