Prior Learning Assessment is a term used by educators to describe learning gained outside a traditional academic environment. Put another way, it’s learning and knowledge acquired while living your life. Learning through work, employer training programs, military service, independent study, volunteer or community service, and open source courseware study are all examples of where knowledge may be acquired. PLA is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life learning for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training. See how some of our students have used PLA to achieve their goals!PLA and academic success
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) recently conducted a study on PLA and adult student outcomes. The study examined data on 62,475 adult students at 48 colleges and universities across the country. CAEL found that students with PLA credit completed degrees at much higher rates than students without such credit. PLA students also had higher persistence rates and a faster time to completion.