Prior Learning Assessment
Earn college credit for what you know and can do
Have you dreamed of completing a degree begun long ago? Is it overwhelming to consider beginning or returning to school after being out of the system for several years? The process may not be as formidable as you may think! You may be able to earn college credit for what you know and can do. Through job related skills and training, independent study, volunteerism, travel, reading, listening, observing, trying new skills, you have continued to grow and learn.
What is prior learning assessment?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that enables learners to demonstrate what they have learned, usually through life and work experiences, and have that learning assessed for college credit.
What departments offer PLA?
Most departments offer the option of challenging courses; however, not all courses are challengeable. At Edmonds CC, most credit for prior learning is awarded on a "course equivalency" model. That means that if your learning meets the specific outcomes of an Edmonds CC course, you have the opportunity to " challenge" the course. Learning that does not meet the outcomes of a specific Edmonds CC course may be validated through a special project that may result in elective credit.
How will I earn college credit?
You will be assessed through the course challenge process that will determine the degree to which you have met the learning outcomes of the course challenged. This could be a test but it could also be a demonstration, written documentation, oral interview, or other appropriate method by which the assessor determines your understanding of the subject matter. If you have taken courses at other institutions or received training through military or apprenticeship programs, you might also request an evaluation of your transcripts to determine possible "transfer in" credit.
What kind of learning is appropriate?
Knowledge that is current and corresponds to courses taught at the college may be assessed for college credit. Your level of competence should be comparable to that of students in regular courses, including both theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject. It must be possible to evaluate what you know and can do.
What are the benefits of pla?
You will build on what you already know and can do thus avoiding duplicating coursework already completed outside of the traditional classroom.
Often, the time to degree completion is shortened and expenses are reduced.
The combination of prior or experiential learning with classroom learning provides a more coordinated program of study.
How many credits can I earn?
Current accreditation standards suggest that no more than 25% of the credits earned through PLA processes may be applied toward degrees or certificates. Departments may have their own guidelines.
Will the credits transfer to other colleges?
Many colleges and universities accept credits earned through course challenges. To avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you check with the receiving institution before beginning the course challenge or special project processes.
How do I begin?
Review the descriptions of the courses offered at Edmonds CC. To determine if the course you would like to challenge is challengeable, meet with an academic adviser or the department head of the program in which the course is offered. If it is challengeable, obtain a copy of the learning outcomes of the course including the name of the most recent textbook used. Inquire about the method(s) that will be used to assess your knowledge. Obtain the course challenge or special project from registration and follow the steps outlined.
What will this cost?
At the present time, Course Challenges and Special Projects are not state-funded. A self-supporting fee of $175 is charged for each course challenge. There is no refund for unsuccessful challenges. The fee for a Special Project is based upon the number of contracted credits for the project. Should fewer credits be awarded, a refund will be made minus the non-refundable assessment fee which is equal to the cost of three resident credits.
For more information:
Contact Pam LeMay, PLA Director,
at (425) 640-1809 or plemay@edcc.edu
