Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

“Prior Learning” is non-college or experience based learning that has been attained outside the sponsorship of accredited post-secondary education institutions.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) includes learning acquired from work and life experiences; community and volunteer extension courses; individual study and reading; civic, community, and volunteer work; and participation in informal courses and in-service training sponsored by associations, businesses, government, professional organizations, and so forth. PLA is not awarded for EXPERIENCE but for college-level LEARNING, which entails knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained as a result of their prior learning experience.

Prior Learning Assessment Credit may be awarded by a variety of methods that include:

1. Standardized Tests
   1. College Level Examination Program. (CLEP)
   2. Advanced Placement. (AP)
   3. International Baccalaureate. (IB)
2. Institutional Challenge Examinations
   1. Examination equivalent to the comprehensive final exam.
   2. Examination may be written, oral, demonstration, or a combination of all three.
   3. Evaluated by an area dean or designated subject expert.
3. Published Guides
   1. American Council on Education (ACE) for military training and experiences.
   2. ACE (non-collegiate) for industrial and corporate training programs.
   3. Other published guides developed by nationally-recognized organizations.
4. Portfolio Assessment
   1. Portfolio requirements and assessments determined by college faculty for work or life experiences that meet the following criteria:
      1. The learning is demonstrable.
      2. Includes both theoretical and applied components.
      3. Are at the college level.
      4. Are equivalent to specific college course(s) in the student's program of study.

To be eligible to apply for PLA:

1. You must be an NJC student.
2. PLA credit must be directly applicable to your declared certificate or degree program as outlined in the NJC catalog.
3. Prior learning must be demonstrated and cover specific core competencies.
4. It is the student's responsibility to determine the transferability of PLA credits outside the Colorado Community College system.
5. Your NJC transcript will show class credit only; no grades are assigned to PLA credit.
6. You may receive PLA credit in any amount not to exceed 75% of the total credits required for your degree or certificate.
7. A student seeking PLA credit must contact the NJC Student Success Center to start the process.

Official cumulative, permanent records must be established and maintained for all students who have been awarded credit from prior learning experiences. Official NJC transcripts shall designate all credit earned through the prior learning process. Such credit shall be identified with a special course prefix, course number, and designated credit hour(s). All documentation used as a basis for credit awarded is to be maintained by the NJC Records Office.

The Registrar and applicable faculty will evaluate prior learning credit transferred from a regionally accredited institution.