Prior Learning Assessment

What is Prior Learning Assessment

According to the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), “Prior Learning Assessment is a term used to describe learning gained outside a traditional academic environment. Put another way, it’s learning and knowledge your students acquire while living their lives: working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, volunteering or doing community service, and studying open source courseware. In short, PLA is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life learning for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training.”

Watch this 2-minute video to learn more about PLA:

 

Why Prior Learning Assessment?

Prior learning assessment can help working and retired professionals:

• Enhance their resumes with college credit.
• Earn college credit towards a degree of their choice.
• Get ahead in or re-enter the workforce.

 How Can I Avail of the Prior Learning Assessment Program?

At Northern Marianas College, you can take the next step towards advancing your education and career with the College’s Prior Learning Assessment program.

• Review the College’s degree programs available (including business, nursing, education, criminal justice, liberal arts, and natural resources management) at www.marianas.edu. Once you have identified a degree program in which you would like to earn credit, obtain and submit transcripts you may have from prior college coursework at any college or university.
• Meet with a College advisor and assemble an individualized degree plan (IDP) for your respective degree program.
• Enroll in the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio Development (BE 200 Course), which will provide a means to award credit for prior learning experiences also known as experiential learning.

How Many Credits can I Earn?

Students enrolled in this program may receive up to 30 credit hours toward degree completion.

Is the Prior Learning Assessment Program for Me?

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program is ideal for adult students who wish to complete a degree while working in their careers. The typical student enrolling in this program is generally 25 years or older with at least five-years of work experience and meets the general admission requirements of the college. Students who enter the program are expected to adhere to college requirements as outlined in policy and admission guidelines of the PLA, must be able to understand and use the conventions of standard written English, must be able to access and navigate information online, and submit the portfolio for assessment and evaluation that will demonstrate, explain, and verify that there is undergraduate or graduate level learning that could be awarded credit.

• Christine Aldan

  Program Manager II (Prior Learning Assessment)

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