PLA is a term used to describe learning gained outside of a traditional academic environment. It is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life learning for college credit, certification or advanced standing toward further education or training. The knowledge gained while living your lives: working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, volunteering or doing community service, and studying open source courseware can earn you college credits.
College Credits Awarded For:
- On the job training
- Independent study
- Military service
- Volunteer service
Process To Apply
- Process varies for each institution
- Student Portfolio development courses for approval (link)
- Standardized assessment tests
- ACE credit recommendations
- Learning Counts Action Plan
Benefits
- Less time to graduation
- More likely to graduate
- Save between $1,605-$6,000 over the course of earning a degree