REIMAGINE GETTING CREDIT FOR WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
Save Time. Save Money. Move Forward
REIMAGINE GETTING CREDIT FOR WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW Save Time. Save Money. Move Forward
SAVE MONEY & GRADUATE FASTER
Earning credit for what you already know helps you:
Save money � PLA credits cost far less than tuition for traditional coursework.
Save time � Reduce your course load and complete your degree or certificate faster.
Stay motivated � Get recognition for what you檝e already achieved and focus on what檚 next.
Thousands of adult learners, transfer students, and veterans have advanced their careers by converting prior learning into college credit at 91视频.
WHAT IS PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA)?
At 91视频, we recognize that learning happens everywhere, not just in the classroom.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the process that allows you to earn college credit for college-level learning gained outside of a traditional academic setting.
Your knowledge, skills, and experience, whether gained through work, military service, certifications, training, or community service can translate into real college credit toward your degree or certificate.
91视频檚 PLA process follows Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) guidelines to ensure your experience is evaluated consistently and fairly, helping you reach your goals faster and at lower cost.
PLA CREDIT DETAILS
Earn college credit by demonstrating what you already know on nationally recognized exams or a 91视频 challenge exam (available for select courses). This option can help you save money and finish faster by skipping classes you have already mastered.
Exams considered for credit:
- CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
- DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
- AP (Advanced Placement)
- 91视频 Challenge Exams (select courses)
Typical subject areas: introductory math, writing/composition, business, social sciences, and natural sciences (availability varies by exam and program).
How it works: Achieve the qualifying score set by 91视频/TBR and the corresponding course credit is awarded攕o you can move directly toward your degree.
Turn your professional, military, or technical training into college credit.
Submit documentation of formal training, licensure, or certification that has been
pre-evaluated and approved for credit toward your 91视频 program.
Examples include:
- Military Training and Experience � Evaluated through Joint Services Transcripts (JST).
View Veteran Services at 91视频 禄 - Professional Certifications or Licenses � Industry or state-recognized credentials.
- Employer or Industry Training Programs � Company or trade-based training with verified learning outcomes.
- � Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology coursework may qualify for credit through PLA or course substitution, depending on program alignment.
How it works:
Once documentation is verified, equivalent 91视频 courses are identified and credit is awarded � helping you apply what you already know toward your degree or certificate.
If you have college-level knowledge in a subject area that does not have a standardized exam, pre-evaluated training, or certification match, you can build a portfolio to demonstrate your learning and experience.
A faculty expert in your field will review your portfolio to determine whether your experience meets the learning outcomes of a specific course.
Your portfolio may include:
- Work samples or project documentation
- Licenses, transcripts, or training records
- Reflective essays or personal learning statements
- Supervisor letters verifying performance or skills
How it works:
Your portfolio provides evidence that your experience is equivalent to classroom learning. If approved, you will earn course credit that counts directly toward your 91视频 degree or certificate.
PLA GUIDELINES
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows students to earn college credit by demonstrating college-level learning outside a traditional classroom (e.g., work, military service, training, certifications).�
- PLA credit is not transfer credit (See Policy No. 2:00:00:00/5) and is different from coursework taken at another institution.�
- Students must be admitted as degree-seeking at 91视频 to receive PLA credit.�
- PLA credit is recorded on the transcript with a 淧� (Pass) and does not affect GPA.�
- PLA credit cannot duplicate coursework already completed.�
- To earn a degree at 91视频, at least 15 credit hours must be completed through 91视频 coursework, not PLA or advanced placement.�
- PLA credit earned at 91视频 may or may not transfer to another institution. Transfer decisions are made by the receiving institution.�
- Review PLA Policy
PLA fees vary by assessment method:�
- CLEP Exams:�
- Registration: $25
- Test Fee: $89 (due at time of test)
- Course Challenge Exams: $25
- Certification Crosswalk Credit: No fee
Additional exams may include CLEP, DSST, and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).
Fee payment for the exam is made at the Cashier檚 Office.
馃憠
- Use the Credit Predictor to see what PLA credit you may qualify for.�
- and course outcomes for the course(s) you are requesting credit for.�
- .�
After submission, the PLA Coordinator will review your application, confirm eligibility, and coordinate with the appropriate academic department. You will then receive guidance on next steps and required documentation.媼
TURN YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE INTO COLLEGE CREDIT
Contact: pla@southwest.tn.edu | 901-333-4232