Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) defines prior learning as the assessment and award of credit for learning and knowledge 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 coursework. Credit may be granted for verifiable learning gained through experience, but not for the experience itself.
Wilmington University allows, through any combination of PLA, a maximum of 75 undergraduate semester credit hours to apply toward a bachelor’s degree. Students must meet program, upper level, and residency requirements for PLA credit to apply. Associate degree programs allow a maximum of 15 undergraduate semester credit hours through any combination of PLA. Students pursuing an associate degree must meet program and residency requirements for PLA credit to apply.
PLA credit may have implications on student financial aid, as such students are encouraged to coordinate with their student financial aid advisor to avoid any impacts on financial awards or eligibility.
Students granted PLA credit are not guaranteed that their credit will transfer to another higher education institution. Students are encouraged to check the policies at the intended transfer institution prior to the completion of PLA.
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, PLA credit is recognized as residency credits.
Additional information on PLA can be found on the University web site: http://www.wilmu.edu/coel/credit-for-pl.aspx or by contacting your Academic Advisor.
The following subsections provide descriptions of the seven approved PLA sources.
American Council On Education (ACE) Workforce Training
Credit may be granted for completion of workforce training evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE evaluates many formal courses, training programs, examinations, licenses, certifications, and other programs offered by various organizations, from businesses and unions to the government and military.
National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS)
Credit may be granted for completion of training and education programs evaluated by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). NCCRS evaluates many formal courses, training programs, examinations, licenses, certifications, and other programs offered by various organizations, from businesses and unions to the government.
American Council On Education (ACE) Armed Services
Credit may be granted for military experience evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). Military credit evaluated by ACE is transcribed onto a Joint Services Transcript (JST) for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Department of Defense.
Credit by Examination
Credit may be granted for successful completion of an examination that has been assessed at the college level. Two forms of examination are recognized at Wilmington University: Course Challenge by Examination and Credit by Standardized Examination.
Course Challenge by Examination
Course challenge by examination measures college-level learning through the examination process. Wilmington University faculty administer an examination process which incorporates a comprehensive final examination. This method of examination is limited to courses with examinations prepared. A minimum passing grade of B is required.
Credit by Standardized Examination
Credit by standardized examination measures college-level learning through a subject-level examination. Wilmington University recognizes many standardized examination providers including: College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Specific Tests (DSST), Advanced Placement (AP), Excelsior College Examinations (ECE), UExcel Examinations, International Baccalaureate (IB), and National League for Nursing (NLN).
Credit by Portfolio Assessment
Credit may be granted for prior learning competency(s) through the development of a portfolio which presents evidence of college level learning. A student-prepared portfolio will be assessed by faculty with the appropriate content expertise. The portfolio must include a learning narrative and evidence relevant to the area in which credit is sought. The student will demonstrate clear achievement and a thorough understanding of the learning objectives. This may be accomplished by documenting knowledge obtained through work experience (military or civilian), in-service training programs, volunteer activities, workshops, and personal study. Credit by portfolio is assessed based on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory evaluation and will be assigned a grade of “S or U.” Exceptions to the grading policy may occur with approval of the Academic Dean of the College. Credit earned by portfolio assessment is recognized as residency credit.
Credit by Industry Recognized Assessment (IRA)
Credit may be granted for industry recognized credentials assessed for learning competency(s). Credit by industry recognized assessment is the process of assessing evidence of college-level learning through earning an industry recognized credential supported by an accredited or industry recognized organization.
Extra-Institutional Course Assessment (ECA)
Credit may be granted for college-level learning that takes place out of the classroom. Extra-institutional course assessment is the process of assessing college-level learning through corporate and educational training programs and/or courses where college-level learning is provided by an unaccredited internal training or education department/unit. Wilmington University’s process of ECA uses principles of assessment outlined by the American Council on Education (ACE) and by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS).