College Credit for Lifelong Learning

Often students have learned through life experience that which is taught on college campuses. Perhaps they have completed advanced training at their place of work, yet the organization has never requested to have their professional training evaluated for college credit. Perhaps they have traveled extensively and learned to speak other languages and became totally familiar with the culture and traditions of the countries in which they visited. Perhaps they simply enjoyed studying a particular subject and have spent countless hours researching the subject, perhaps even writing a book on their findings. There are a number of scenarios that could lead one to need the assistance that Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) can provide. In fact, in the online seminar that we offer, Strategic Education Planning for the Adult Learner, we have a chapter dedicated to PLA. In this, we present several real cases where PLA has resulted in a significant amount of college credit being awarded to students.

Another term that some colleges use to describe PLA is Portfolio Assessment. The term is relevant, as students must compile a portfolio which presents evidence of the learning experiences claimed by the student and a list of college courses that would convey to students on campus the same knowledge that the student learned through life experience. This portfolio will be submitted to a panel of academic experts at the college who will review the evidence and determine if and how much credit will be awarded to the student.

How common is this practice and how willing are colleges to accept this credit in transfer? The results of a survey conducted by CAEL to public colleges shows that nearly 2 out of every 3 colleges are willing to award college credit through portfolio assessment (see the top bar in the chart below):

Correlation is a Must

The Learning Experience Must Relate to College Courses

When we say students can get credit for lifelong learning, don't be mistaken. You don't get college credit for waking up every morning and going about life. The adult learning experiences must relate to subjects that are taught on college campuses. If a student has learned through life experiences that which is taught in classrooms, he or she deserves to receive college credit for the knowledge attained.

It is up to the college or university as to how much they will charge for the PLA process. Some charge a flat fee, regardless of how much (or how little) credit is awarded through the process. Others charge a fee that is linked to the number of credit hours awarded. Regardless, the administrative fee will likely be far less than the tuition you would have to pay to take courses in the same subjects in the future, not to mention the time and effort you will also invest. We can assist students by connecting them to colleges that have long histories of performing PLA for their students and offer affordable rates to do so. Are you a good candidate for PLA. Read through the chapter in our seminar on the subject and let us know if we can be of assistance to you.