Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning
Turn college-level learning into possible Alabama State University credit.
Learning happens in many places beyond the traditional classroom. Through employment, military training, corporate training, independent study, non-credit courses, and professional credentials, individuals can develop knowledge and skills that may qualify for college-level credit.
Alabama State University's Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), also known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), provides eligible students with an opportunity to demonstrate previously acquired learning and potentially earn academic credit toward their degree. Students may submit qualifying experiences and credentials for evaluation to determine whether their learning meets college-level academic standards.
Quick Facts
Who Is Eligible?
Students interested in receiving Credit for Prior Learning must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a degree-seeking student at Alabama State University.
- Be in good academic standing.
- Request credit that applies to their degree requirements.
- Not request credit for a course previously failed, completed, attempted, or transferred.
Important: Check With Your Academic Department
Not all programs or courses accept Credit for Prior Learning. Before applying, contact your academic department, department chair, faculty advisor, or designated university representative to confirm whether PLA is available for your program of study.
PLA Credit Pathways
Students may demonstrate college-level learning through several pathways. Each pathway provides an opportunity to have previously acquired knowledge and skills evaluated for potential academic credit.
1. Military Learning
Students may submit Joint Services Transcripts (JST), Community College of the Air Force transcripts, DANTES scores, formal training records, certifications, and DD-214 documentation for review.
2. Portfolio, License, or Certification
Students may demonstrate college-level learning through a portfolio, performance, examination, industry license, certification, or other documentation evaluated by qualified faculty members or subject matter experts.
3. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP)
These forms of prior learning credit do not require a separate PLA application or evaluation fee. Alabama State University may accept satisfactory College-Level Examination Program scores in approved subject areas. First-time freshmen may receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP) examination scores of 3, 4, or 5 in applicable subjects.
Eligibility Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- You are a matriculated student seeking a degree at Alabama State University.
- You are in good academic standing.
- The requested PLA credit fits within your degree requirements and does not duplicate a course you previously attempted, completed, transferred, or failed.
Important: Transferability of PLA Credit
PLA credit earned at Alabama State University may or may not transfer to other institutions. The award of PLA credit is not automatic and is subject to academic evaluation and approval.
How the PLA Process Works
The Credit for Prior Learning process involves five steps, beginning with consultation with your academic department and ending with the posting of approved credits to your academic record.
Talk With Your Department
Meet with the appropriate department chair, faculty member, or designated subject matter expert in the field of study for which you are requesting PLA credit.
Submit the Application and Documentation
Submit the PLA application, test scores, portfolio, military transcript, license, certification, or other evidence to the Office of Records and Registration.
Initial Review and Routing
The Office of Records and Registration verifies minimum eligibility, confirms application completeness, and routes the packet to the appropriate academic college.
Academic Evaluation
Faculty members or designated subject matter experts evaluate the submitted learning. Credit is awarded for demonstrated learning, not experience alone, and must align with course outcomes and CAEL or ACE guidance, where applicable.
Dean Approval and Transcript Posting
The dean notifies the Office of Records and Registration of the approved credit hours and applicable area. Following applicable fee verification, the Registrar posts approved credits and retains the completed evaluation packet.
Evaluation Timeline
The PLA evaluation process is expected to take approximately 25 days. The anticipated timeline for each stage is as follows:
- Initial Review: 3 business days
- Faculty Review: Up to 15 business days
- Dean Approval: 5 business days
Expected Processing Time: Approximately 25 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PLA reduce my time to degree?
Yes. Approved prior learning credit may help reduce the number of additional courses needed to complete your degree requirements.
Is credit guaranteed?
No. Credit is awarded only after the submitted learning has been reviewed and approved through the academic evaluation process.
Will PLA credit transfer to another institution?
Transferability varies by institution. Students should contact the receiving institution to determine whether previously awarded PLA credit will be accepted.
Is there a fee to submit the PLA application?
Yes. A $50 fee covers the time and effort associated with the evaluation process. CLEP and AP credit do not require a separate PLA application or evaluation fee.
Before You Apply: Is CPL Right for You?
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is an authority on Credit for Prior Learning in the United States. Students are encouraged to complete the CAEL CPL self-assessment before beginning the application process.
The self-assessment can help you explore your previous learning experiences and determine whether pursuing Credit for Prior Learning may be an appropriate option.
Time to Apply
After reviewing the information on this page and completing the CAEL self-assessment, you may decide that Credit for Prior Learning is the right path for you. If so, take the next step by completing the PLA application and submitting the required documentation.
Before applying, we recommend reaching out to your faculty advisor, department chair, or program representative to let them know you plan to apply. You should also contact the Office of Records and Registration, as well as the Office of Academic Affairs, for guidance on the CPL/PLA process.
Questions or Need Assistance?
For additional information about the Credit for Prior Learning process, contact:
Patrice W. Glenn Jones
pajones@alasu.edu
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