Prior Learning

Earn credit for what you have learned!

If you have years of work experience, your college degree may be closer than you think! Clark State can help you apply your experience, knowledge and skills toward a degree, which could save you time and money.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that enables learners to demonstrate what they have learned and translate that learning into college credit. PLA validates knowledge acquired through life experience, work experience, military experience, civic engagement, individual study, reading and participation in classes or training sponsored by business and industry, professional organizations and/or government agencies. Credit is awarded for college-level knowledge gained from experience and not for the experience itself. College-level learning is validated through PLA when learners prove their mastery of the knowledge, skills, competencies and abilities in a specific area of study offered by the college.

Earn college credit for knowledge you've gained outside the classroom. If your experiences as an employee, skilled volunteer or hobbyist correspond to credit courses offered at Clark State, then the Prior Learning Portfolio Program may be for you.

Prior Learning Portfolio Development teaches you how to put together a portfolio that details your experiences and matches them to specific courses from the College curriculum. These portfolios are then evaluated by faculty who teach in the course areas. The course is offered twice a year (usually fall and spring) in the evening.

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