Prior Learning Assessment

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Prior Learning Assessment for Academic Credit

American Public University (APU) recognizes that all learning does not necessarily take place in a classroom. However, earning academic credit for this non-traditional learning can be challenging. APU is pleased to announce its Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolio program designed to provide students the opportunity to seek credit for learning. Examples of prior learning include knowledge acquired on the job, in military or corporate training programs, running a business, working with a volunteer organization, or pursuing a hobby.

Admissions Requirements

Students who believe they have acquired college-level learning that has not been evaluated or recognized by other means may document their experiential learning in a portfolio and submit it for evaluation by APU faculty. To do so, participation in the APU, PLA three credit hour, eight week course is required. This course is open to undergraduate students who meet all of the following requirements:

  • Are active APU students with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Have completed or received a waiver for COLL100 - Foundations of Online Learning
  • Have completed or received credit for ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing
  • Have a completed Transfer Credit Evaluation and Transfer Credit Evaluation Update
  • Have not applied for graduation
  • Have not registered for the senior seminar course

Please Note: Academic credit is awarded for college-level learning which can be documented, not merely for experience.

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Interested students should take this quick PLA self-assessment quiz to assist in determining if the PLA program is right for them. Please e-mail the self-assessment quiz to pla@apus.edu to begin the application process.

For more information on the PLA program, contact PLA@apus.edu.

Next Steps:

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We want you to make an informed decision about the university that's right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure.