Prior Learning Assessment Resources

One of the goals of the Health eWorkforce Consortium, funded by a Department of Labor TAACCCT grant, is to advance best practices in Prior Learning Assessment both within the Consortium and at the institutional level. PLA is the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s life learning for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training. When people receive college credit for what they know from life and work experience, they earn their degrees and credentials faster, saving money on tuition. Research also shows that this can lead to improved retention and completion rates. Students also learn the value of their experience, which gives them confidence to complete their degrees. Prior Learning Assessment is about using tools and methods to measure work experience, and assess what college credit they might gain from this experience.