Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) gives students the opportunity to earn college credits
for learning through work experience, military, life experience, industry credentials
and non-traditional schooling. The key of any prior learning experience is not the
experience itself but the learning that has taken place. Many students come to college
having experiences through work, community service, and service in the military. PLA
allows students to accelerate their degree, avoid the repetition of coursework and
save money.
Types of PLA
Credit for Life Experience
Portfolio Evaluation
Students may be granted credit for learning acquired through previous training, work
or life experiences. Required courses in a program may be waived for prior training
or experience.
Students are required to meet with a faculty member for each course for which they
seek credit and document attainment of course learning outcomes through a portfolio
or other means determined by the faculty member. The faculty member will recommend
to the Dean whether credit should be awarded for prior learning.
Credit by Exam
Proficiency Exam
Students may receive credit for previous academic work or experience on the basis
of a proficiency examination. Individuals may take a proficiency exam at any time
prior to enrollment in the course. To take a proficiency exam, students need to request
the Petition for Academic Proficiency Examination form through the Student Records
Office. There is a $25 fee per course for the examination. The fee must be paid at
the time the petition is filed.
If the results of the Proficiency exam are satisfactory, "CR" will be entered on the
student's permanent record. Such credit is not included in the student's grade point
average. Credit by proficiency examination cannot exceed two-thirds of the total hours
toward an associate degree. Students who have received an "F" or withdraw ("W") in
a course for which they petition for proficiency examination should have their petition
approved by the Registrar. These students also need to submit evidence of having completed
supplemental work in the subject area.
Grade by Exam
The student must be officially enrolled in the course and have paid the tuition. After
the second week of a term, a student may request Grade by Examination from an instructor.
The instructor may give the exam when the student has demonstrated adequate prior
education or training. If the results of the exam are satisfactory, the instructor
will give a letter grade and credit for the course. The grade will be computed in
the cumulative grade point average. Students need to complete the exam by the fifth
week of a term, and may attempt the exam only once during a term. If a student is
not satisfied with his or her examination grade, he or she may continue in the course
and receive credit in the usual manner.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students may receive college credit for previous academic work by passing a CLEP exam.
CLEP exams are standard nationally standardized exams the equate to Terra State
courses if a minimum score is earned. CLEP exams are offered in 33 introductory level
college subjects. More detailed information can be found at clep.collegeboard.org. The college code for Terra State Community College is 5042.
Advanced Placement Exams (AP)
Terra State awards credit for appropriate scores on nationally-recognized Advanced
Placement (AP) exams. To receive credit for AP, submit your scores to the Registration
and Records office for evaluation.
Industry Recognized Credentials
Students may receive college credit for industry recognized credentials earned through
work or other experiences. A list of current credit is listed below. If you have credentials
not listed on this list you will need to meet with a faculty member or college Dean
to see if you will receive credit.
Military Credit
Current and veteran military service members are eligible to submit their military
transcripts for possible course credit. To see if you are eligible for college credit,
students must send their military transcripts to the TSCC records office. The Records
Office will review the transcript and award credit for appropriate courses.
JST Eligibility and Access
Military members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard who are active duty,
reserve duty or veterans are eligible for the JST.
To have an official copy of your transcript sent to the College, follow these steps
to obtain and access your JST:
Click on the “Transcripts” link and view, print or save your unofficial transcripts
You can also click on “Official Transcript Request” and complete the form to have
your official transcripts sent to your desired institution at no cost
Air Force members should contact the Community College of the Air Force for transcripts.
You can order an official transcript through theAir Universityor theCCAF Online Transcript System (accessed only on a .mil issued computer).
