Prior learning assessment (PLA)

What is PLA?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is designed for learners who bring valuable experience to their educational journey. If you have previous college credits, professional training, military service, or years of work expertise, PLA helps you earn credit for what you already know. This means you can finish your degree faster, save money, and focus on courses that truly advance your career. Instead of repeating material you’ve mastered, PLA recognizes your accomplishments and applies them toward your academic goals. Whether you’re returning to school to complete a degree or seeking career advancement, PLA offers a flexible, affordable pathway to success.

Military training and experience

Your military service has equipped you with valuable skills and knowledge—and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) ensures it counts toward your degree. NAU awards credit for military training, leadership experience, and specialized coursework completed through programs like the Joint Services Transcript (JST). By converting your service into academic credit, PLA helps you save time, reduce tuition costs, and accelerate your path to graduation.

Certificates and exams

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows you to turn professional certifications and standardized exams into college credit. If you’ve completed industry-recognized training or hold credentials in fields like business, healthcare, education, or technology, your achievements can count toward your degree. NAU accepts credits from exams such as CLEP, and other competency-based assessments, helping you bypass courses you’ve already mastered. This approach saves time, reduces tuition costs, and accelerates your path to graduation.

Work/life experience portfolio

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolio is a powerful way to earn college credit for your professional and life experiences. Through this process, you create a detailed portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments gained outside the classroom—such as work projects, leadership roles, volunteer service, or specialized training. Faculty experts review your portfolio to determine how your experience aligns with college-level learning outcomes. This personalized approach allows learners to validate real-world expertise and apply it toward degree requirements, saving time and reducing costs. If you have extensive experience but limited formal credentials, the PLA portfolio offers a flexible, affordable pathway to accelerate your education.