Undergraduate Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

What is PLA?

At Northern Arizona University, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) provides students with an opportunity to earn academic credit for learning acquired outside of traditional college coursework.

Prior learning may come from professional training, military service, licenses and certifications, college-level non-credit coursework, industry-recognized credentials, examinations, or other learning experiences that demonstrate college-level knowledge and skills.

To be eligible for PLA credit, the learning must:

• Be comparable to undergraduate-level learning at NAU.
• Align with the learning outcomes and competencies of a course, department elective, or general elective.
• Meet academic standards established by the faculty responsible for the discipline at NAU.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills equivalent to those expected in college coursework.

PLA recognizes what you have learned, helps avoid repeating learning you have already mastered, and may reduce the time needed to complete your degree.

Benefits and drawbacks of PLA

Benefits

Prior Learning Assessment can help you:

• Receive recognition for knowledge and skills already acquired.
• Avoid repeating learning you have already mastered.
• Make progress toward your degree more efficiently.
• Connect your professional, military, and educational experiences to your academic goals.

At NAU, PLA supports student success while maintaining the academic standards expected of university-level learning.

Drawbacks

Regardless of the amount of transfer credit awarded, all students must complete at least 30 units of credit at NAU (See NAU Policy 100801: Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees) and the awarding of excess transfer credit can lead to issues related to tuition and financial aid, such as an Excess Credit Hour Tuition Surcharge, or exceeding the maximum timeframe to degree and thus losing federal financial aid (See Satisfactory Academic Progress). Advisors can assist in evaluating options for accepting additional transfer credit and refer you to appropriate resources for in-depth guidance. 

Important: Once credit is posted on the transcript, it cannot be removed.

Getting started

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) can be a valuable way to receive academic credit for college-level learning gained outside the classroom, but its value depends on your academic and career goals. Acceptance and applicability of PLA credit can vary significantly by discipline.  

Before pursuing PLA, students should work closely with their academic advisor to evaluate how PLA credit may apply to their degree requirements, support their long-term educational objectives, and align with future career, certification, licensure, or graduate education plans. PLA is most effective when considered as part of a broader academic strategy rather than solely as a means to earn credits more quickly.

Students interested in pursuing Prior Learning Assessment should:

1. Identify the type of prior learning they would like evaluated.
2. Gather supporting documentation, credentials, transcripts, or examination records.
3. *Most Important Step – Determine how the prior learning will address requirements for the degree.*
4. Consult with their academic advisor.
5. Submit the appropriate petition request and supporting materials for PLA review.