{"id":12333,"date":"2026-08-24T19:07:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T19:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/?page_id=12333"},"modified":"2026-08-31T20:39:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T20:39:44","slug":"undergraduate-prior-learning-assessment-pla","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/undergraduate-prior-learning-assessment-pla\/","title":{"rendered":"Undergraduate Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"nau-block nau-block-left-nav-top-bound\">\n    \t<button id=\"left-nav-toggle-btn\" onclick=\"toggleNav();\">\n\t\tON THIS PAGE \n\t\t<i id=\"chevron-icon\" class=\"fas fa-solid fa-chevron-down\"><\/i>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div id=\"left-nav-menu-track\">\n\t\t<div id=\"left-nav-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"rfi-above-anchor-tags\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ri-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div id=\"left-nav-menu\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"menu-section menu-section-links\"><h6 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left-nav-section\"><header class=\"entry-header\"><div class=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumbs\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\">IN<\/a><span class=\"breadcrumb-chevron\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\">Provost<\/a><span class=\"breadcrumb-chevron\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&gt;<\/span><\/li><li class=\"current\">Pages<\/li><\/ol><\/div><h1 class=\"entry-title text-left \">Undergraduate Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)<\/h1><hr class=\"h1-hr  text-left \" role=\"none\"><\/header><!-- .entry-header --><\/section><!-- <section class=\"nau-block left-nav-section grid-md-12\">\n    <header class=\"entry-header\">\n        <h1 class=\"entry-title text-left \" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"h1-first\">Dummy H1<\/h1>\n        <hr class=\"h1-hr  text-left \" role=\"none\">\n    <\/header>\n<\/section> -->\n\n<section class=\"nau-block left-nav-section grid-md-12\">\n    <div class=\"page-content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is PLA?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be eligible for PLA credit, the learning must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be comparable to undergraduate-level learning at NAU.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Align with the learning outcomes and competencies of a course, department elective, or general elective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet academic standards established by the faculty responsible for the discipline at NAU.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate knowledge and skills equivalent to those expected in college coursework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PLA recognizes what you have learned, helps avoid repeating learning you have already mastered, and may reduce the time needed to complete your degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits and drawbacks of PLA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior Learning Assessment can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Receive recognition for knowledge and skills already acquired.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid repeating learning you have already mastered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make progress toward your degree more efficiently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect your professional, military, and educational experiences to your academic goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At NAU, PLA supports student success while maintaining the academic standards expected of university-level learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drawbacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of the amount of transfer credit awarded, all students must complete at least 30 units of credit at NAU (See NAU Policy 100801:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www9.nau.edu\/policies\/Client\/Details\/1441?whoIsLooking=Students&amp;pertainsTo=All&amp;sortOrder=PolicyNumber&amp;sortDirection=Descending&amp;paging=999&amp;page=1\">Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees<\/a>) and the awarding of excess transfer credit can lead to issues related to tuition and financial aid, such as an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nau.edu\/university-policy-library\/excess-credit-hours-tuition-surcharge\/\">Excess Credit Hour Tuition Surcharge<\/a>, or exceeding the maximum timeframe to degree and thus losing federal financial aid (See&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nau.edu\/office-scholarships-financial-aid\/satisfactory-academic-progress\/\">Satisfactory Academic Progress<\/a>). Advisors can assist in evaluating options for accepting additional transfer credit and refer you to appropriate resources for in-depth guidance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important<\/strong>: Once credit is posted on the transcript, it cannot be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting started<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students interested in pursuing Prior Learning Assessment should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify the type of prior learning they would like evaluated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gather supporting documentation, credentials, transcripts, or examination records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>*Most Important Step \u2013 Determine how the prior learning will address requirements for the degree.*<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consult with their academic advisor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit the appropriate petition request and supporting materials for PLA review.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<section  \n    class=\"nau-block nau-block-panels   \" \n    data-layout_mobile=\"groupLayout-Grid gutter_Default panelLayoutPhotoTextVertical  photoAspect-1-1\"\n        data-layout_tablet=\"groupLayout-Grid gutter_Default panelLayoutPhotoTextVertical  photoAspect-1-1\"\n        data-layout_desktop=\"groupLayout-Grid gutter_Default panelLayoutPhotoTextVertical  photoAspect-1-1\"\n        data-layout_xl=\"groupLayout-Grid gutter_Default panelLayoutPhotoTextVertical  photoAspect-1-1\">\n\n    <div class=\"background-wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"block-main-content\">\n                            <h2 class=\"h2 headlineAlignDefault\">\n                    Explore your prior learning options                <\/h2>\n            \n                            <div class=\"headline-brief-text\">\n                    Your prior learning can take many forms. Explore the options below to learn how previous college credit, professional or military learning, and work or life experience may be evaluated for NAU credit.                <\/div>\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            <div class=\"panel-wrapper\">\n                \n                                \n                        <div class=\"panel bg-true-blue  panelTypeText  noHover  hasLink panelLinkTypeArrow\"\n                            data-role=\"tabpanel\"\n                            data-panel=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-0\"\n                            id=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-0\">\n\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/prior-learning-credit-from-another-institution\/\"\n                                    target=\"\"\n                                    alt=\"Learn how previously awarded credit is evaluated.\">\n                            \n                                                                    <div class=\"content\">\n                                            <div class=\"text-wrapper\">\n                                                                                                <h3 class=\"\">Previously awarded credit<\/h3>\n                                                \n                                                                                                    <div class=\"text\">\n                                                        <p>Prior learning credit awarded by another accredited college or university may transfer to NAU.<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                \n                                                                                                                                                            <span class=\"panel-arrow-text\">Learn how previously awarded credit is evaluated.<\/span>\n                                                                                                        <span role=\"none\" class=\"panel-link panelLinkTypeArrow\"><\/span>\n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n\n                                    \n                                                                    <\/a>\n                                \n                                                        <\/div>\n                    \n                        <div class=\"panel bg-gold  panelTypeText  noHover  hasLink panelLinkTypeArrow\"\n                            data-role=\"tabpanel\"\n                            data-panel=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-1\"\n                            id=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-1\">\n\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/credit-from-other-institutions\/\"\n                                    target=\"\"\n                                    alt=\"Learn how this credit is evaluated.\">\n                            \n                                                                    <div class=\"content\">\n                                            <div class=\"text-wrapper\">\n                                                                                                <h3 class=\"\">Credit from unaccredited institutions<\/h3>\n                                                \n                                                                                                    <div class=\"text\">\n                                                        <p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"743\">College-level credit from institutions without CHEA-recognized accreditation may be eligible for NAU credit.<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                \n                                                                                                                                                            <span class=\"panel-arrow-text\">Learn how this credit is evaluated.<\/span>\n                                                                                                        <span role=\"none\" class=\"panel-link panelLinkTypeArrow\"><\/span>\n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n\n                                    \n                                                                    <\/a>\n                                \n                                                        <\/div>\n                    \n                        <div class=\"panel bg-monsoon  panelTypeText  noHover  hasLink panelLinkTypeArrow\"\n                            data-role=\"tabpanel\"\n                            data-panel=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-2\"\n                            id=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-2\">\n\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/professional-military-learning\/\"\n                                    target=\"\"\n                                    alt=\"Explore eligible learning and credit options.\">\n                            \n                                                                    <div class=\"content\">\n                                            <div class=\"text-wrapper\">\n                                                                                                <h3 class=\"\">Professional &amp; military training<\/h3>\n                                                \n                                                                                                    <div class=\"text\">\n                                                        <p class=\"\" data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"954\">Professional training, licenses, certifications, exams, military courses, and other learning may qualify for NAU credit.<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                \n                                                                                                                                                            <span class=\"panel-arrow-text\">Explore eligible learning and credit options.<\/span>\n                                                                                                        <span role=\"none\" class=\"panel-link panelLinkTypeArrow\"><\/span>\n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n\n                                    \n                                                                    <\/a>\n                                \n                                                        <\/div>\n                    \n                        <div class=\"panel bg-sunset  panelTypeText  noHover  hasLink panelLinkTypeArrow\"\n                            data-role=\"tabpanel\"\n                            data-panel=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-3\"\n                            id=\"panel-Exploreyourpriorlearningoptions-3\">\n\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/12366-2\/\"\n                                    target=\"\"\n                                    alt=\"Learn how your experience can be evaluated.\">\n                            \n                                                                    <div class=\"content\">\n                                            <div class=\"text-wrapper\">\n                                                                                                <h3 class=\"\">Work &amp; life experience<\/h3>\n                                                \n                                                                                                    <div class=\"text\">\n                                                        <p class=\"\" data-start=\"956\" data-end=\"1136\">College-level knowledge and skills gained through work and life experiences may qualify for NAU credit.<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                \n                                                                                                                                                            <span class=\"panel-arrow-text\">Learn how your experience can be evaluated.<\/span>\n                                                                                                        <span role=\"none\" class=\"panel-link panelLinkTypeArrow\"><\/span>\n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n\n                                    \n                                                                    <\/a>\n                                \n                                                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2870,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ring_central_script_selection":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12333","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2870"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12333"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12455,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12333\/revisions\/12455"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/provost\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}