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Prior learning assessment and credit transfer

Prior learning assessment, or PLA, is a process for evaluating learning gained outside traditional college coursework. This may include learning from work experience, military service, professional training, community involvement or self-directed study.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)—also referred to by some institutions as Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)—is different from standard transfer credit. Standard transfer credit reviews credits already awarded by another institution. PLA reviews the learning itself and determines whether that learning can be converted into credit under the institution’s policies.

Types of prior learning assessment

PLA can take several forms. Some institutions use portfolio assessment, where students document prior learning and connect it to course outcomes. Others use challenge exams, standardized exams or competency demonstrations.

The available options depend on the institution and program. Not every PLA method is available for every degree plan.

Students should confirm the current policy before relying on PLA to reduce remaining coursework.

PLA at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix publishes transfer credit information that may include prior learning and other credit-for-prior-learning options. Students interested in PLA should review the current policy and ask how it applies to their specific program.

The practical questions are: what PLA options are available, what documentation is required, what credits may be awarded and where those credits apply in the degree plan.

How PLA credits transfer between institutions

PLA credit awarded by one institution may or may not transfer to another. A receiving institution may accept PLA credits, limit them, apply them only as electives or exclude them under its transfer policy.

Students who plan to transfer later should ask the future receiving institution whether it accepts PLA credit awarded by another school. Confirming that policy before completing PLA work can prevent transfer surprises later.

Choosing between PLA and standard transfer credit

Students with prior college coursework should usually start with standard transfer credit review because those credits already appear on an official transcript.

PLA may be more useful when the student has college-level learning that was not previously awarded as academic credit. This could include professional experience, workplace training or other documented learning outside a traditional course.

Some students may use both processes. Official transcripts can document prior coursework, while a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) application can document experiential learning that was never transcripted. Institutions manage PLA differently, so students should first identify the appropriate office to coordinate the process. Depending on the institution, this may be the registrar, transfer office, academic department, dean or student advising office. Coordinating these processes early can help ensure the student’s full credit picture is considered before courses are scheduled.

FERPA and PLA records

If PLA credit is awarded and recorded on an official transcript, that record becomes part of the student’s education record. FERPA may apply to the student’s right to inspect the record and request correction if the record is inaccurate or misleading.

FERPA does not require another institution to accept PLA credit. It helps address the accuracy of the record used in the transfer process.

When PLA credit transfer is denied

If a receiving institution denies PLA credit, the student should ask for the denial reason in writing. The next step depends on the reason.

A policy-based denial may mean the institution does not accept transferred PLA credit. A content-based denial may require more documentation showing what learning was assessed. A classification issue may require a review of how the credit was applied in the degree audit.

The receiving institution controls whether PLA credit transfers and how it applies.

Confirm PLA terms before relying on it

PLA can help students receive credit for college-level learning gained outside traditional coursework, but it is policy-dependent.

Students should confirm available PLA options, documentation requirements, credit limits and transferability before relying on PLA for degree planning. The key question is not only whether PLA credit can be awarded, but whether it will apply to the student’s current or future degree requirements.

Sources

  1. [1] University of Phoenix. Transfer Credit Policy. https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/transfer-credit.html. Accessed June 2026.

  2. [2] American Council on Education. ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training. https://acenet.edu/National-Guide. Accessed June 2026.

  3. [3] U.S. Department of Education. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). https://ed.gov/ferpa. Accessed June 2026.

  4. [4] U.S. Department of Education. 34 C.F.R. § 668.43 – Institutional information. https://www.ecfr.gov. Accessed June 2026.