Prior Learning Assessment Student Handbook

Prior Learning Assessment Methods

Introduction

PLA is a process through which students identify areas of relevant learning from their past experiences, demonstrate that learning through testing, portfolio assessment, and credit recommendations from nationally recognized organizations, and receive academic credit based on acceptable evaluation.

Prior learning may encompass a variety of experiences that may empower a person with knowledge in a specific field. The learning may very well have occurred outside the confines of the classroom and within the broader framework of life experiences. A total of 20 credit hours can be earned through any combination of ACE, Advanced Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST, Credit by College Administered Examinations, and Portfolio Assessment. 

Following is a brief description of the various prior learning assessment methods.

Advanced Placement (AP)
The College Board offers 35 examinations across 20 subject areas. Students who get above a score of 3 may obtain credit for appropriate courses. (Please review the AMSC College Catalog available at http://www.atlm.edu/downloads/2011-2012_Catalog.pdf).

American Council on Education (ACE)
The American Council on Education (ACE) is an organization that provides guidance to colleges and universities on the acceptance of credit. AMSC is a member of the USG Consortium and honors ACE credits as appropriate for the program of study for students. Students must contact their advisor and the AMSC Offices of Admissions for information on documentation of ACE credits and verification of their application to programs of study. ACE can be found online at: http://www.acenet.edu.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program is administered by the College Board and provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of examinations in undergraduate college courses. CLEP examinations in five general areas (Composition & Literature Foreign Languages , History & Social Sciences , Science & Mathematics , and Business ) allow students to demonstrate mastery of material taught in about 30 courses that most students take as requirements in the first two years of college. A list of the CLEP courses is provided in the following Table.

CLEP Courses Available for PLA Credit

CLEP Test

AMSC Credit College

Atlanta Metropolitan State College State Minimum Passing Score

Credit Hours Awarded

Principles of Microeconomics

ECON 2106

50

3

Financial Accounting

ACCT 2101 ACCT 2102

50

6

College Composition w/Essay

ENGL 1101

50 w/ passing Essay

3

American Literature

ENGL 2130

50

3

French

FREN 1002

50

3

 

FREN 2001, 2002

50

6

Spanish

SPAN 1002

50

3

 

SPAN 2001, 2002

50

9

Algebra

MATH 1111

50

3

Pre-calculus

MATH 1113

50

3

Biology

BIOL 1107, 1108

50

8

Chemistry

CHEM 1211

50

4

Western Civilization I

HIST 1111

50

3

Western Civilization II

HIST 1112

50

3

*History of the United States I

HIST 2111

50*

3

*History of the United States II

HIST 2112

50*

3

American Government

POLS 1101

50*

3

Introduction to Psychology

PSYC 1101

50

3

Human Growth & Development

PSYC 2103

50

3

Introduction to Sociology

SOCI 1101

50

3

*A passing score on the CLEP examinations in American Government and in History of the United States 1 and II does not include credit for the student’s having satisfied the Georgia history requirement or the Georgia Constitution requirement.

Credit by College Administered Examination
Students currently enrolled who present satisfactory evidence that they are qualified in a particular subject may receive credit by an examination developed and administered by the appropriate instructional department. Permission must be obtained from the head of the instructional department offering the course; however, examinations will not be permitted in courses for which a student has previously taken an examination for credit or was previously enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College as a regular or audit student. It is suggested that students check with their advisor and the Registrar’s Office prior to requesting an examination for credit, to ensure that credit will apply toward their graduation requirements. The credit will be entered in the student's academic record; however, the grade received will not calculate in the semester or cumulative grade point average.

Students must pay the Business and Finance Office, in advance of the examination, the current non-refundable fee for credit by examination, which is the same as CLEP registration fees cost ($85 per exam). The student will show the receipt to the faculty member conducting the examination. The instructional department is responsible for reporting the course number, title, credit hours, and fee receipt to the Registrar’s Office for processing. Failing grades will be reported and posted to the student’s record.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES)
AMSC will grant credit to military students through DANTES/DSST examinations determined to be equivalent to CLEP. The same score minimums will apply to these tests as the CLEP. CLEP credit will be indicated by a “K” on the student’s transcript.

Portfolio Assessment and Feedback
If prospective students have other learning experiences that may fit courses not served under one of the above options, they may be advised to sign up for the PLA Documentation course (PLAD 2000). This two credit course teaches students how to develop a portfolio that documents their prior learning experiences, competencies, training, and certifications in a way that aligns with specific courses.

AMSC Courses Available for Credit Through Portfolio Assessment
After completing PLAD 2000, a student may submit a portfolio containing documentation for obtaining possible PLA credits for the following courses at AMSC:

  • CRJU 1105 Introduction to Law Enforcement
  • CRJU 1106 Introduction to Corrections
  • SOCI 2293 Introduction to Marriage and the Family
  • CSCI 1135 Introduction to Computers
  • MUSC 1100 Music Appreciation
  • RELI 2201 Introduction to Religious Studies

 # Credit Hours

Cost

4 - 6

$300

3

$250

2

$200

1

$150