Roane State Community College

Prior Learning Assessment

The following explains ways in which currently enrolled students may receive credit other than taking the specific course(s) at RSCC.

What is PLA?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a method of evaluating what you have learned outside of school for college credit. Your past experiences and knowledge (from work, hobbies, volunteering, and other sources) may be shown to be equal to what you could learn in a college classroom. If you can demonstrate this knowledge at the college level, then you could be awarded college credit for what you already know. A grade of "P" for passing will be assigned to any credit earned through PLA. No quality points will be assigned for such coursework, and coursework earned through this method will not be used in calculating the students grade point average (GPA).

Alternative Credit

Credits earned through Sophia Learning, Study.com, and Straighterline are alternative ways to earn credit. Students are not guaranteed transfer credit at RSCC using alternative credit and is not automatically applied. Awarded credit will be given a grade of "TP". If applying to a selective admissions program, students need to refer to the program director on calculated points. Students need to petition to the appropriate academic division.

For both PLA and Altervative Credit, students must discuss with their transfer institution any grade of "TP" and "P" grades.

Types of prior learning or alternative credit include:

• Advanced Placement
• Challenge Examinations
  • Credit by Challenge Exam Form
• CLEP
• Dual Credit
• Licensures/Certifications
  • Certified Administrative Professional
  • Certifications for RSCC Business and Computer Science Programs
  • Certifications for RSCC Environmental Health Technology Program
  • Credit by Proficiency Form
• Military Credit
• Prior Learning Credit 
• Prior Learning Assessment for Health Science
  • Health Sciences Experiential Learning Portfolio Student Guide
  • Experiential Learning Portfolio Rubric
  • Credit by Proficiency Form
• Prior Learning Assessment for Criminal Justice
  • Credit by Proficency Form
• Prior Learning Assessment for Business
  • Credit by Proficiency Form

 

There is a maximum alternative credit allowed limit.

Ready to start the process of reviewing your eligibilty for PLA? Visit Getting Started with Prior Learning Credit by Exam or Portfolio for an overview of the process.