Going back to school? You shouldn’t have to sit through classes on stuff you already know. That’s where Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) comes in. It’s a way to turn your life experience, like your jobs, military service, certifications and even self-study, into actual college credit. For adult learners and career changers, PLA can save serious time and money, and help you skip the boring parts. In this guide, we’re breaking it all down: what PLA is, how it works, and how to use it to get ahead without starting over.
🎯 What Is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
PLA is the process of awarding college credit for knowledge and skills you’ve gained outside of a traditional classroom. Think of it as a fast-pass for students who’ve already done the learning, just not on campus. It’s a a great way to save time not seeing things you already know and have mastered. You might qualify for pLA if you’ve learned through:
- Full-time or part-time jobs
- Military service
- Industry certifications or licenses
- Volunteer work
- Independent study
- Non-credit courses or training
Why PLA Is a Big Deal (Especially for Adults)
When you’re trying to juggle work, school, and life, PLA helps you avoid wasting time and money on classes you don’t need, getting you closer to your goals.
Benefits of PLA:
- ⏳ Finish faster – You could shave months (or even years) off your degree.
- 💰 Pay less – Fewer classes = lower tuition bills.
- 🔥 Stay motivated – Seeing credits stack up early keeps you focused.
- 💼 Boost your career – Get certified, qualified, and promoted quicker.
How Does PLA Actually Work?
Mostly, each school has its own rules on what they accept and what they don’t, so you must research the program and school you want. How you apply PLA will depend on it. However, there are some common ways to earn credit.
📘 Standardized Exams (CLEP, DSST, AP, IB)
Standardized exams are one of the fastest ways to earn college credit through PLA. These exams will allow you to skip the class and jump straight to the credit, as long as you meet the requirements your school asks for.
🎯 CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
CLEP is one of the most popular credit-by-exam programs in the U.S. It’s accepted by more than 2,900 colleges and universities and offers more than 30 subjects like Composition and Literature, World Languages, History and Socials Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business.
- Cost: $93 per exam (plus possible testing center fees)
- Passing Score: Usually 50 or higher, but varies by school.
- Credit Award: Depends on the college’s CLEP policy. Some schools assign course equivalents, other might assign general electives.
💡 Pro tip: Many schools offer a CLEP prep course. Study smart and schedule your test through a nearby testing center or online (if eligible).
🎖️DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
DSST was originally created by the U.S. Department of Defense and our now accepted at more than 1,900 colleges throughout the country. Though DSST was first designed for military members, it is now open to civilians as well. Some of DSST popular subjects include Business Ethics and Society, Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, Technical Writing, and Principles of Finance.
- Cost: $100 per exam (free for eligible military members)
- Passing Score: Typically 400 or higher.
- Military Bonus: Active-duty service members and veterans can take DSST exams at no cost through DANTES funding.
🛠️ Great for: Military personnel, tech professionals, and anyone with industry experience.
📚 AP (Advanced Placement) Exams
AP sound familiar? Those Advanced Placement exams you might have taken in high school might still be useful. If you still have your official AP scores, you may be able to apply them toward college credit now. AP is accepted by over 4,000 U.S. colleges and offers 38 subjects, including English Language & Literature, U.S. and World History, Biology, Chemistry, Art and Design, Computer Science and Maths.
- Cost: $98 per exam
- Passing Score: Usually 3 and above (though some schools require a 4 or 5)
🎓 Heads up: Not all schools accept AP credits from long ago. Check with admissions if you took your exams years ago.
🌍 IB (International Baccalaureate)
Though less common in the U.S., IB scores are globally recognized and accepted by many U.S. institutions. If you completed the IB Diploma Programme, you may be eligible for credit in core areas. Subjects for IB exams include Language & Literature, Societies, Sciences, Maths and Arts.
- Cost: IB exam fees are usually bundled into the school’s program costs
- Passing Score: Varies by school, but for Higher Level courses a 6 or higher is often credited.
IB exams aren’t as common in the U.S. as AP exams. Only about 1,000 U.S. high schools offer the IB program.
❌ UExcel (Excelsior College Exams) – Discontinued
These exams were designed for adult learners but were phased out in 2022. If you took UExcel exams before that, your credits may still be valid. We recommend you check with your school’s registrar or advising office.
Download the FREE PLA Exam Checklist
📝 How to Choose the Right Exam
Not all exams are created equal, and not all of them make sense for your specific path. Here’s how to figure out which test will actually move you forward and save you time.
- Know Your Degree Goals.
- Before signing up for an exam, ask yourself:
- What degree am I pursuing?
- What general education or major requirements can I test out of?
- For example, if you’re going for a Business degree, CLEP’s Principles of Marketing or DSST’s Principles of Finance could knock out foundational credits.
- ✅ Tip: Make a checklist of required courses for your major and cross-reference it with accepted exams.
- Before signing up for an exam, ask yourself:
- Check What the College You Attend (or want to attend) Accepts
- Not every school accepts every exam or awards the same amount of credits. Always make sure to search your school’s PLA or credit-by-exam policy.
- Questions you ask your advisor:
- Which CELP/DSST exams do you accept?
- What’s the minimum passing score for credit?
- Do credits apply to general education, electives, or specific courses?
- Find PLA Policies by School
- Play to Your Strengths
- Do you feel like a pro in a subject? Good! You can choose to take exams in areas where you already have solid knowledge.
- You can look for online CLEP and DSST practice tests and practice before you take it.
- Compare the Costs.
| Exam | Avg. Cost | Who Should Consider It? |
|---|---|---|
| CLEP | $93 + test center fees | Broad range of adult learners |
| DSST | $100 (Free for military) | Military, technical fields |
| AP | $98 (if taken in HS) | Recent high school grads |
| IB | Varies | International or IB alumni |
Final Word: Plan Smart, Test Once.
The best exam is the one that saves you time, applies directly to your degree, and fits your strengths. Don’t overthink it, talk to your advisor, review your program map, and start with just one exam to test the waters.
Remember, Supportive Colleges is here to help. Whether you’re unsure which path to take, need study tips, or want guidance on credit transfer, we’ve got your back. You’ve already put in the work, now let’s make sure you get the credit you deserve. 🎓💪