The Transfer and Lifelong Learning Center (TLLC) provides information on methods of evaluating prior learning outside the college classroom.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This may include work and life experience, training, independent study, volunteering, travel, hobbies and family experiences.

The TLLC iis committed to maintaining high standards for excellence for all of our credit assessment services. Credit assessment for prior learning services is provided through a portfolio or credit-through-examination for Information Technology and Fire Science students, and on a limited basis for other classes.

Requirements

• Student must be matriculated in a college at the University of Cincinnati with a declared major.
• The student must also be currently enrolled and in good standing – with a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade point average.
• The student must be aware that the evaluation process for Prior Learning Assessment can sometimes be a lengthy process. As such, the student should be at least two quarters away from graduation or willing to accept the possibility that the evaluation may not be completed by the time of expected graduation.
• The student must prepare a competency statement or other appropriate documentation to show evidence of having attained special knowledge or skill in the desired course. This statement must be submitted with the application for the Prior Learning Assessment.
• The student may seek evaluation only for those courses for which he/she is not currently registered or has not previously audited or failed.
• Prior Learning Assessment, as with other advanced standing credit, generally will not be considered toward the college residency requirement.

PLA Procedure

1. Student contacts the TLLC for information. TLLC provides information and an application packet.
2. Student completes the application packet and returns it with the entire fee for the evaluation to the TLLC.
3. TLLC will submit the completed application packet to the appropriate college for approval.
4. The department responsible for the course will complete an initial review of the applicant’s packet. The department will follow-up with the TLLC and indicate whether the applicant’s packet is accepted or rejected, and the type of evaluation to be conducted. If rejected, the TLLC will send a letter stating that the application has been rejected and the evaluation fee, minus a $50 application fee, will be returned.
5. If the application is accepted, the student will be contacted by the faculty evaluator and the formal review process will begin. Upon completion of the evaluation by the faculty evaluator, the TLLC is notified of the decision. TLLC will notify the student of the outcome of the evaluation.
6. A positive outcome (pass) results in the awarding of credit which is posted as advanced standing credits. A negative outcome (fail) results in no award of credit. The evaluation fee covers the cost of completing the evaluation and, as such, is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the evaluation.
7. The student’s file will then be forwarded to the student’s home college and become part of the student’s permanent record.
8. The awarding of credit for PLA occurs at the discretion of the faculty evaluator. The decision is final.

Prior Learning Assessment Application (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader to read this file.