Prior Learning Assessment

Do you wish you had a college degree but think earning one is out of reach? Were you ever denied a promotion or position because you didn't have a degree?

If you have several years of work experience, a college degree may be closer than you think. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana can help you apply your experience, skills and knowledge toward a degree, saving you time and money and propelling you toward your educational and career goals.

Ivy Tech's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program will let you prove the learning you've gleaned from years of on-the-job training and experience, and receive "verified competency" credit that may apply toward a degree.

PLA is one kind of credit you may receive. Others include: test-outs, military experience, transfer credits from other institutions, and certifications, some of which may be earned at Ivy Tech's Workforce Certification Center.

How to apply for PLA:

• Each PLA applicant must be enrolled at Ivy Tech as a degree-seeking student.
• Schedule an appointment with your campus PLA Coordinator.
• Obtain from your coordinator a set of statewide competency objectives in the course areas you selected.
• Meet with your PLA Evaluator and fill out an evaluation for each course for which you desire credit. The evaluator will help you choose items to submit to be assessed for Ivy Tech credit.
• Pay a $50 fee for each course evaluation. The Business Office will sign off on the evaluation once the fee has been paid.
• Prepare and submit for review a portfolio containing the documents upon which you and the evaluator agreed.

Student Requisites:

• Each PLA applicant must be enrolled at Ivy Tech as a degree-seeking student.
• Students who receive PLA credit are not excluded from the initial assessment required for new Ivy Tech students.
• Students must earn at least 15 credits by taking classes on campus or over the Internet.
• PLA is limited to technical course credit. General Education competencies must be validated through national recognized testing (CLEP).

For more information, contact Melissa Smith at 1-800-659-4562 x 1126 or 765-966-2656 x 1126 (if outside of Indiana).