Prior Learning Assessment Guide
Prior Learning Assessment Guide for Academic Programs
Building a Portfolio
Prior Learning Credit (PLC)
PLC is credit awarded to an incoming second-semester freshman student for knowledge, skills, or experience earned outside our classrooms from such diverse settings as personal life experience, work, military or first responder training, and unpaid labor experiences. Any awarded credit will emerge from the knowledge deemed equivalent to course work on the same subject.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
PLA is the process described herein that results in a decision concerning awarding credit toward a degree program at CLTCC. The assessment process is enhanced by utilizing a prior learning portfolio (hereafter known as the Portfolio). CLTCC allows for ample success opportunities, and our focus on our students guides the award process.
The Portfolio
The Portfolio is a written document presenting a student assembled narrative explaining the prior learning experience they feel equivalent to course(s) in our business, cloud computing, drafting, and general education degree programs. This Portfolio may include the aforementioned descriptive narrative and a PowerPoint, video/audio, and pictorial presentation. Required in hard-copy are artifacts such as awards, certificates, and scores from College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE), Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), or any award documents from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). Presentation of the Portfolio may occur in-person or online as determined and agreed upon by the prospective student and the Department of Academics at CLTCC. Once received and evaluated, the findings and presentation will be forwarded to the Registrar's office for acceptance and processing.
PLC Cap
CLTCC may award up to 30 credit hours of PLC toward completion of a degree program. Portfolio-based credit award exclusions are ENGL 1010/1020, MATH 1100/1300, and any core courses within a degree program's concentration.
Life Experience Inclusion
Professional certifications, licenses, and documents providing proof of experience may be assessed for credit. (CLTCC is currently working to create a guideline for accepting unpaid labor/skill acquirement).
Prerequisites
ENGL 1010 and 1020. Due to the need for concise and persuasive writing, the student must have the college-level writing skills necessary to demonstrate the value of the material presented for credit. Additionally, an optional and free course is offered by the Department of Academics to provide fundamental knowledge in creating the Portfolio.
*Other rules apply for Technical Program Programs—Please see program dean.