Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that evaluates and recognizes the knowledge and skills you have acquired outside the traditional academic classroom. This includes learning from work experience, military service, professional certifications, and other non-college environments. PLA allows you to earn college credit for this prior learning, reducing the time and cost needed to complete a degree or certificate at Lone Star College. Students may earn up to 75% of their degree or certificate coursework through PLA credit.
PLA Options for Earning College Credit
ACT/AP/SAT, Avant, CLEP, Dantes, IB, Internal Exams
LSC Continuing Education, ACE recommended online course work (Sophia, Study.com)
Military training and coursework
Knowledge and skills gained through employment /experience (portfolio option)
State Licensure and Professional Certifications
ACE Recommended Training or LSC Business Partner
Resources
PLA Requirements and Processes
To be eligible for PLA credit, students must:
1. Have an active Lone Star account (if you are not yet a Lone Star College student, apply here: https://www.lonestar.edu/admissions.htm.
2. Have an officially declared program.
3. Meet the requirements of the selected PLA option for credit.
4. Confirm with advisor that all pre-requisites are met.
Students are not eligible to apply for PLA credit:
1. If they have previously attempted the course (i.e., if the course is listed on student's transcript).
2. If they are requesting partial credit.
3. If they have previously applied for the same course.
- Students must complete at least 25% of their degree/ certificate requirements at Lone Star College. Credit earned via PLA and transfer hours must not exceed 75% of applicable coursework.
- PLA credit does not affect a student's grade point average (GPA). Additionally, credit earned via PLA is not guaranteed to transfer. Students who plan to transfer to another institution should consult the receiving institution on GPA requirements and course transferability.
- Credit earned through PLA cannot be removed from a student's transcript once awarded.
- Courses awarded through PLA are not considered coursework and will not satisfy requirements for financial aid.
- PLA applications that require individual assessment or evaluation by faculty may take several weeks to complete. Students should plan accordingly when considering registration, graduation and other deadlines. Approval is not guaranteed!
Required Fees for PLA
| PLA Option | Fee |
| Continuing Education Articulation, High School Articulation Credit/ Advanced Technical Credit, Military Transcript Evaluation | No Fee |
| American Council on Education (ACE) Transcript Evaluation, Internal Challenge Exam (per exam) | $25 |
| Portfolio Credit (per portfolio) | $60 |
| External Challenge Exam | Fee May Apply* |
* A fee of $25 per assessment will be charged for any additional faculty evaluation needed.
Fees are non-refundable and must be paid to the campus business office. Payment receipt must be included with PLA application.
Students are required to work with an advisor to apply for PLA
Students should review and complete the PLA Application to prepare for the advisor meeting.
Review the flow chart for more information about the application process.