Credit for Prior Learning

Get Credit for What You've Already Learned and Accomplished

You may receive academic credit for a course(s) upon review of college-level learning you've gained through experience. DU will consider learning achieved through career and personal experience, in job-related activities and community participation, as well as experience based on training from specialized schools or testing programs. DU's PLA process adheres to the Ten Standards for Assessing Learning as developed by the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL). Credit for Prior Learning options are available for students in all of Davenport's undergraduate and graduate degree programs, however, certain courses may be restricted.

Capitalize on Credit for Prior Learning in Multiple Ways

1. Internal Non-Traditional Credit Options

1A. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Students’ prior experience (i.e., work, volunteer, community involvement) may be reviewed by a faculty subject matter expert, and if the experience adequately aligns with the course learning outcomes of the requested course(s), the student will then demonstrate their knowledge by completing an assessment. There is a fee of $350 per PLA. This fee compensates faculty for their time in developing the assessment and mentoring the student throughout the process. Students who agree to pursue a PLA will be charged the full fee upon completion, regardless of the assessment outcome (pass or fail). Because this fee is not “tuition,” it is not covered by federal or state aid. Students that are experiencing financial difficulties can apply for the PLA scholarship to cover this cost. The scholarship process takes into account your stated reasons for hardship along with your calculated Student Aid Index, provided by the Office of Financial Aid. These scholarship funds are not always available and are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. The amount awarded will pay for 1 PLA attempt, and students can only be awarded a PLA scholarship one time. The link to the scholarship application can be found here: PLA Scholarship Application 

1B. Competency Examination

Students may complete standardized competency exams to demonstrate proficiency in select subjects. There is no cost to this CPL option.

1C. Corporate Non-Collegiate Training

Students who have completed rigorous training in the workplace may be awarded credit upon a thorough evaluation conducted by faculty subject matter experts. There is no cost to this CPL option.

2. External Non-Traditional Credit Options

2A. National Exams

Students may receive credit for successfully completing exams from nationally recognized vendors, such as CLEP, DSST, and Advanced Placement. There is no cost for this option.

2B. Military Training

Credit may be awarded based on American Council on Education (ACE) evaluations of military coursework and training. There is no cost for this CPL option.

2C. Professional Certifications or Licenses

Credit may be awarded for the successful completion of certain certifications. Certifications must have been reviewed by faculty subject matter experts. There is no cost to this CPL option.

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Questions About Credit for Prior Learning?