is a set of well-established,

researched, and validated methods for

assessing non-collegiate learning for

college credit.

The process allows learners to demonstrate

knowledge and skill in a particular field or

fields and have that learning evaluated for

college credit.

PLA targets adult learners.

1

Research shows outcomes for adult students with

PLA are better than adults with no PLA credit

Higher GPAs

Shorter time-to-degree

Better retention rates

Better completion rates

Take more regular courses

2

Associate degree students are 2 times more likely to persist to graduation

•Source: Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success. CAEL, March 2010.

3

PLA Effect on Graduation Rates

Which option will help your student save time and money

towards their degree?

Military

Credit

Articulated Industry,

Licensure,

Apprenticeship

Formal

Exam

Portfolio

Credit

4

Departmental

Exam

A military transcript documents training and coursework

completed during military service

American Council on Education (ACE) Military Evaluations

Program evaluates formal military training and Military

Occupational Specialties (MOS)

ACE guidelines are used by many colleges and

universities

No cost for military transcript review at CCBC

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Requirements include:

• Must teach college level course at institution accredited

by CHEA

• Must have taught for at least five years

Interested? Check out http://www.acenet.edu/news-

room/Pages/Becoming-a-Faculty-Evaluator.aspx

6

ACE Faculty Evaluators are

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

Joint Services Transcript (JST)

Army

Navy

Marines

Coast Guard

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Request a transcript at: https://jst.doded.mil

Courses Completed

Military

course

ID

Course title

Date course taken

Course

description

Academic subject in

which credit is

recommended

Recommended

credit hours

Course

level

8

Military Experience

College-level Test Scores

Other Learning Experiences (OLE)

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http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

10

11

12

ADM1106 Information Management

Introduction to general

administrative support and office

management. Includes planning,

coordinating, managing, sharing,

and controlling data, and the proper

flow an management of information

in both paper and electronic

mediums. Emphasizes content

development, e-mail and internet

management policies, plans and

programs, official correspondence,

suspense files, document security,

official mail handling, and quality

assurance

• Demonstrate college level learning of content taught in post-secondary courses through standardized examinations.

• Exams include:

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Resources-for-

Students/Academic-Advisement/Prior-Learning-Assessment/CLEP-Examination.aspx

DSST http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Resources-for-Students/Academic-Advisement/Prior-Learning-

Assessment/DSST-Examination.aspx

Excelsior College Examinations/Uexcel

• Usually a fee for exams, but the DANTES program covers this fee for DSST and CLEP for most military-connected students. Veterans benefits also cover as “national test.”

CCBC charges a nominal testing fee.

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Departmental Exams — Credit by Examination

CCBC Departmental Examinations are the equivalent to passing a cumulative, end-of-the-term examination or a series of comparable exams. Examinations vary depending on the type of course challenged. Passing them can earn you college credit at CCBC.

The current fee for CCBC Departmental Exams is 50% per credit of the in-state tuition.

http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Resources-for-Students/Academic-Advisement/Prior-Learning-Assessment/Departmental-Exams.aspx

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GI Benefits at CCBCCovered National Tests:

CLEP

DSST*Note: The nominal CCBC testing center fee will still be collected. The charge for the exam, however, is covered.

GI Benefits Not at CCBC

LearningCounts.org (portfolio assessment only)

Portfolio Development Classes

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Requires students to submit a set of written documents that prove

college-level learning and skills

Allows students to earn credit for more varied types of learning

and experience than other academic credit options The current fee for CCBC’s Portfolio assessment is 50% per credit of

the in-state tuition.

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http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Resources-for-Students/Academic-

Advisement/Prior-Learning-Assessment/Portfolio-

Assessment.aspx

Prior learning credits can be applied to an AAS Degree and/or certificate in Criminal Justice Studies.

What's required to complete a Criminal Justice Portfolio Assessment?

• Documentation showing completion of a certified police or correctional academy.

• Documentation of on the job experience.

• Pay the assessment fee (currently 50% of the current in-county tuition rate at

• CCBC).

• Fill out the appropriate paperwork with the Subject Matter Faculty Expert (SMFE) and send it to the Registration Office.

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http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Resources-for-Students/Academic-Advisement/Prior-Learning-Assessment/Portfolio-

Assessment.aspx

Credit by Portfolio at CCBC for Criminal Justice Studies

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Paperwork to Complete for Credit by

Portfolio or Departmental Exam

“The pursuit of a college degree while employed full

time, and raising two children is quite challenging. My

career of 26 years has proved very rewarding, including

the education opportunities along the way, but it did not

result in a degree. Having the opportunity to be

evaluated for credit at CCBC has made my degree a

reality. Receiving PLA credits, along with the acceptance

of transfer credits, and taking courses has made it

attainable. The importance of a college education has no

price tag in today's world.”

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-Scott Mergenthaler (CCBC graduate 2016)

CCBC offers articulated credit for industry-based certifications, licenses, and state or federal

apprenticeship certificates that have been evaluated by CCBC faculty. If the credentials reflect

training and assessment that is comparable to specific CCBC classes, the faculty evaluators have

recommended college credit. These articulated credits are awarded at no cost to the student.

Next steps:

1. Consult with the Coordinator of Articulation, Transfer, and Prior Learning Assessment.

2. Meet with the appropriate Subject Matter Faculty Expert (SMFE) to present the Certifications,

Licenses, or Apprenticeship Certificates.

3. Fill out the appropriate paperwork with the SMFE and take it to the Registration Office.

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•http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Resources-for-Students/Academic-Advisement/Prior-Learning-

Assessment/Industry-Certification.aspx

CCBC PLA Articulated Credit: Industry, Licensure,

Certification, & Apprenticeship

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Subject Matter Faculty

Expert (SMFE)

Articulated PLA Credit

Approval Letter

Sample

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Military

Pilots License

CW2 Wiley Seals

CCBC PLA Articulated Credit Success Story

“CCBC’s commitment to ensuring a student’s FAA certifications are recognized has been the best experience that I have received at any of the 5 colleges & universities I have attended. This will give me 2 degrees in just 3 semesters which could not be accomplished without CCBC being committed to recognizing the skills, abilities, and certificates that their students possess.”

Wiley Seals,

CCBC Aviation Student

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•

•

•

•

•

•

Some Additional PLA Resources at CCBC

CCBC Prior Learning Assessment Office Email: PLA@ccbcmd.edu

Transcript Evaluator Team Email: transfereval@ccbcmd.edu

Michele Jones, Criminal Justice, Catonsville: mjones@ccbcmd.eduKeith Lessner, Criminal Justice, Dundalk: klessner@ccbcmd.eduRobert Richick, Criminal Justice, Essex: rrichick@ccbcmd.edu

Jane Mattes, Financial Studies (Accounting & Economics): jmattes@ccbcmd.edu

Shawn McNamara, Health Professions: smcnamara2@ccbcmd.edu

Rose Cramer, Business Studies: rcramer@ccbcmd.edu

Noell Damron, Network Technology: ndamron@ccbcmd.edu

Donna Mandl, Legal Studies: dmandl@ccbcmd.edu

Karen Stephan, PLA Professional Development Subcommittee Chair: kstephan@ccbcmd.edu

Linda Gronberg-Quinn, Teacher Education: lgronberg@ccbcmd.edu

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