JCCC allows you to apply the knowledge you have gained in your work and life experiences toward college credit through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a program at JCCC that provides credit for knowledge acquired outside the traditional classroom. Students who demonstrate and/or document previous learning may be able to earn college credit. There may be a nonrefundable fee required. Contact Prior Learning Assessment at 913-469-8500, ext. 2436 or email Erika Henritz at ehenritz@jccc.edu for more information.
Catalog of Prior Learning Assessment (PDF) — advanced standing credits may be awarded in subject fields where JCCC offers comparable courses or curricula. If prior learning credit is available for a particular course, it will be listed in this catalog.
Converting Prior Learning to College Credit
Adults often obtain valuable skills and knowledge through working, doing volunteer work or their own independent study. Many adults coming to JCCC have taken classes in the Armed Services or at a vocational school. These different experiences may allow you to earn college credit. Assessments to obtain nontraditional credit might include:
Portfolio Evaluation
In some instances, college credit may be awarded by means of a portfolio evaluation. A portfolio is a collective and comprehensive document that details experiences, training, formal education and work background. Faculty evaluators review portfolio submissions to determine if the objectives of a college class are met. There is a nonrefundable $75 PLA fee.
Certificate Evaluation
In some instances, you may show a certificate of successful completion of training in order to get college credit for a class covering the same material.
Proficiency Exams
It may be possible to earn credit for a specific course by demonstrating a satisfactory level of achievement on a comprehensive departmental examination. Examinations may be written, oral, practical or any combination of these. There is a nonrefundable $75 PLA fee.
CLEP - College Level Examination Program
Exams representing courses typical of the first two years of college study.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
Are advanced placement exams for high school students.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams
A list of IB tests accepted for credit at JCCC.
Prior Military Training
Visit the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center page to learn about your options
Restrictions
Students may earn a maximum of 30 hours of credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
- All earned PLA credit will receive a grade of “P” for pass and will be designated as “Advanced Standing Credit.”
- To apply for PLA credit, a student must be currently admitted or enrolled at JCCC.
- PLA credit may be used toward a degree or certificate program at JCCC, but will not satisfy the residency requirement for graduation, and students must complete all graduation requirements as stated in the catalog.
- Credit cannot be used to meet the enrollment requirement for government-funded financial aid programs or to meet resident credit requirements for graduation.
- Credit obtained at JCCC through PLA may not transfer to another college or university.
- Students may not enroll in the class for which they are applying for PLA credit.
- Credit cannot be used to repeat classroom credit in which students have received a grade.
- Students will not be awarded credit if they have received credit through other nontraditional programs representing the same content.