Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment is the evaluation of college-level or experience-based learning that an individual has achieved outside of traditional classroom environment that can be used to demonstrate college-level learning for academic credit awards.
Students who participate in the Prior Leaning Assessment program save time and money and avoid having to complete courses already mastered, completing their education goals at a higher rate.
You must be a student at FCC, have earned a high school diploma or GED, and must declare a major in a degree or certificate program.
Discover the Value of Your Experience
PLA is specific to each individual’s learning history. Please consult Dr. Renee Davis (Phone 301-846-2587) to discuss what’s needed for you to receive credit for your prior learning experience. View specific information for different learning types below.
Evaluation methods for your experience
Frederick Community College (FCC) maintains a number of methods to evaluate prior experience. Learn more about specific industry, credential, and testing options below.
Portfolio Assessment
A Portfolio evaluation is a course-by-course evaluation where students show that the knowledge gained through experience is equivalent to college-level learning and course learning outcomes. Students must be able to identify and document all experiences and learning. A student’s prior learning portfolio is a collection of materials or artifacts compiled to demonstrate college-level learning relevant to their academic program of study. Students will be required to enroll and complete the Prior Learning Assessment Course (PLAC101) and will be assessed the current tuition rate for a one-credit course. Additionally, students who request a Portfolio evaluation will be assessed 50% of the current tuition per credit awarded.
Frederick Community College recognizes that students come to us having obtained college-level learning in a specific subject area and having mastered course content and learning outcomes for various courses. Students can earn college credit by taking comprehensive exams in lieu of taking the actual course. Taking an exam for credit is one of the most affordable ways to accelerate degree completion. This option is available only if a CLEP or DSST standardized exam for the subject is not available. Note: This is not a Challenge Exam, which is used for appropriate placement in a course. Please contact your Program Manager or Department Chair for more information. Students will be assessed 50% of the current tuition for any credits awarded for successful completion of any Institutional Departmental Exam.
Frederick Community College accepts many industry-standard certificates and licensures for college credit. Specific programs have certificate and licensure evaluation opportunities for credit awards. Please contact your Program Manager for additional information. FCC does not assess any fees or tuition for Certificate & Licensure evaluations and credit awards.
Exams are national credit-by-examination programs providing individuals the opportunity to receive credit for college-level achievement acquired in a variety of ways. General examinations are available in many different subject areas. CLEP & DSST Eligibility
ACE offers Credit Recommendation Services and is a resource that connects workplace learning with colleges and universities by helping adults gain access to academic credit for formal course evaluations acquired outside the traditional classroom setting. Credit may be granted for educational programs that have been completed successfully at non-college institutions and applied to a student’s program of study. ACE also evaluates military training and experience. FCC does not assess any fees or tuition for the evaluation or award of ACE credits.
NCCRS evaluates training and education programs offered outside of the traditional college classroom setting provided by industry, state and federal government employers, professional organizations and other agencies and translates them into college credit equivalencies. FCC does not assess any fees or tuition for the evaluation or award of NCCRS credits.
FCC will evaluate Military Training and Service and award credit where applicable. The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and Joint Services Transcripts (JST) are issued to Air Force (CCAF), Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy personnel and documents their military training, experience, and service. Some military education and/or training may be eligible for credit. FCC does not assess any fees or tuition for the evaluation or award of Military Training and Service credits.
