Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), also known as Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), is a valuable way
to get credit toward your degree for previous life and/or work experience.
If you are interested in getting credit for previous life experience you will need to:
Consult with the Testing Center on the most current testing matrix to determine which exams are equivalent to a course and the minimum score needed to pass. We do not accept all exam titles.
To register to take a CLEP/DSST exam, go to the Testing Center.
If you already passed an exam, send us an official transcript (see address below). Exam Sites Here:
Mail Official Transcripts to:
Pikes Peak State College
Attn: Records Office/ Box C8/
5675 S. Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Questions? Email: records@pikespeak.edu
Challenge Exams are institutional exams developed by faculty. They assess a student’s mastery of the competencies required for the CCNS course being challenged. Challenge exams are typically the equivalent of a comprehensive final exam and may include a skills demonstration. These exams are distinct from Portfolios in that they only require an exam and/or demonstration and do not require the student to document work or other learning experience. These exams (when passed) also count as institutional credit and towards the HLC residency requirement.
A student must pass with a “C” grade or better. The only exception to this is that some technical or licensure accrediting bodies may require a “B” grade or better for certification. Exams can be administered by either the PPSC Testing Center, the Faculty member, or an approved proctoring site.
If you would like to complete a Challenge Exam, please fill out the PLA Student Agreement Form for Challenge Exams.
Create a portfolio of documents that describe your learning, request course credit, and provide supporting documentation. Your portfolio is evaluated by a faculty member who is a subject-matter expert.
See the PLA Portfolio Student Handbook for guidance.
Identify the courses in your degree plan that you would like to petition for credit. Search for the course description and competencies on the Common Course Numbering System.
Some courses offer established portfolio assignment options (listed under Portfolio Assignments) for PLA credit.
Meet with a faculty member in the identified subject (e.g. ENG, MAT, etc) to determine what artifacts would be needed to prove competency.
Assemble your portfolio.
Submit the Portfolio Student Agreement Form, including your completed portfolio for review and if approved, payment. Students should submit copies of their documentation. Keep the originals.
Select students in the BAS ESA program have field and/or experience readily translating to college credit. Students who lead and manage personnel have the potential to show how their professional and field experience directly translates to the course learning outcomes in ESA 4000, Personnel Management in Emergency Service Administration Agencies, as shown below in the assignment requirements.
Select students in the BAS ESA program have field and/or experience readily translating to college credit. Students who lead and manage personnel have the potential to show how their professional and field experience directly translates to the course learning outcomes in ESA 4010, Terrorism Threat and Risk Analysis, as shown below in the assignment requirements
If you have worked in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) profession for one year or more, you may be eligable to earn PLA credit.
AAS CNG 2080 PLA Portfolio Assignment
American Council on Education (ACE) ACE National Guide
National College Credit Recommendation Service NCCRS
Use a Published Guide (ACE/NCCRS) to identify possible credit for industry/workplace training and certifications. The courses are evaluated by teams of national subject-matter experts who write a credit recommendation. PPSC subject-matter faculty will review the ACE/NCCRS recommendations to determine if there is a course equivalent.
Some workplace training, certificates and licensures have been previously evaluated so there is an established credit equivalency. Use the PLA Student Agreement Form for Industry Certification/Workplace Training to submit documentation for PLA credit.
If your workplace training certificates and licensure are not included on the MOU PLA agreement then please submit the PLA Student Agreement-Non MOU Industry Certification or Professional Licensure form.
Watch your student email account for the results. Contact records@pikespeak.edu with any questions.
Have your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force Transcript (CCAF) evaluated. The American Council on Education's (ACE) Military Guide provides college credit recommendations for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Not using military education benefits? Email mvp@pikespeak.edu to request a JST evaluation. You do not need to order your JST.
We value all of your service. All of your learning is valuable. However, some of your learning from military service (occupation and training), when evaluated, may or may not be the equivalent of 1) a college-level course and 2) a course required on your declared degree or certificate. If you decide to change your course of study, your transcripts may need to be re-evaluated.
Have your Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force Transcript (CCAF) evaluated. The American Council on Education's (ACE) Military Guide provides college credit recommendations for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Not using military education benefits? Email records@pikespeak.edu to request a JST evaluation. You do not need to order your JST.
We value all of your service. All of your learning is valuable. However, some of your learning from military service (occupation and training), when evaluated, may or may not be the equivalent of 1) a college-level course and 2) a course required on your declared degree or certificate. If you decide to change your course of study, your transcripts may need to be re-evaluated.
Separated Air Force: Order an official copy of your Community College of the Air Force transcript sent to PPSC.