Prior Learning Assessment Get credit for what you already know

Point Park University offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for students with select qualifications and expertise. The University evaluates your credentials to see how much credit you are qualified to receive. When you earn credit through PLA, you may save a significant amount of money and complete your degree more quickly.

Work experience, military service and technical training are all examples of ways you may have developed the experience and knowledge needed to earn PLA credit. The exact credit awarded is determined using one of following methods:

Credit by Examination

Programs like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) give you the chance to prove your proficiency in general education areas like introductory math, writing, business, and science. These exams are available for just a fraction of the cost of a college course, and if you're in the military, you may be able to take the exam for free.

UExcel® Credit By Exam

When you’re looking for extra flexibility, UExcel exams let you earn credit by exam rather than by taking a course that requires you to complete assignments and take multiple tests on a schedule.

You don’t have to enroll in a degree program to take UExcel exams, and you can earn credit for exams in business, liberal arts, science, technology, and more.

Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio

The prior learning assessment (PLA) portfolio is a tool for students to document college-level learning that was obtained in non-collegiate settings. The PLA portfolio allows students to receive university credits by demonstrating their college-level learning in a content area to a faculty evaluator. PLA portfolios can be developed for undergraduate level work only.

A PLA Portfolio Application can only be submitted after a student is officially admitted to Point Park University.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credits