Prior Learning Assessment for Non-College Experiences

Augusta Technical College recognizes students’ learning experiences outside of the traditional college classroom through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). PLA is a process for evaluating knowledge and skills in order to award college credit for learning from on the job learning, corporate training, independent study, military service, or volunteer service that is consistent with College mission and ensures that course work and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to the College’s own degree programs. Augusta Technical College currently recognizes the following methods for PLA:

Military Training Credit

Augusta Technical College accepts coursework completed as part of training in the United States Armed Forces based on the recommendations of the American Council of Education. Students who wish to have military training reviewed for transfer credit must submit an official Joint Services Transcript to the Office of Student Records. Students may request Joint Services Transcripts by visiting https://jst.doded.mil.

All Joint Services Transcript credit recommendations will be reviewed by the appropriate college content area experts. In some cases, the content area expert may require the student to complete a skills assessment to verify the breadth and depth of the prior training. If a skills assessment is deemed necessary, this assessment will be provided to the student at no cost.

Industry Certifications

Students may earn exemption credit for coursework if they possess a current industry certification, enroll in a related program, and if the certification has been reviewed for learning outcome equivalency with Augusta Technical College courses. Official documentation of an active certification is required, and documentation requirements may vary by certification. The Office of Student Records maintains a current list of industry certifications that have been evaluated for course exemption purposes.

Portfolio Assessment

In cases where national standardized exams or institutional exams are not available, a student may be able to complete a portfolio that demonstrates his/her experience and college-level learning.  Augusta Tech will consider a portfolio, if that experience demonstrates mastery of competencies taught within an Augusta Tech degree , diploma, or certificate program.  Faculty will base exemption decisions on the content of the completed portfolio.

A completed portfolio should contain at the minimum the following elements:

• Request for Prior Learning Assessment Evaluation Form
• Resume that includes:
  • Student name, mailing address, e-mail address, fax and telephone numbers
  • Education experience, with dates
  • Employment experience, with dates
  • Community activities
  • Other activities
• Learning Outcomes/Course Syllabus
• Description and Documentation of Learning (Narrative)
• Evidence support prior learning, including:
  • Work samples, letters of validation for work experience, job description
  • Performance appraisals, evidence of public presentation, etc.
  • Transcripts of formal academic courses (if applicable) or copies of non-credit certificates or industry certificates
  • Proof of membership in professional associations, community service organizations, proof of certification, licensing, etc.

Non-Traditional Learning

Applicants with non-traditional instruction or job training may request to have their experiences reviewed for possible exemption credit. Any non-traditional learning experience must have previously been reviewed and recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) or by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Students must provide their official ACE transcript or CAEL credit recommendations which will be reviewed by the Registrar and the appropriate faculty members for credit. ACE and CAEL recommendations are of an advisory nature and do not guarantee the issuance of exemption credit by Augusta Technical College.