PRIOR LEARNING
ASSESSMENT (PLA)

Through our online Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program, you can earn college credit for your previous studies and life experience.

Whether you’ve gained this knowledge through another educational program, independent study, or experience, we want to give you credit for it.

CSU-Global's PLA program lets you demonstrate your knowledge so that you can complete your bachelor’s degree faster and for less.

Speed up your degree and save 75% over CSU-Global's already lower tuition rates with Prior Learning Assessments

How It Works

You can earn college credit through CSU-Global’s PLA program by demonstrating that your previous knowledge and experience matches the targeted learning outcomes of a particular course. The credits you earn will be classified as non-resident credits, which can then be applied toward an undergraduate degree at CSU-Global.

Participating students will use an application and guidebook to review the learning objectives for each course in their program of study. They will then present a portfolio of work, showcasing their prior professional experiences and demonstrating their mastery over the learning objectives for each course in question. Students will also submit a professional resume. There is a $150 fee for each portfolio submission.

These credits may be accepted in transfer by other institutions, at their discretion, but if you plan to transfer, check with your intended institution before you begin the PLA program. Students must have four years of related work experience and have successfully completed three standard classes with CSU-Global* before participating in the PLA program.

Degree-seeking students are eligible to earn up to 30 PLA credits. Credits earned through the PLA program will apply to the 90 total transfer credits accepted by CSU-Global. Check out our Transfer Information page for more information.

Fill out the form to the right to request more information about the Prior Learning Assessment program from CSU-Global. Applications will be reviewed and scored based on a rubric.