Ways to Earn PLA Credit
Standardized Exams
Students may receive credit through standardized exams like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), CLEP, DSST, and Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) by sending scores directly to ACC. We will evaluate scores based on posted scores.
Credits only accepted from third-party services (Straighterline, Sophia, etc.) if taken 2015-2018 as part of the Alternative Credit Project (ACP). ACC does not accept if not credits if outside of the ACP project timeframe.
Military / Veterans Training
Military training may be recognized for college credit. The American Council on Education's (ACE) Military Guide provides college credit recommendations for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Credit for learning gained in the U.S. military is generally transferred based upon ACE credit recommendations found on a Joint Service Transcript (JST) for current or former military personnel. Air Force personnel will have their credit documented on a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript.
To be evaluated for possible credit, you should order your official transcript from the provider (JST, CCAF) or third-party organization (ACE, etc.) and have it sent directly from the issuing organization to ACC for evaluation: Arapahoe Community College, Attention: Records, Campus Box 14, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, P.O. Box 9002, Littleton, CO 80160.
Industry Certification
ACC may evaluate non-collegiate instructional programs that result in industry certification, professional licensure, apprenticeship completion, and other workplace skills development. Many industry certifications and workplace credit are tied to articulation agreements with ACC and may not apply to other colleges or universities. Reach out to the program department chair for Graduation / PLA Coordinator for specific requirements associated with any articulation agreements.
Institutional Challenge Exams
Challenge Exams are institutional exams developed by faculty. Challenge exams are typically the equivalent of a comprehensive final exam and may include a skills demonstration. These exams count as institutional credit and towards residency requirement. To register for a challenge exam, please complete the Credit for Prior Learning Challenge Exam Form.
Early Childhood Education Credit for Prior Learning
The Early Childhood Education CPL is a structured process through which students can bridge their professional experience with college-level competencies by showcasing their acquired knowledge, comprehension, and practical abilities. Utilizing an exam and portfolio, students have the opportunity to earn college credit in any of the following courses: ECE 1011, ECE 1031, ECE 1111, and ECE 2641. Complete the Early Childhood Education Credit for Prior Learning Form to get started. Check out the ECE web page for information on ACC's Early Childhood Education programs.
Portfolio
Portfolios are a collection of evidence that demonstrate your mastery of the competencies for the course for which you are applying to earn credit. Examples of evidence or ways you may be asked to verify the knowledge and skills highlighted in your portfolio work products, competency demonstrations, training records, or interviews. Contact the Graduation / PLA Coordinator for additional information.
Forms
Costs
Costs
Industry Certifications
- No charge
Challenge Exam
- $50 per challenge exam
Portfolio
- $175 for 3 credit-hour course
- $225 for 4 credit-hour course
- $250 for 5 credit-hour course
