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Alternative Learning Credits and Prior Learning Assessment
Types of Alternative Learning Credits
Simpson University accepts three types of Alternative Credits: Exams, Formal Training, and Experience-Based Learning. The maximum number of credits a student can receive with Alternative Credits is 30 credits, with a maximum of 21 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits.
Exams
Simpson offers credit for CLEP standardized tests, AP/IB recognized exams, and challenge exams.
Formal Training
Formal trainings are those that result in a verifiable document for verification. An evaluation can be done on prior education such as certificates, licenses, CPEs, seminars, and in-service training. Credit is awarded based on time spent on the training (15 hours = 1 credit) and Credits are only awarded as General or Academic Electives on a student’s academic plan.
Experience-Based Learning
Degree Completion students are eligible to receive academic credit from documented work and volunteer experiences, as well as other experiential activities. Degree Completion students prepare a PLA Portfolio describing and documenting their learning experiences.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
The PLA Portfolio is intended to demonstrate learning through previous experiences in the format of a rich narrative and documented evidence. The portfolio should organize and present verifiable evidence of college-level learning through proper documentation (including a resume).
Supporting documentation may include:
- Job description and performance evaluations
- Work samples such as computer code, lesson plans or proposals
- Description of the work environment
- Verification of knowledge, skills, and abilities by a supervisor or employer
- Other appropriate forms of documentation verifying learning
The student must also include a narrative that explains the rationale for the claim of credit. The student must document the fulfillment of learning outcomes and follow the portfolio development and assessment process. A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio will only be evaluated for matriculated students and will be evaluated by faculty members. Once a student has enrolled in courses, a Degree Completion Academic Advisor will be available for consultation in the preparation of the PLA Portfolio. PLA Portfolios will be evaluated by the end of the semester the portfolio is submitted (assuming submission within two weeks of end of the semester). Credits can be applied to all General Education categories of a Degree Completion students degree plan but will not count toward major courses.
