Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment Policy

Tacoma Community College serves a diverse community of learners, many of whom have acquired a wealth of previous learning through life experiences including work, training, and independent study. These adults come to the college ready to demonstrate what they already know and can do.  Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) vary from program to program and are subject to faculty review. PLA credits will be noted on the TCC transcript as the equivalent TCC course. Credit will not generally be awarded if TCC does not offer an equivalent course. However, if the PLA experience can be shown to have direct application to a student’s professional technical program the credit may be posted as elective credit.

If PLA credit is based on an articulated agreement, a letter grade will be assigned in accordance with the agreement. Other forms of PLA credit will be posted with a grade of “S” for satisfactory pass. In some cases a student may be granted a waiver of a prerequisite, but not credit for prior learning. In this event a notation will be made to the TCC transfer-in registration screen that the student has satisfied the prerequisite, but no credit will be posted to the transcript. A student must be currently enrolled before prior learning assessment will be undertaken. Credits for PLA will be posted at the end of the quarter in which the PLA requirement is satisfied at the time a transcript is created. PLA credits are not considered enrolled credits and will not be counted in calculating the student’s enrollment status or calculating financial aid awards.

--excerpt from TCC Catalog 2005-2007

Contact Counseling and Advising, Building 7
Dr. April Reid
253.566.6006

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

A student enrolled for five (5) or more credits may petition for prior learning assessment (PLA) credits by completing the following steps.   The Prior Learning Assessment form will be given to the instructor upon presentation of a completed PLA portfolio that demonstrates all learning outcomes for the course(s) have been met.

STEP 1.  Schedule an appointment with Dr. April Reid to review Prior Learning Assessment process.

STEP 2.  If appropriate, enroll in EDUC 151 or EXPLR 190. Prepare portfolio with documentation, reflective writings and other demonstration materials that support the petition for PLA credits.

STEP 3.  Complete the Prior Learning Assessment Petition form (available in Counseling and Advising, Bldg. 7) and obtain Dean of Counseling, Advising and Transition Services signature indicating that the portfolio is complete and ready for faculty assessment.

STEP 4.  Pay for the number of PLA credits you would like to have assessed at the Cashiers, Building 11.  Note:  The faculty assessor may make a credit recommendation that is lower than the number of credits requested by the student.  Petitioned PLA credits will be assessed at a rate equivalent to 50% of current in-state tuition.

STEP 5.  Submit portfolio and receipt showing payment for number of PLA credits requested to Dr. April Reid.  Faculty assessment of PLA credits may take 30 days or more.  Please allow sufficient time to complete this process before requesting an official transcript.