Credit that is awarded to a student who demonstrates that the student's prior learning meets college-level competencies, skills and abilities acquired through work, professional training, military training and other learning domains. (UVU Policy 525: 3.5)
PLA is a type of assessment used in the CPL process. UVU policy 525: 3.11 defines PLA as a rigorous process through which faculty subject matter experts evaluate a student's previously learned knowledge and competencies in a particular field of study.
Eligible students must be admitted into UVU and have at least 1 credit successfully completed and transcribed. Courses that have already been attempted are not eligible. (UVU Policy 525: 4.5.1)
Credit hours in residency (UVU credits) at a UVU campus, satellite, or branch campus, or through distance education or concurrent enrollment, are required for all certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Minimum hours can be found here.
| Type of Assessment |
Credits by Credentials (Certificate Transfer Credit) |
Credit by Examination (Challenge Credit) |
Credit by Expert Review (Portfolio Assessment) |
Residency Credit (Certificate Required) |
| Appropriate Use | Students with an earned license, certificate, or other credential that would like to receive course credit | Students who would like to take an examination to prove mastery of course material | Students who want to submit documentation of prior learning in industry for credit | Students with accredited certifications who with to earn UVU Residency credit by enrolling in a corresponding UVU course |
| Courses/Cert List | Credit by Credentials List | Credit by Examination List | Credit by Expert Review List | UVU Residency Credit List |
| Counts to UVU Residency* | No | No | No | Yes |
| Certification Required | Yes | No | Variable Credit | Yes |
| Registration in Course Required? | No | No | Yes, if approved students will register for corresponding course | Yes, if approved students will register for corresponding course (415 section) |
|
Additional Assignments/work required? |
No | Yes, students will need to complete an exam or submit documentation that will be reviewed by faculty who are subject matter experts. | Yes, students will need to submit documentation as specified on the course list to be be reviewed by faculty subject matter experts | Yes, students will need to complete assignments in the course |
| Cost per credit | No cost |
A non-refundable fee of $15 is charged to take a challenge examination. Tuition is charged at the rate of $5 per credit. (UVU Tuition & Fees Policy) |
TBA |
$30 per credit |
| Max Credits |
No limit ** See Financial Aid Disclaimer Below ** |
|
No limit ** See Financial Aid Disclaimer Below ** |
No limit ** See Financial Aid Disclaimer Below ** |
| Process | Send your Certificates Here | Apply Here for Residency Credentials |
UVU Policy 525: 4.6.6: CPL may be applied toward courses in a certificate of completion, AA, AS, AAS, BS, and BA degree only for the purpose of satisfying graduation requirements.
UVU does not use GPAs from transfer credits. Transfer credits will not negatively impact a student's GPA.
**Financial Aid Disclaimer**: Undergraduate students in a bachelor's degree may receive financial aid for up to 180 credit hours.
Undergraduate Students in an associate degree may receive financial aid for up to 90 credits.
