Credit for Prior Learning
What Is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for prior learning is a term used to describe knowledge gained outside of a traditional academic environment. Potential areas for credit for prior learning can include:
- Work experience
- Participation in employer training programs
- Military service
- Independent study
- Volunteer work or community service
- Study of open source courseware
By demonstrating the knowledge gained through these experiences, via various prior
learning assessments (PLAs), you may be able to earn college credit. Credit for prior
learning is the same credit that would be awarded if you learned through a traditional
class.
It is important to note that Credit for Prior Learning is not a guarantee that credit will be awarded; rather Credit for Prior Learning is a process that creates the opportunity for review of relevant skills in consideration for college credit.
How Can I Use It?
Credit for prior learning applies toward majors, minors, concentrations, general education requirements, and electives that count toward the degree or certificate you're seeking. They can also satisfy prerequisite requirements.
What Are the Requirements?
Credit for prior learning can only be awarded to students who have been admitted to
HCC.
We also recommend that any students interested in credit for prior learning meet
with their academic advisors to ensure that the credit they're interested in will
meet requirements for their academic programs. Changing majors may results in the
reassessment of the credit and how it can be used toward the new program's educational
requirements.
How Much Can I Use?
HCC will honor a maximum of 30 credit hours of prior learning credit for an associate's degree. However, whether you're seeking a certificate, diploma, or degree, at least 25% of the credit hours required for a credential must be completed at the HCC college awarding the credential. This means that the amount of prior learning credit you can apply to your credential may be less than the full 30 credit hours.
