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Bucks County Community College
  Academics  —  Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment

‌‌‌The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program can help you attain equivalent credit for the college-level learning you have achieved outside the traditional college classroom. PLA can save you time and money because you may not be required to take courses for the material you have already learned. Follow the steps below before registering for classes. Note that equivalent credit is not awarded for experience, but for learning that matches a particular course in your Bucks Program of Study.

Follow these Steps to Get Started

  1. Compare your required courses with your prior learning by viewing your Program of Study. To view required courses in your Program of Study, sign into Bucks Self Service, click on the student planning tab, and click on my progress.
  2. Research the Pathway for the assessment method to document your learning.
  3. Decide if you are going to take an exam, provide paper credentials, or create a portfolio.
  4. Complete the PLA Inquiry Form.
  5. Staff from the Office of Prior Learning Assessment will review your PLA Inquiry Form and ensure your preparedness to submit a formal application.
  6. Complete and submit the PLA Application with required documentation.

Create Your PLA Plan

The complexity of the PLA process can vary.

Some PLA plans, such as Challenge by Exam (CBE), are straightforward and may not require advising - Feel free to create and pursue your PLA plan by using the resources available on these PLA web pages.

Other situations may be complex or involve multiple assessment methods (Pathways) - You may benefit by consulting with the PLA Office for advising before creating your PLA plan.

Feel free to contact the PLA Office directly regarding your questions, concerns, and/or PLA plan.

  • Advisors
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Prior Learning Assesment

215-968-8161 pla@bucks.edu Newtown

Advising and Transfer Center
Rollins Center, 1st floor

PLA Application

Catalog

 

Prior Learning Assesment

215-968-8161 pla@bucks.edu Newtown

Advising and Transfer Center
Rollins Center, 1st floor

PLA Application

Catalog

 

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Newtown | 215-968-8000
275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Bristol | 267-685-4800
1304 Veterans Highway Bristol, PA 19007
Perkasie | 215-258-7700
One Hillendale Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944
Bucks Online | 215-968-8052
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