Prior Learning Assessment
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Prior Learning is the knowledge and skills gained through: work and life experience; military training and experience; and formal and informal education and training from in-state and out-of-state institutions, including foreign institutions. Identifying credit for prior learning can be accomplished by a assessment process conducted at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), by qualified faculty and may result in a course or several courses being posted and credited to a student's transcript.
Up to 25% of the credits for a degree or certificate may be earned through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process. Awarding of PLA credits by Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not guarantee or imply that other institutions will accept such credit.
General Conditions
Instructional programs allow Prior Learning Assessment as specified on the table below (and on the Prior Learning Assessment Request form).
- Students must first discuss the appropriateness of this option with their faculty advisor; please do this prior to initial registration if first quarter classes are part of the PLA request.
- Students must be admitted to LWTech and have attended new student orientation prior to requesting PLA.
- Students may not use PLA for classes where previous credit was earned.
- Students may challenge a course only once using the PLA process.
- Credits earned will carry a PLA grade of "S" which does not impact grade point average (GPA).
PLA Acceptance by Program of Study
Program of Study | PLA Accepted? |
---|---|
Accounting | No |
Applied Management - Entrepreneurship | No |
Architectural Technology | Yes |
Auto Body Technician | No |
Auto Repair Technician | Yes |
Baking Arts | Yes |
Behavioral and Social Services | Yes |
Biology DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
Business DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
Business Technology | Yes |
Computer Science | Yes |
Computer Security and Network Technology | Yes |
Computing and Software Development | AAS/Cert, No. BAS, Yes |
Construction Management DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
Culinary Arts | Yes |
Dental Assistant | No |
Dental Hygiene | No |
Design | AAS/Cert, Yes. BAS, No |
Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician | Yes |
Digital Gaming and Interactive Media | AAS/Cert, Yes. BAS, No |
Early Childhood Education | Yes |
Electronics Technology | Yes |
Engineering Transfer | No (CLEP* options) |
Environmental Horticulture | No |
Funeral Service Education | No |
General Education Requirements | No (CLEP*options) |
Health Sciences | No (CLEP* options) |
Human Resource Management | Yes |
Illustration | AAS, Yes. BAS, Yes |
Machining Technology | Yes |
Math Education DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
Mechanical Design Technology | Yes |
Medical Assisting/Medical Billing & Coding | Yes, for up to two courses from following list: MEDA 118, MEDA 125, MEDA 139, MEDA 212 |
Nursing | No |
Occupational Therapy Assistant | No |
Physical Therapist Assistant | No |
Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
Public Health | No |
Sewing | No |
Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management | Yes |
Welding Technology | Yes |
*CLEP: The College Level Examination Program allows you to take nationally recognized exams for college credit in academic disciplines. Please see the LWTech Assessment Center in West Building, W204 for more information.
Instructions for Prior Learning Assessment
- The student must fill out a Prior Learning Assessment Request. The content specialist faculty member will receive a form to approve or deny the request.
- Student must pay the assessment fees as listed below.
- The faculty member determines the assessment process and, upon completion, completes their portion of the Prior Learning Assessment form (sent via email after Student section is submitted).
- Dean approval (sent via email after Faculty section is submitted)
- If awarded credit, the student pays the transcription charge as listed below.
Prior Learning Assessment Fees
Due Before Faculty Assessment
- $200
- Full Prior Learning Assessment for up to 25% of a degree or certificate
- $75
- Prior Learning Assessment for an individual class
Due After Faculty Assessment
- $5
- Transcription charge per credit awarded