Prior Learning Assessment

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 PLC grade of "S" which does not impact grade point average (GPA).

PLA Acceptance by Program of Study

*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

1. The student must fill out the a Prior Learning Assessment Request. The content specialist faculty member will receive a form to approve or deny the request.
2. Student must pay the assessment fees as listed below.
3. 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).
4. Dean approval (sent via email after Faculty section is submitted)
5. If awarded credit, the student pays the transcription charge as listed below.

Prior Learning Assessment Fees