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.
Students must complete or register for a minimum of 10 credits at LWTech before using 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

Program of Study	PLA Accepted?
Accounting	No
Architectural Technology	Yes
Auto Body Technician	No
Auto Repair Technician	Yes
Baking Arts	Yes
Behavioral and Social Services	Yes
Business Technology	Yes
Civil Design and Engineering Technology	Yes
Computer Security and Network Technology	Yes
Computing and Software Development	AAS/Cert, No. BAS, No
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
DTA/MRPs (Biology, Business, Computer Science, Construction Mgt, Math Ed, Pre Nursing)	No (CLEP* options)
Early Childhood Education	Yes
Electronics Technology	Yes
Engineering Transfer	No
Environmental Horticulture	No
Fitness Specialist/Personal Trainer	Yes
Funeral Service Education	No
General Education Requirements	No (CLEP*options)
Health Sciences	No
Human Resource Management	Yes
Machining Technology	Yes
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
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 the 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.