Ohio Administrative Code
Title 3358:5 - Clark State College
Chapter 3358:5-7 - Academic Policies
Section 3358:5-7-12 - Prior learning assessment policy
Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(A) Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a process that enables learners to demonstrate what they have learned and translate that learning into college credit. PLA validates knowledge acquired through life experience, work experience, military experience, civic engagement, individual study and reading, and participation in classes or training sponsored by business and industry, professional organizations, and/or government agencies. Credit is awarded for college-level knowledge gained from experience and not for the experience itself. College-level learning is validated through pla when learners prove their mastery of the knowledge, skills, competencies, and abilities in a specific area of study offered by the college.
(B) There are a variety of third-party vendors that allow students to receive college credits in certain courses. Requisite advanced placement criteria are determined by vice president of academic affairs in partnership with department faculty, division dean, or designee. The types of prior learning examinations accepted by the college are the following:
AP exams are a series of examinations developed by the college board for AP high school classes in various subject areas. Students who have taken a college board ap credit examination must have scored at least a three to receive appropriate course credit.
CLEP assesses proficiency in general education through thirty-three tests in five subject areas.
DSST examinations test knowledge in both lower- and upper-level college course content through thirty-eight tests in six subject areas.
Clark state recognizes the IB diploma as an advanced standing program for college credit.
(C) Military training and experience credit:
Students who have achieved military education and training credit may apply for acceptance of these credits toward the appropriate degree.
(D) Professional certification/industry credentials credit:
For courses in which professional certifications are utilized as an assessment tool, students may receive college credit for a course based on possessing such professional certification.
(E) Proficiency examinations:
Any student who believes he/she is qualified for college credit through experience, previous training, or noncredit coursework may request a proficiency exam at the appropriate division office. When a proficiency examination is an appropriate measure, the examination will be thorough and in keeping with the established goals and objectives of the course(s) and the overall program. Theoretical knowledge will be tested by faculty recommendation through common acceptable measures (i.e., paper and pencil, computerized, etc.) with the possibility of a practical skills component. Both written and practical skills testing may be required to ensure course rigor is maintained and achieved.
(F) Portfolio assessment:
A PLA portfolio is a detailed documentation illustrating college-level learning. The documentation varies by course and may include: examples of documents developed or materials made (like a machined part) at work or during some civic engagement, a self-assessment, an essay or oral interview explaining knowledge and experience, awards and honors, and certifications showing completion of workshops or seminars offered by professional organizations, business and industry or government agencies.
(G) Credit for prior learning assessment:
(H) Prior learning assessment appeals procedure:
Clark state has established a process for prior learning assessment appeals as listed in the PLA procedures document.
