Do you wish you had a college degree but think earning one is out of reach? Were you ever denied a position because you didn't have a degree?

If you have several years of work experience, a college degree may be closer than you think. Ivy Tech Community College can help you apply your experience, skills and knowledge toward a degree, saving you time and money and propelling you toward your educational and career goals.

Ivy Tech's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program will
let you prove the learning you've gleaned from years of
on-the-job training and experience and receive "verified competency" credit that may apply to a degree.

PLA is one kind of credit for prior learning you may receive. Others include test-outs, military experience, transfer credits from other institutions, and certifications, some of which may be earned at Ivy Tech's Workforce Certification Centers.

How to Apply for PLA

• Schedule an appointment with PLA coordinator, Marjie Risen by calling (812) 330-6109 or email mrisen@ivytech.edu.

• Complete the preliminary application to assist the coordinator in advising you of the best degree path.

• Obtain from your coordinator a set of statewide competency objectives in the course areas you selected.

• Meet with your PLA evaluator and fill out an application for each course for which you desire credit. The evaluator will help you choose items to submit to be assessed for Ivy Tech credit.

• Pay a $45 fee for each course application you submit.

• Prepare and submit for review a portfolio containing the documents you the evaluator agreed on.

Student Requisites

• Each PLA applicant must be enrolled at Ivy Tech as a degree-seeking student.

• Students who receive PLA credit are not excluded from the initial assessment required for new Ivy Tech students.

• Students must earn at least 15 academic credits as a regular Ivy Tech student to complete degree requirements.

• PLA credit is limited to technical course credit.

• Students who are Vincennes University majors at Community College of Indiana campuses should ask the campus CCI coordinator about earning credit for prior learning.