Bainbridge College
Prior Learning Assessment Program
Bainbridge College recognizes that learning may result from a variety of individual avocational studies, occupational experiences, and general life encounters as well as from formal classroom instruction.
Bainbridge College is participating in a grant funded effort to increase the numbers of adult learners who return to college and complete a degree program. This grant is being used by Bainbridge College to revise and/or develop department challenge exams and to determine other mechanisms of appropriate assessments that can be used to determine the amount and nature of credits that can be awarded.
Along with Bainbridge College, Valdosta State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, and Atlanta Metropolitan College are participating in this grant. Valdosta’s PLA program has been in operation for the last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLA?
PLA stands for Prior Learning Assessment. It is a set of mechanisms through which formal college credit can be awarded for informal learning.
What is an adult learner?
An adult learner, as defined by the College Access Grant, is an individual who is 25 years of age or older who has not completed a college degree.
Who is eligible to earn credits through PLA?
Any individual who is successfully admitted to Bainbridge College can earn credits through our PLA program. Students who think that they may have satisfied course requirements through a non-traditional method are encouraged to contact Ms. Connie Snyder in the admissions office.
What opportunities currently exist for earning credits?
Students can earn credit through one of two mechanisms at this time.
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
This program, offered through the College Entrance Examination Board involves the completion of a standardized exam prepared by CLEP. The exams are available through the college’s testing center which is currently housed in the library. The student must purchase test materials for each test taken. The award of credit is governed by the following regulations:
Up to 17 hours of CLEP credit may count toward a degree at Bainbridge College. Such credit will be recorded on the student’s record in the same manner as transfer credit with the symbol “K” assigned.
No credit will be awarded on the basis of an examination taken more than twice after initial enrollment.
Credit will be given for courses for which a pre-requisite is a requirement only after such pre-requisite(s) have been satisfied.
Test cost is $70; test administration fee is $15. Total cost = $85.
For a detailed list of those classes for which CLEP credit can be awarded see the current college catalog (page 57).
Departmental Challenge Exams
This credit may be earned by taking individual examinations approved by the instructor and the Division Chairperson. For more information on the availability of exams, consult the Division Chairperson for the particular course.
Will these credits transfer to four year institutions?
Colleges that accept credits from Bainbridge College will accept credits awarded through departmental challenge exams. In the case of CLEP credits, students will, most likely, be asked for a CLEP transcript (available through the College Entrance Examination Board) upon transfer. The accepting college will then examine those scores to determine if credit is appropriate for their institution. In evaluating CLEP scores for credits, we utilize the scores as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).
Open the original version of this page.
Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.