Prior Learning Assessment
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Purpose
LWTech defines prior learning as: 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 institutions outside of the United States.
Prior learning credit is accomplished through an assessment process conducted by qualified faculty and may result in one or more courses being posted to your transcript. Up to 25% of the credits for a degree or certificate may be earned through the PLA process. Awarding of PLA credits by Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not guarantee or imply that other institutions will accept PLA credits.
This form begins the PLA process - Form Coming Soon
What Happens When You Submit this Form:
- A faculty member will review your request and decide if you are eligible for the PLA
process. If they decide you are eligible, the enrollment services office will place
a fee on your account.
- Prior Learning Assessment Fees, due before faculty assessment:
- Full PLA for up to 25% of a degree or certificate is $200
- PLA for an individual class is $75
- Prior Learning Assessment Fees, due before faculty assessment:
- Once the assessment process is complete, faculty will grade your PLA as S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). This grade will be sent to enrollment services.
- Enrollment Services will add the class(es) to your transcript with the grade determined
by the faculty. This is now part of your official LWTech record. An additional fee
will be added to your account based on the number of credits you are earning through
PLA:
- Due After Faculty Assessment
- Transcription charge (per credit) is $5
- Due After Faculty Assessment
What if You Need Help With this Process:
If you have questions or concerns, please connect with the Enrollment Services office.
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 PLA grade of "S" which does not impact grade point average (GPA).
PLA Acceptance by Program of Study
| Program of Study | PLA Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Accounting | No |
| Applied Management - Entrepreneurship | No |
| Architectural Technology | Yes |
| Auto Body Technician | No |
| Auto Repair Technician | Yes |
| Baking Arts | Yes |
| Behavioral and Social Services | Yes |
| Biology DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
| Business DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
| Business Technology | Yes |
| Computer Science | Yes |
| Computer Security and Network Technology | Yes |
| Computing and Software Development | AAS/Cert, No. BAS, Yes |
| Construction Management DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
| 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 |
| Early Childhood Education | Yes |
| Electronics Technology | Yes |
| Engineering Transfer | No (CLEP* options) |
| Environmental Horticulture | No |
| Funeral Service Education | No |
| General Education Requirements | No (CLEP*options) |
| Health Sciences | No (CLEP* options) |
| Human Resource Management | Yes |
| Illustration | AAS, Yes. BAS, Yes |
| Machining Technology | Yes |
| Math Education DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
| 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 |
| Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP | No (CLEP* options) |
| 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.
Prior Learning Assessment Fees
Due Before Faculty Assessment
- $200
- Full Prior Learning Assessment for up to 25% of a degree or certificate
- $75
- Prior Learning Assessment for an individual class
Due After Faculty Assessment
- $5
- Transcription charge per credit awarded