Prior Learning Assessment FAQ’s

What is the Prior Learning Assessment option?

Prior Learning Assessment is a process used by Bay Path College and other accredited colleges to determine the number and type of college credits that a student may earn from learning acquired through experience. Learning acquired through work, professional trainings, certificates, licenses, volunteerism, hobbies and other life experiences. Many students find that the process is affirming and inspiring because it involves documentation of knowledge, talents, skills and accomplishments gained over a lifetime. The LOS200 Prior Learning Assessment course guides students through the process to build a learning portfolio that can be submitted and assessed for college level learning gained through experience. The Prior Learning Assessment process at Bay Path College can be an integral part of your education and it meets the excellence standards set by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

 

What are other ways that I can earn credit through the Prior Learning Assessment option?

CLEP: You can also earn credit for prior learning through the College Level Examination (CLEP). CLEP allows you to take a test and receive college credit for what you already know by earning qualifying scores on exams. These are subject matter tests that you can take, pass and submit your scores to Bay Path College for credit. Each test generally represents three credits. CLEP is recognized nationwide by higher education institutions. The cost of most tests is in the range of $77.00 with an additional administrative fee.

Challenge Exams: Bay Path College offers two (2) computer challenge exams. The challenge exams offered are COM111 which covers Microsoft Word and Power Point. The challenge exam for COM112 covers Microsoft Excel and Access. The COM111 exam can be taken in one sitting, but the COM112 exam must be taken in 2 parts. You can receive three (3) credits for passing each exam for a total of six (6) credits. The total cost for six (6) credits is $470.00.

Professional Trainings, Licenses, and/or Certificates: An additional 12 credit maximum may be awarded through the evaluation of professional trainings, licenses, and certifications. This assessment is completed within the context of the Prior Learning Assessment course. You will be required to write an essay answering specific questions involving the trainings, licenses and certificates you want evaluated for credit. For every 30 contact hours of trainings, you can receive 1 credit up to 12 credits maximum. Therefore, to be awarded 12 credits, you must have completed 360 hours of documented training. Your learning experiences will be evaluated on an individual basis. You will be instructed by the professor who teaches the course about the questions that must be answered based on the training you are submitting for evaluation.

 

What is a claim for credit?

A claim for credit includes a written paper and/or product along with other documentation to verify the knowledge and/or skills that you are claiming as college level competencies acquired through experience. You will match your knowledge/skills with elective and/or general education (Bay Path core) courses that are listed in the Bay Path College School of Adult and professional Studies catalog. Your claim for each course will be submitted in a prior learning portfolio for assessment by expert faculty.

 

Can I submit Prior Learning claims to meet the LOS major course requirements?

No, Prior Learning Assessment portfolios can only be used to meet general education (Bay Path core) requirements and electives.

 

How many total credits can I earn through Prior Learning Assessment?

Students may earn a total of 24 credits through the Prior Learning Assessment process. Students will earn three (3) credits for the required Prior Learning Assessment course. If a student submits claims only they can submit up to 7 claims for a total of 21 credits. Students may also earn credits through a combination of CLEP exams, challenge exams, professional trainings, licenses, and certificates, and/or claims for credit. Students must complete the Prior Learning Assessment process at least 30 days before they are scheduled to complete their degree program.

 

Can I submit Prior Learning claims for courses that I have taken at other institutions?

You may not write claims for courses that you have completed at other institutions. Instead, you should request to have those credits transferred to Bay Path College by submitting official transcripts from all of the accredited institutions you have previously attended. Please speak to an Admission Counselor for more information.

 

Can I transfer Prior Learning Assessment credits from another college that I attended?

No, you may only receive prior learning assessment credit if you complete the required course and portfolio at Bay Path College.

 

How much will the Prior Learning Assessment process cost me?

The Prior Learning Assessment course will cost you $480 per credit. It is a three credit course. The advantage of the prior learning process including this course is that for each three credit course that you successfully claim you will be charged only $235.00. A typical three credit course will cost you $1,425. Three credits earned through the Prior learning assessment process will only cost you $235. This is a savings of $1,190 per course!

 

How can I get started with the Prior Learning Assessment process?

When you enroll in the Bay Path Online Degree Completion Program for Women you will have the option of registering for the Prior Learning Assessment course. You will begin the course in your first session so you will have the time to complete your portfolio and submit it for assessment. The Prior Learning Assessment course is a valuable way to earn credits, save time and money, and celebrate your success!