(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:
(1) Advanced placement
			 (AP):
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.
(2) College level
			 examination program (CLEP):
CLEP assesses proficiency in general education
			 through thirty-three tests in five subject areas. 
(3) Dantes subject
			 standardized test (DSST):
DSST examinations test knowledge in both lower-
			 and upper-level college course content through thirty-eight tests in six
			 subject areas.
(4) International
			 baccalaureate (IB):
Clark state recognizes the IB diploma as an
			 advanced standing program for college credit. Students can also receive course
			 credit for IB content area exams.
(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:
(1) All students are
			 expected to complete the residency requirement of at least thirty credit hours
			 of courswork at Clark state for a bachelor degree, fifteen credit hours of
			 coursework at Clark state for an associate degree or twelve credit hours for a
			 one-year certificate program. Credit equivalencies such as transfer and pla
			 credit do not count toward the residency requirement.
(2) A student is limited
			 to receiving fifty per cent total credits for a degree or certificate from pla.
			 Additionally, credit equivalencies may not exceed one half of the required
			 technical course credits for the degree, the one-year certificate, or the
			 departmental certificate program being pursued unless recommended by the
			 faculty and approved by the division dean or designee.
(3) All PLA credit is
			 subject to time limitations for certain courses and/or majors. Limitations are
			 determined by the profession/industry standards and the discretion of faculty,
			 division dean or designee.
(4) To apply for PLA
			 credit the student must be admitted to Clark state with an eligible declared
			 major.
(5) Students may only
			 apply for PLA credit for courses directly applicable to curriculum requirements
			 in the student's declared certificate or degree program.
(6) A student who wishes
			 to apply for PLA for a course in their major must complete the process prior to
			 the term the student intends to receive the PLA credit for the course.
			 
(7) Approved PLA credit
			 does not guarantee credit or waiver for that course's
			 prerequisites.
(8) Approved PLA credits
			 serve as prerequisites in the same manner as their course
			 equivalencies.
(9) All PLA must be
			 awarded before the semester prior to graduation.
(10) A student may not
			 apply for PLA for a course that the student:
(a) Is enrolled in after the fifteenth day.
(b) Has previously taken with a failing grade (F or UW; D grade
				if student's major requires a grade of C or better in the course for
				progression and graduation requirements).
(c) Has audited.
(11) Clark state accepts
			 credit for prior learning that has been awarded by other regionally accredited
			 institutions as per the college's transfer policy. These credits have the
			 same limitations in their use in meeting graduation requirements as do PLA
			 credits earned at clark state and will be used in computing the total hours of
			 PLA for which a student is eligible.
(12) A student who
			 intends to use credit for PLA in a course to meet clark state degree
			 requirements and intends to transfer to another institution should check the
			 requirements of the receiving institution.
(13) Course credit hours
			 earned by third party vendors, military training experience credit, or
			 professional certification are awarded and recorded by records and
			 registration. Proficiency examinations and portfolios are assessed and awarded
			 by faculty and recorded by records and registration.
(14) The records and
			 registration office will maintain a copy of the student's PLA form which
			 indicates the assessment process and final grade (credit or no credit).
			 
(H) Prior learning assessment appeals
		  procedure:
Clark state has established a process for prior
		  learning assessment appeals as listed in the PLA procedures document.