Competency Weaver

Unlocking the Power of Prior Learning Assessment: A Win-Win for Learners, Institutions, and Employers

Introduction

The saying “you learn something new every day” is more than just a fun cliché—it’s a reflection of how learning happens constantly and in all kinds of contexts, not just in a traditional academic environment. Whether through hands-on work experience, self-study, or unique life situations, people acquire valuable skills and knowledge in many ways. Yet, these informal learning experiences often go unrecognized. Fortunately, prior learning assessment (PLA) and credit for prior learning (CPL) are powerful ways to turn that non-scholarly learning into meaningful qualifications. 

What is Prior Learning Assessment?

    Prior learning assessment is a process that evaluates college-level knowledge gained outside of the classroom. PLAs allow adult learners to earn credit through methods like portfolio submissions, challenge exams, standardized exams, and other tailored assessments. Postsecondary institutions then review the evidence and award the credit accordingly. 

Prior learning can be a result of:¹ 

  • Hobbies 
  • Independent study 
  • Volunteer work 
  • Work experience 
  • Civic leadership 
  • Business ownership 
  • Military training 
  • Professional training 

 

Learners who have acquired and can demonstrate college or graduate-level knowledge, skills, and abilities in a subject can earn recognition and credit for their learning beyond the classroom through PLA certification.

Benefits of Prior Learning Assessment

    Whether you call it prior learning assessment, recognition of prior learning, or credit for prior learning, the outcome is the same – this tool benefits everyone involved in the learning journey, from adult learners to postsecondary institutions and employers alike. 

Good for the Learner

For adult learners, PLAs can be a game-changer, offering validation and boosting confidence by recognizing them as capable learners. Studies show that graduation rates for students who receive prior learning credit are 17% higher than those who don’t.² The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) emphasizes that PLAs significantly increase the likelihood of graduation and credential completion. 

The benefits for learners are clear: 

  • Time saved: PLAs accelerate degree completion by recognizing existing knowledge.
  • Money saved: Learners can reduce tuition costs by earning credits through PLA. 
  • Increased motivation: Recognition of prior learning boosts confidence and drive. 
  • Enhanced career opportunities: PLA credits can lead to faster workforce entry and advancement. 
  • Economic mobility: By shortening the path to a degree, PLAs can improve earning potential. 

Good for the Institution

For postsecondary institutions, offering PLAs makes them more appealing to prospective students, especially adult learners seeking flexible, practical pathways to earning their credentials. Institutions that embrace PLAs also see higher graduation rates among their learners, strengthening their reputation and success metrics. 

Benefits for institutions include: 

  • Increased enrollment: PLA programs attract adult students looking for personalized learning paths. 
  • Improved retention: Students with PLA credits are more likely to complete their programs.³ 
  • Enhanced reputation: Offering PLAs demonstrates a commitment to adult learner success. 
  • Competitive advantage: Institutions can differentiate themselves in the educational network. 

Good for Employers

Did you know that 79% of employers say skills assessments are just as or even more important than traditional hiring criteria?⁴ Today, over 80%  of employers are prioritizing skills-based hiring, focusing on practical knowledge and proven abilities rather than degrees or years of experience⁵ (See our article on skills-based hiring and CBE) 

Walmart is one of the leading companies championing the “skills-first movement.”⁶ By partnering with the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), Walmart is making significant efforts to prioritize hiring ‘Skilled Through Alternative Routes’ (STARs) workers over those with traditional degrees. Similarly, tech giants like Apple and Google are strong advocates for skills-based hiring, with representatives stating, “Our best employees demonstrate their capabilities, regardless of their educational background.”⁷

Adult learners returning to or entering education showcase a strong commitment to lifelong learning and a drive for continuous growth, making them ideal candidates for upskilling opportunities. PLAs enable employers to identify these highly motivated individuals who are primed to meet their workforce development needs. By evaluating and crediting knowledge gained through non-traditional pathways, PLAs not only benefit candidates but also give employers a clearer picture of a candidate’s potential and readiness to contribute. 

Employer benefits include:

  • Skilled workforce: PLA graduates bring validated, practical skills to the workplace.
  • Reduced training costs: Employees with prior learning credits may require less on-the-job training. 
  • Improved talent pipeline: PLAs help identify candidates with relevant experience and skills. 
  • Enhanced employee retention: Recognizing prior learning can boost employee satisfaction and loyalty. 

PLA Beyond Postsecondary Education

    Beyond colleges and universities, prior learning assessments bring significant advantages to the workplace. Using PLAs as part of internal career advancement and professional training programs is an effective way to acknowledge employees’ existing skills, support their development, and strengthen workforce growth—creating benefits for both employees and organizations. 

How We Can Help

    Prior learning assessments align seamlessly with the transformative potential of Competency-Based Education (CBE). Both approaches prioritize a learner’s ability to demonstrate mastery, whether acquired in a classroom, the workplace, or through life experiences. CBE’s focus on flexibility and personalization allows students to progress at their own pace, emphasizing skills over time spent in a classroom. For institutions embracing PLA, implementing CBE is a natural extension of their commitment to learner-focused, skills-driven education. 

Our platform, Competency Weaver, simplifies the integration of CBE into postsecondary programs, enabling institutions to deliver flexible, personalized learning pathways. Our PLA capabilities are empowering institutions to recognize prior learning, helping students reach their goals faster while preparing a highly skilled workforce. Together, we can create an education system that reflects the diverse skills and experiences every learner brings. 

The Future of Prior Learning Assessment

    As the landscape of education and employment continues to evolve, the importance of prior learning assessment is likely to grow. Some emerging trends include: 

  • Digital credentials: The rise of digital badges and certificates to represent skills and knowledge. 
  • Learning and employment records: New ways to document and verify learning from various sources. 
  • Open-source learning: Increased recognition of knowledge gained through free online resources. 

Conclusion

    The academic argument for prior learning assessments, as emphasized by CAEL, is rooted in the principles of andragogy—where experience serves as the foundation for new learning. The personal benefits of this kind of formal recognition are undeniable when we examine the data. PLAs reduce the time needed to complete a degree, saving money on tuition and eliminating redundant coursework that covers material a student has already mastered. 

Institutions offering PLAs gain a competitive edge by attracting more interest from enrolling students and improving their overall success metrics. Meanwhile, in today’s job market, where skills assessments play an increasingly prominent role in hiring, PLAs provide an undeniable advantage. What better way to demonstrate your competence than by earning credit for knowledge you’ve already mastered—without ever stepping into a classroom? 

Ultimately, prior learning assessment is a win-win-win solution, benefiting learners, institutions, and employers alike while paving the way for a more efficient, equitable, and skills-driven future. As more colleges accept ACE credits and embrace PLA programs, we’re moving towards an educational landscape that truly values lifelong learning and diverse paths to knowledge acquisition.

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