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Prior Learning Assessment

In addition to transferring credits from accredited colleges and universities, Granite State College grants credit for prior learning through other means such as military training, professional certification, or equivalency testing. The process of evaluating these credentials is known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).

Flexible

Prior learning assessment can be used to meet general education requirements, courses in the major, courses in the minor, or general electives.

Prior learning credit can be awarded as a block or as individual course equivalencies.

You can choose among several options for demonstrating college-level learning acquired from many types of life experiences, including workplace training, on-the-job learning, volunteer training, or self-study:

Workplace & military training evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or the New York Board of Regents’ National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), formerly NPONSI.

Training evaluated by GSC

Certification or License from Professional Credentialing Body

Standardized Testing (CLEP/DSST/Excelsior)

Competency-based Training Portfolio

Experiential Learning Portfolio.

If your learning doesn't exactly fit the current available options for requesting credit, an individualized option can be developed for you.

Affordable

Standardized testing fees are low

CLEP Test, $80 + $25 GSC registration fee

DSST Test, $80 + $30 GSC registration fee

For up to one year after your admission to Granite State College, a flat fee of $275 covers the submission and evaluation of multiple credit requests.

Rewarding

Prior learning assessment focuses on identifying and demonstrating your strengths.

Prior learning assessment provides an opportunity for reflective learning.

Prior learning assessment integrates prior learning with the courses you will take at GSC, resulting in a very rich academic experience.

Maximize Your Credit through Planning

Follow these easy steps:

Begin with planning! Set your professional and academic goals.
Select a degree program to meet your goals.
Identify degree requirements that could be met by prior learning.
Indentify the courses to take for your degree.
Select from the options in the chart below for requesting PLA credit.
Submit your PLA credit request.

Minimize Your Cost through Planning

Option	Cost	Get Started
Training Evaluated by ACE/NCCRS	No GSC Fee	Submit official transcript from ACE or NCCRS.
Training Evaluated by GSC	$275 Prior Learning Assessment Fee	Submit official transcript or letter from training sponsor.
Occupational Credential	$275 Prior Learning Assessment Fee	Submit copy of certification or license.
Testing (CLEP/DSST/Excelsior)	Fees: CLEP=$105, DSST=$110	Submit official score report or register for test.
Competency-based Training Portfolio	$275 Prior Learning Assessment Fee	Develop ePortfolio with training information.
Experiential Learning Portfolio	Fee: Tuition (4 credits) and Textbook	Enroll in SDLR 551 and develop ePortfolio with narratives.

Help from the Director of Individualized Learning is also available by e-mailing Liz.Gauffreau@granite.edu or calling 603-822-5416.

Granite State College
25 Hall Street, Concord, NH 03301
Ph. 603.228.3000 | Toll Free. 855.472.4255
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