Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Turn your professional experience, military training, and previous learning into college credit through Prior Learning Assessment and accelerate your path toward an RCSJ degree or certificate.
Earn Credit for What You Know
Prior Learning Assessments at RCSJ give students the ability to show what they know! Whether through taking a test, creating a portfolio, or transferring credit from a non-credit program or another college, there are many ways to gain credit towards your college degree while saving time and money. Here’s how:
Moving from career to credit? Check out what non- credit courses transfer into credit bearing degrees.
At RCSJ, we offer several opportunities to take non-credit courses and transfer those courses into credit programs which can lead to a degree. For additional information on how to register for these courses, contact Career and Technical Education (CTE).
| Non-Credit Course | Credit Course | |
| CH 101: A+ Certified PC Technical Support | CIS 220 IT Help Desk/Technical Support | |
| SHRM 200: Society for Human Resource Management | BUS 237 Human Resources Management | |
| WTS 300: Introduction to Water and Waste | PTE 101 Process Technology I Introduction to Process Technology | |
| BVP 100: Veterinary Assistant Program | BIO 116 Animal Science | |
| CTP 100: Certified Production Technician | PTE 101 Process Technology I Introduction to Process Technology | |
| PWT 101: Certified Personal Trainer | HPE 252 Foundations of Fitness | |
| CST 100: Registered Central Service Technician | HPE 105 Healthcare Provider Emergency Response with BLS Certification | |
| PHT 200: Pharmacy Technician | HPE 105 Healthcare Provider Emergency Response with BLS Certification |
Are you a licensed professional looking for a career shift? RCSJ provides credits for industry level credentials. We are not limited to the credentials listed below. If there is a credential not listed below, feel free to contact Dr. Danielle Zimecki-Fennimore, Dean, Academic Compliance, at [email protected].
Industry Credential | Credit Course(s) and/or Program |
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | CMA 125 Fundamentals of Phlebotomy |
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | CMA 118 Fundamentals of ECG/EKG |
Clinical Medical Assistant | CMA to CCMA Completion Map |
Certified Pharmacy Technician | Earn up to 12 credits towards the AAS degree in Health Science. Click here for more information on |
Portfolio assessment allows the student to submit a professional portfolio that illustrates knowledge and experience to meet the student and program learning outcomes of the individual course. Portfolio assessment allows the learner to illustrate what they know through the construction of a professional, guided portfolio assembly.
To meet the portfolio requirement for each course, participants will have to complete the self-paced Canvas course, which guides the user through student learning outcome completion. The cost for the Canvas course is $125.00 per portfolio.
RCSJ is an official test site and offers examinations enabling students to gain credit for accumulated knowledge and experience like the Dantes Special Subject Test (DSST ®). Through the DSST® program, students may accumulate college credit toward a degree by demonstrating knowledge gained independently in 36 exam areas. Visit RCSJ’s Advanced Placement page to learn more.
RCSJ proudly supports veterans transitioning from military service to college life at both the Gloucester and Cumberland campuses. Dedicated faculty and staff provide resources, guidance, and personalized support to help veteran students succeed academically and professionally. From education benefits assistance and veteran-focused services to private study spaces and support centers, RCSJ is committed to serving those who served our country. Visit Military Services for more information.
Earn credits towards RCSJ’s Technical Studies degree based on work, certificate, and licensure experience. The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies is available to students who have successfully completed apprenticeship and other formal corporate, industrial or military programs. Three to 25 technical credits may be awarded toward degree completion for education received in apprenticeship and other formal training programs. The remaining credits required for degree completion are general education courses and career related courses.
Students with less than 24 credits may select credits from the technical electives listed below.
- Technical Electives Bank
- Business Studies: BUSN, ACCT, ECON
- Computer Aided Drafting & Design: ENGR, DRAF/ETEC, MATH
- Engineering Technology: ENGR, DRAF/ETEC, PHYS, MATH
- Construction Supervision: COMG, DRAF/ETEC, BUSN
For More Information
Contact
Academic Assessment
[email protected]