Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process for assessing learning gained outside a traditional post-secondary academic environment. PLA includes learning acquired through standardized exams, military service and training, work experience, professional certifications and licenses, and non-credit courses. PLA evaluates what a student already knows at the college level derived from these experiences.

A student must meet the following requirements to be eligible for PLA credit:

Complete at least one full semester (fall, spring, summer) at Tarrant County College, and
Be enrolled at Tarrant County College during the semester credit is awarded; and
Have successfully completed (grade of “C” or better) six semester credit hours at Tarrant County College prior to posting PLA credit.

Credit awarded through PLA does not satisfy the residency requirement toward graduation. The successful completion of any PLA will result in a grade of credit (CR) on the student’s official record or transcript, which does not affect a student’s grade point average.

A PLA fee of $25 per course is assessed to award credit. There is no PLA fee associated with Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, military-related credit, or CE to UG cross-listed courses. Fees are charged in accordance with schedules set by TCC policy and/or commercial testing agencies.

Tarrant County College accepts the following methods for validating prior learning and awarding credit:

Standardized Exams
- Advanced Placement (AP) - Students who took rigorous college-level work while in high school may receive credit if they have successfully completed the AP course exam with a score of “3” or higher.
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) - Students who exhibit mastery of a college subject through a CLEP exam may receive credit.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma - Students who have received the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma may be eligible to receive up to 24 hours of transfer credit for courses completed with a minimum grade of four (4).
Credit-by-Examination/Experience (CBE)

Students who believe they already possess the knowledge and/or skills taught in certain courses or programs offered by the College may challenge these through credit-by-examination/experience. A request to challenge a course for credit may be based on achievement in the subject, non-traditional education, appropriate work, and/or other learning experiences. Credit-by-examination/experience is not available for all courses offered by TCC.

Professional Certifications and Licenses

Students who possess a current professional certification or license may request credit for eligible courses associated with the declared or intended program of study.

Continuing Education to Undergraduate (CE to UG)

Students may be eligible to earn academic (UG) credit for non-credit continuing education (CE) cross-listed courses taken at Tarrant County College.

Military Service/Training

Students may receive credit for military service who have a) graduated from a public or private high school accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization, a Department of Defense high school, or earned a High School Equivalency diploma; and b) were honorably discharged after serving at least two years of service in the Armed Forces or were honorably discharged because of a disability.

To request credit, the military/veteran should submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST) to TCC for evaluation.

Transfer of Credit

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