Prior Learning Assessment

Earn credit for work and life experience

Not all college credit comes from a classroom

 The skills you have picked up working in previous or current jobs matter more than you might think. Local employers are looking for individuals with unique combinations of skills across industries, and LCCC is a partner in preparing a ready workforce.

Complete the PLA interest form to begin the assessment process. 

PLA Interest Form

Sherry Lupica
Medical assistant Sherry Lupica was awarded 19 credit hours in prior learning which, in addition to her supplement courses previously taken, allowed her to quickly complete her certificate, saving her both time and money. Read Sherry’s story.

FastPathOhio helps you find out if PLA is right for you!

Get Started with our PLA Eligibility Wizard. This wizard helps you better understand if earning credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a good fit. It guides you through a few questions to let us know your level of experience and learning. If you would like more information please call for an appointment to speak with our PLA Coordinator at (440) 366-4076 as soon as possible.

What should you know about PLA credit?

Students must have an active/current LCCC account for any credit to be awarded. A student who can show that they have proficiency in a subject area by demonstrating that they have the knowledge and ability may be able to earn credit for a specific class at LCCC without enrolling in it. Up to 30 semester credit hours can be accumulated in prior learning assessments exclusive of transfer credits. **PLA credit does not count toward LCCC’s college residency requirements.

**Please be aware that prior learning credit awarded at Lorain County Community College may not be applicable to certificates or degrees at other colleges or universities. A student who intends to transfer to another college or university should consult with a transfer advisor at that institution concerning the transferability of LCCC prior learning credit.

How do we assess your learning?

Our Faculty will use one of the following assessment methods-Credit by Exam, Credential Review, or the development of a Portfolio using our FastPathOhio portal.  Military (MTAGS) and new Industry Credentials (ITAGS) are also used to grant credit for your learning.

College Credit for Military Service and Training

You may be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a certificate or degree by using the learning you received while in the military to earn college credit!

  1. Please order a copy of your Military Joint Services Transcript or Air Force/CCAF transcript by visiting their websites and providing a copy of your DD214 to the Enrollment Services and Records offices.
  2. Complete the “Transcript Evaluation Request Form” and specify what documents (DD214, JST) you would like evaluated for military as well as previous college transcripts.  Turn this in at the Enrollment Services front desk.
  3. To determine how your training translates into course credit at LCCC, please follow the step-by-step process indicated through the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Military Transfer Assurance Guide website.

Learn more about our Veteran’s Services Department.

Credit by Exam

You may be able to earn college credit by participating in CLEP, Divisional Proficiency, or Professional Exams.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

LCCC awards credit for appropriate scores on the nationally-recognized CLEP exams. To receive credit for CLEP, submit your scores to the Registration and Records Office.  There is no charge to post this credit. The College Board provides study and review resources for CLEP exams on their website. Test takers are encouraged to visit this site to review the study tips, test samples, study resources and exam day information.

Division Proficiency Exams (Test out)

Some LCCC courses are available for credit by way of an internal proficiency or “test out” procedure. Proficiency exams are designated as credit by exam on the transcript credit.

Professional Exams

If you have mastered a skill or competency through the completion of nationally recognized professional exams, you may be eligible for credit related to your LCCC degree or certificate requirements. Students may be eligible to receive credit for an LCCC course or group of courses related to the skills or competencies tested on the exam. Credit awards are based on the American Council of Education recommendations.

PLA Industry-Recognized Credentials

CredentialCourseCourse(s) NameCredits
Non-Credit MPAP certificatesHLED 162Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP1)8
Non-Credit MPAP certificatesHLED 163Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAPII)8
CredentialCourseCourse(s) NameCredits
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsCRMJ 110Introduction to Criminal Justice3
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsCRMJ 285Criminal Justice Internship I2
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsCRMJ 286Criminal Justice Internship I I2
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsPEDF 172Personal Self-Defense1
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsCRMJ 111Introduction to Corrections3
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsCRMJ 285Criminal Justice Internship I2
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsCRMJ 286Criminal Justice Internship I I2
Corrections-Certificate from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionsPEDF 172Personal Self-Defense1
CredentialCourseCourse(s) NameCredits
Fire Academy certificate-FFIIFIRE 111Introduction to fire service3
Fire Academy certificate-FFIIFIRE 127Firefighter orientation1
Fire Academy certificate-FFIIFIRE 132Firefighting level ii2
Fire Academy certificate-FFIIFIRE 134Fire protection hydraulics and water supply2
Fire Academy certificate-FFIIFIRE 218Hazardous materials operations1
CredentialCourseCourse(s) NameCredits
Google IT certificateCMNW 101A+Prep I4
CredentialCourseCourse(s) NameCredits
Peace Officer Trng CertificateCRMJ135Community Relations2
Peace Officer Trng CertificateCRMJ231Police Operations3
Peace Officer Trng CertificateCRMJ232Police Supervision3
Peace Officer Trng CertificateCRMJ151Law Enforcement Firearms Training3
Peace Officer Trng CertificateCRMJ152Law Enforcement Motor Vehicle Operation3
Peace Officer Trng CertificatePEDF152Personal Self-Defense1

ITAG – College Credit for Industry Credentials

Industry-Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guides (ITAGs) are a statewide transfer program that guarantees college credit when you earn an industry-recognized credential.

Simply by earning any of the industry certifications listed below, you automatically qualify for credit in the related LCCC credit course. And that credit can be used to pursue a degree or certificate in your field.

CertificationCourseCourse NameCredit Hours
Child Development Associate (CDA)*ECED 171Health, Safety and Nutrition3
Child Development Associate (CDA)*ECED 111Introduction to Early Childhood Education3

* Credential valid for three years from the award date.

These courses lead to these degrees and certificates.

  • Early Childhood Education,  Associate of Applied Science
  • Early Childhood Education, Short-Term Certificate
  • Early Childhood Education, Infant & Toddler, Short-Term Certificate

If you hold any of these certifications, you’re eligible to receive credit for this LCCC course:

CertificationCourseCourse NameCredit Hours
Siemens SCE Certificate in Automation and Certificate in Advanced AutomationAETC 121Programmable Logic Controllers3
Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 Logix Programmer CertificateAETC 121Programmable Logic Controllers3
Mitsubishi Electric PLC & HMIAETC 121Programmable Logic Controllers3

This course leads to these degrees and certificates:

  • Engineering Technology-General Technician
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Industrial Electrical Technician
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Industrial Internet of Things IIOT
  • Automation Engineering Technology – Maintenance Technician
  • Electronic Engineering Technology-Applied Electronics
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Industrial Electrical Technician
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Industrial Internet of Things IIOT
  • Electronic Engineering Technology- Applied Electronics
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Industrial Electrical Technician
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology – Industrial Internet of Things IIOT
  • Automation Engineering Technology – Maintenance /Repair
  • Automation Engineering Technology – Systems Specialist
  • Microelectronic Manufacturing
  • Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology

If you hold any of these certifications, you’re eligible to receive credit for these LCCC courses:

Certification Course Course Name Credit Hours
Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate in Mechanical Design CADD 213 Introduction to SOLIDWORKS 3
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional In Mechanical Design CADD 213 Introduction to SOLIDWORKS 3
Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor for Mechanical Design CADD 213 Introduction to SOLIDWORKS 3
Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design CADD 235 Detailing and Dimensioning 3

These courses lead to these degrees and certificates:

  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology-Computer Aided Design
  • Manufacturing Fast Start
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology-Computer Aided Design Operator
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology -Mechanical Design Major
  • Digital Fabrication Technologies: Digital Fabrication Major
  • Microelectronic Manufacturing

If you hold this certification, you’re eligible to receive credit for this LCCC course:

Certification Course Course Name Credit Hours
ServSafe Manager Certification TRSM 118 Food Safety and Sanitation 2

This course leads to these degrees and certificates:

  • Guest Services in Hospitality
  • Culinary Arts – Kitchen Essentials
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management – Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management – Hospitality

If you hold any of these certifications, you’re eligible to receive credit for these LCCC courses:

CertificationCourseCourse NameCredit Hours
CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CISS 165
CISS 166
CISS 167
CISCO I: CCNA 7 Introduction to Networks
CISCO II: CCNA 7 V7  Local Area Network Operations
CISCO III: CCNA 7 V7 Routing and Wide Area Network Operations
9
Cisco Certified Technician Routing and Switching (CCT)CISS 165CISCO I: CCNA 7 Introduction to Networks3
CompTIA Security +CYBR 251Cyber Defense Methods3
CompTIA Network +CISS 145Local Area Networks 4

These courses lead to these degrees and certificates:

  • Computer Information Systems -Network Infrastructure Technology/CCNA (CISS 165, CISS 166, CISS 167)
  • Computer Information Systems – Network Security Foundations (CISS 165, CISS 166, CISS 167, CYBR 251)
  • Computer Information Systems – Network Administration (CISS 165, CISS 166, CISS 167)
  • CyberSecurity Bootcamp I – Cybersecurity Specialist (CYBR 251)
  • Computer Information Systems – Network Communication Technology (CISS 165, CISS 166, CISS 167)
  • Cyber & Information Security (CYBR 251)

If you hold this certification, you’re eligible to receive credit for these LCCC courses:

Certification Course Course Name Credit Hours
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN-RN) NURS 120
NURS 123
Nursing Concepts
Pharmacology
10

These courses lead to this degree:

  • Associate Degree Nursing

Portfolio Evaluation

The development and evaluation of a PLA Portfolio is a means of converting knowledge or expertise into college credits. Credits may be awarded if LEARNING corresponds directly to a course currently offered at LCCC. The required documentation varies from course to course but may include samples of your work, an essay explaining your experience and knowledge or certificates showing successful completion of workshops or seminars.  When you pursue PLA Portfolio credit, LCCC will help guide you through the process. Faculty and staff members will assist you with determining which courses best fit your skills and help you develop your portfolio. Once completed the portfolio will be reviewed to determine what credit(s) have been granted.

Portfolio information    

Lorain County Community College offers a free e-Portfolio path to showcase your learning. To learn more please visit Fast Path Ohio

IT Professionals

Are you already an IT professional? Convert your IT qualifications, experience and professional certifications to college credit with our Validate IT courses. 

High School Opportunities

Take advantage of these opportunities to earn credit while still in high school.

Advanced Placement (AP)

LCCC awards credit for appropriate scores on nationally-recognized Advanced Placement (AP) exams. To receive credit for AP, submit your scores to the Registration and Records office for evaluation. There is no charge for the posting of Advanced Placement Credit.

College Credit Plus

The College Credit Plus Program offers a unique opportunity for students to enhance and further their educational and career objectives while still in high school. CCP students can earn college and high school credit concurrently, accelerating their college careers at no cost. Credits are easily transferable to public and private universities nationwide.

Tech Prep Agreements

College Tech Prep is a program of study that begins in a student’s junior year of high school or Career Center, and continues at Lorain County Community College. College Tech Prep allows students to earn credits toward their college degree while they’re attending high school.

Additional Resources

Find out more information on Internships and co-ops as well as job search assistance available to you! 

Complete the PLA interest form to begin the assessment process.  In addition, please visit Fast Path Ohio for more information on how to begin using a FREE e-portfolio! 

If you have any questions, please contact Carrie Delaney, PLA Coordinator at 440-366-4076.

PLA Interest Form