The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program offers students a variety of options to demonstrate learning they've done outside the college classroom. Assessments available include course specific proficiency exams, evaluation of industry training and credentials, portfolio assessment, and standardized exams.  

 Students interested in PLA should review the different PLA opportunities Sinclair offers to understand the processes, forms, and policies associated with each option. Students should also meet with an Academic Advisor to determine which PLA option best suits their academic goals and program requirements. 

Students should know before starting PLA: 

• Students must have an active record with Sinclair. 
• Any credit earned through PLA does not count toward institutional residency requirements.  
• Credit will be awarded regardless of the active declared program; applicability is based on individual program requirements. 
•  All fees charged for the cost of assessment for proficiency exams or portfolio assessments are non-refundable. 
• Courses awarded via PLA will be added to students' transcripts and may factor into GPA and SAP calculations. 
• PLA credit is recommended to transfer to other Ohio institutions; however, it is not guaranteed. Students must confirm with the accepting institution and program to determine how PLA credit may transfer and apply. 

 Advanced Placement (AP) Program 

The College Board's AP Program (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com) offers high school students the opportunity to earn college course credit by providing examinations in 34 introductory courses in 20 fields. To have AP scores reported to Sinclair Community College, use school code 1720. For AP exams taken previously, contact the College Board at (888)-225-5427 or via the College Board website (https://apstudent.collegeboard.org) to request that an official score report be sent to Sinclair. Students with an AP exam score of 3 or above will be awarded the aligned course(s) and credits for the AP exam(s) successfully completed. Additional information can be found on the PLA website. 

American Council on Education (ACE) 

ACE provides credit recommendations for a variety of industry training, examinations, and coursework. Students are encouraged to send their official ACE transcripts to Sinclair for evaluation. Information on ordering transcripts, organizations served, courses and exams can be found at National Guide resource (http://www2.acenet.edu).  

Articulated Credit 

Articulated credit is earned through evaluation of industry credentials, non-credit training, certifications, or other approved work force pathways. Students should submit a request via the PLA website, and once received the request will be evaluated by the appropriate department for approval. This evaluation process is completely free. 

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

CLEP offers standardized exams that can equate to specific Sinclair courses with a qualifying score. To determine the score needed to earn credit at Sinclair, please visit the PLA website. Interested students are able to purchase exams, find testing locations, and submit official transcripts via the College Board website. Sinclair school code: 1720. 

DANTES Subject Specific Test (DSST) 

DANTES Standardized Subject Tests are standardized exams that can equate to specific Sinclair courses with a qualifying score. To determine the score needed to earn credit at Sinclair, please visit the PLA website. Interested students are able to purchase exams, find testing locations, and submit official transcripts via the Get College Credit website Sinclair school code: 9309.  

Portfolio Based Evaluations 

Portfolio assessment allows students to build an academic portfolio tying their prior learning and experience to the outcomes of a specific course. This option is typically pursued for upper-level classes, capstones, or other classes for which there is no other PLA option. Students should verify their eligibility with an Academic Advisor and can submit their request via the PLA website. 

Proficiency Exams 

Sinclair offers over 150 different proficiency exams in several academic departments. Students who meet course prerequisites are eligible for course specific proficiency testing, and grades of C or higher will be awarded. Students should verify their eligibility with an Academic Advisor and can submit their request via the PLA website.