Prior Learning Opportunities

For Students Seeking Credit

Working in the libraryÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ EXT accepts work and life experience because experiential learning is at the core of what we do. We understand how education creates inclusiveness in our communities and country, so we also place a high value on community service and volunteer experiences.

- Gena Bianco, JD., Dean of University College

Identifying College Level Prior Learning

Before you can submit your prior learning to be assessed for college credit you need to be able to identify college level learning. You may want to begin by reviewing your resume, considering all your positions and making a list of the following:

  • Positions that you've held (FT and PT)
  • Any independent studies you've undertaken
  • Any areas that you've read a lot about
  • Training programs or in-service workshops
  • List all volunteer work you've taken part in
  • Living or studying abroad
  • Organizational memberships
  • Military Service
  • Cultural and artistic interests
  • Recreational pastimes and hobbies
  • Travel and cultural experiences
  • Leadership, mentoring
  • Public speaking, presentation experience
  • Community Service Religious activities
  • Non-Credit courses
  • AmeriCorp/ PeaceCorp/ Foreign Service

After you have completed this process, you should have a good starting point to begin thinking about prior learning assessment. You may want to check our reviewed programs and certifications to see if something matches or is similar to your experience. You may also want to consider the general knowledge of the accumulated throughout your life. For example if you conduct meetings regularly present in front of staff or speak to groups of people, you may have a college level knowledge in subjects related to communication. Being able to articulate your generalized knowledge will assist you in the prior learning and portfolio process.

Credit Determination

Once you submit your Prior Learning Assessment Application for either recognized accepted credit from our lists, or a new assessment request, you will receive notification of your request's status within 14 working days. You will receive of one of four determinations:

  • Approved with credit recommendation
  • Request for additional materials. 
  • Recommendation to prepare portfolio
  • Denial of Credit

Special Considerations 

Prior Learning Assessment in general

  • Does not meet requirements for residency credit
  • Will not satisfy credit load requirements for veterans benefits funding
  • Is usually not excepted with third party financial assistance programs 
  • Will not be awarded for courses that are prerequisite for courses already completed
  • May not transfer to other institutions

 If you have questions, please reach out to the Director of Prior Learning, at UCPLA@rwu.edu

Individual Student/Situation

Please choose your situation from the drop down menus to better provide you with individualized information.

You should complete and submit a Prior Learning Credit Application. That application will ask you to provide some basic biographical information, and ask you some questions about your experience to determine your course of action.  If the credit you want to assess has not previously been evaluated for credit, you will note that your experience is not on our approval list, and answer some questions and upload information/evidence. If it has been approved, you just need to click on it and upload your evidence. You will be required to provide additional information. If you are doing this prior to choosing classes for the semester, we try to provide you an estimate of probably credits quickly to assist you in choosing the correct courses for the semester.

Find My Credits        Apply My Credits         Assess My Credits

Please make sure that you upload the necessary documents to have your experience counted for college credit. Neglecting to provide documentation of completion, training or credential will result in your requests being denied. It is our policy not to review a duplicate request for credit.

Your credit assessment usually takes about 14 days.  You will be notified by email of the determination.  Credit will not be posted to your official transcripts until you are 1) registered for your first semester, and 2) after the semester drop date.

Shopping around for the best college experience is important, and we know that in addition to program type and major, cost of attendance, flexibility of courses, and modality, prior learning assessment (PLA) is really the key to making your decision. This is because PLA will save you time and money.

Find My Credits             Choose Your Program

Please reach out to the Director of Prior Learning at UCPLA@rwu.edu or  call 401-254-3277 to set up a one-on-one meeting, phone call or video chat to see what credits you can bring to ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ for your specific degree.

The Director will advise you on what documents you need, what experiences will count, and what program may fit your experiences best. We take into consideration your personal goals and timeline to create customized degree plans as much as possible to fit you.

EXT will provide you with all the information you need to make the most informed decision about your credential or degree because we want you to succeed.

Current students can submit a Prior Learning Credit Application for any prior learning credit found on our lists for immediate credit. If it is not found on our lists, it will need to go through the assessment process. Using the same Prior Learning Credit Application, students will provide the necessary details on the experience, and it will be routed for assessment.

Find My Credits        Apply My Credits         Assess My Credits

Please make sure that you upload the necessary documents to have your experience counted for college credit. Neglecting to provide documentation of completion, training or credential will result in your requests being denied. It is our policy not to review a duplicate request for credit.

Your credit assessment usually takes about 14 days.  You will be notified by email of the determination.  Credit will  be posted to your official transcripts as they are approved.

As you go through the application process, you should receive correspondence via email  directing you to the PLA Website. You should complete a Prior Learning Credit Application for any prior learning credit found on our lists. If it is not found on our lists, it will need to go through the assessment process. Using the same Prior Learning Credit Application, students will provide the necessary details on the experience, and it will be routed for assessment.

Find My Credits        Apply My Credits         Assess My Credits

Please make sure that you upload the necessary documents to have your experience counted for college credit. Neglecting to provide documentation of completion, training or credential will result in your requests being denied. It is our policy not to review a duplicate request for credit.

Your credit assessment usually takes about 14 days.  You will be notified by email of the determination.  Credit will not be posted to your official transcripts until you are 1) registered for your first semester, and 2) after the semester drop date