Student Criteria and Guidelines
Students - Please read the following guidelines and criteria carefully to verify your eligibility for PLA:1. To be eligible to earn PLA credit, the student must meet all admissions and TSI requirements at the colleges in the Lone Star College System and not have previously taken or attempted the course.
2. Check the online manual for the most current requirement and procedures.
3. Meet with a counselor or advisor for information and to complete the appropriate form(s) for advanced standing or credit by PLA.
4. Pay assessment fees as stated at the college business office.
5. PLA credit is only awarded when it applies to the Lone Star College System program(s) of study.
6. No more than 50% of the credits on a certificate program or associate's degree may be earned from Prior Learning Assessment methods. No more than fifteen (15) semester credit hours may be awarded from PLA by means other than recognized evaluative examinations. Students must complete 50% of the credits of a credit certificate program or at least 18 credits of an associate's degree with Lone Star College System credit courses to meet graduation requirements. See an advisor for more information.
7. Other academic institutions may not accept PLA credit awarded through Lone Star College System, and it is the student’s responsibility to check with the receiving institution before deciding to pursue PLA credit.
8. PLA through portfolio, military transcripts, external licensure/ certification, and non-regionally accredited Texas colleges or universities is not awarded for core curriculum courses except for the KINE courses. Core credit may be earned through challenge examinations and articulated continuing education courses for only the core courses specified in the Lone Star College System College Catalog or on the website.
9. Six hours of Lone Star College System non-developmental credit must be completed prior to receiving PLA credit. An exception will be made for veteran and active duty military students applying for PLA by ACE for KINE credit only.
10. PLA credit may not be used if the course has previously been taken or if the course has been attempted. Student drops after official day result in a “W” posted on the transcript, making the course ineligible for PLA credit. Students dropping courses prior to official day can seek PLA credit.
11. If the student is a veteran applying for or receiving benefits, the student must comply with VA rules and regulations. To avoid overpayment, all transcripts must be evaluated and credit applied to the approved program prior to certification of courses for benefits. However, it is to the student's advantage to have his or her official transcript evaluated prior to enrolling in classes.
12. Submit any required official transcripts (i.e. high school or military) or other official documentation as required.
13. PLA forms for completed challenge exams, high school and continuing education articulation are forwarded to the Lone Star College System district student information services office by the advisor for posting of "CR" to the student's transcript.
14. Completed forms should be submitted to the Lone Star College System advisor for approval and processing.
15. The district student information services will automatically inform students that PLA credit has been granted on the transcript by sending them an email notification.
