Office for Prior Learning Assessment

In 2010, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) released a report on a multi-institutional study on prior learning assessment (PLA) and adult student outcomes. The study examined data from 62,475 adult students at 48 colleges and universities, following the students’ academic progress over the course of seven years (See Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success at www.cael.org/pdf/PLA_Fueling-the-Race.pdf). The data from the 48 postsecondary institutions in this study showed that students with PLA credit had better academic outcomes, particularly in terms of degree completion and persistence, than other adult students. Many PLA students also shortened the time required to earn a degree, depending on the number of PLA credits earned.