DTP Success Team
May 12, 20235 min
Updated: Oct 2, 2023
Have you ever learned something outside of a traditional classroom setting?
Well, good news!
This blog will explore the benefits of pursuing Prior Learning Assessment through DSST exams.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) recognizes that learning can happen in many ways, such as through work experience, military training, volunteer work, and self-directed study.
PLA is the process of evaluating and awarding college credit for the knowledge and skills that you have acquired.
As a student, you can enjoy several advantages with PLA, including the following:
Time and Money Savings: You can save both time and money on tuition fees by earning college credit for prior learning through DSST exams.
Early Graduation: PLA can help you complete your degree program faster, allowing you to enter the workforce earlier.
Competency in Subject Areas: By demonstrating your competency in specific subject areas, PLA can increase your value to potential employers.
Course Schedule Flexibility: With PLA, you can have more flexibility in your course scheduling, allowing you to prioritize the courses that matter most to you.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) offer a way for students to showcase their knowledge in various subjects and potentially earn college credits.
Many schools allow students to bypass their general education courses by taking these exams, which can save time and money.
On average, students have been able to save between $2,000 and $5,000 and graduate 1 to 6 months earlier.*
Skipping first and second-year courses can help students complete their degrees more quickly and with less financial strain.
This blog aims to provide information about the top 10 universities that accept prior learning through DSST exams.
It will include details about each college's PLA program, such as the number of accepted exams, corresponding credits awarded, and accessibility of the program.
Table of Contents
University of Phoenix
University of La Verne
The Master's University
California Baptist University
National University
Southern Illinois University
Thomas Edison State University
Southern New Hampshire University
Grand Canyon University
Western Governors University
The University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 and is one of the largest private universities in North America, with over 80,000 online students.
It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs.
The number of exams accepted: Over 30 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Online PLA application process.
Online academic advisors are available for assistance.
The University of La Verne was founded in 1891 and is a private, non-profit university in La Verne, California.
It offers over 50 undergraduate majors and minors and graduate programs in business, education, and public administration.
The number of exams accepted: Over 40 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, flexible online and in-person programs.
The Master's University is a private Christian university located in Santa Clarita, California.
It was founded in 1927 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including business, education, and theology.
The number of exams accepted: Over 30 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
California Baptist University is a private Christian university located in Riverside, California.
It was founded in 1950 and offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and engineering.
The number of exams accepted: Over 30 exams accepted
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
National University is a private, non-profit university in La Jolla, California.
It was founded in 1971 and offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare.
The number of exams accepted: Over 30 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
Southern Illinois University is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois.
It was founded in 1869 and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and engineering.
The number of exams accepted: Over 20 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
Thomas Edison State University is a public university in Trenton, New Jersey.
It was founded in 1972 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and nursing.
The number of exams accepted: Over 40 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit university in Manchester, New Hampshire.
It was founded in 1932 and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare.
The number of exams accepted: Over 30 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona.
It was founded in 1949 and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare.
The number of exams accepted: Over 40 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, online program with in-person options.
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit university in Salt Lake City, Utah.
It was founded in 1997 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, and healthcare.
It is known for its competency-based education model, which allows students to progress at their own pace.
The number of exams accepted: Over 30 exams accepted.
Credit awarded for each exam: 3 credits per exam.
Accessibility of PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, flexible online program.
1. Student Guide to Credit For Prior Learning - American …
About Credit for Prior Learning Many colleges and universities evaluate the college-level knowledge and skills an individual has gained outside of the classroom for college credit. …
2. Why Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning …
Overall, adults who earn credit for prior learning are 17 % more likely to graduate than adults who do not. The CPL completion benefit is 25% for adults at community colleges, …
3. Credit for Prior Learning | School of Continuing Studies
Credits can be earned through low-cost subject tests, certifications, and other professional training and learning you've already obtained. CLEP/DSST Subject ...
4. Prior Learning and Competency-Based Education
The most well know of these are the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST Exams (formerly known as the DANTES Subjects Standardized ...
5. Awarding Credit for Prior Learning - American Council on …
Credit for prior learning (CPL) provides a range of options, from recognition of military and workforce training to national examinations and portfolio development.
6. *Pass exams— save on tuition
Pass exams through testing providers and earn college credit for your degree. Whether you've learned about a subject through on-the-job training or life experience, you can put that knowledge to the test and save.