Understanding the Importance of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Have you ever learned something outside of a traditional classroom setting?
Well, good news!
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 involves assessing and granting college credit for acquired knowledge and skills.
This blog will explore the benefits of pursuing Prior Learning Assessment through DSST exams.
Benefits of PLA through DSST exams:
As a student, you can enjoy several advantages with PLA, including the following:
Time and Money Savings: By earning college credit for prior learning through DSST exams, you can save both time and money on tuition fees.
Early Graduation: PLA can help you complete your degree program faster, allowing you to enter the workforce earlier.
Competency in Subject Areas: PLA can increase your value to potential employers by demonstrating your competency in specific subject areas.
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.
Importance of DSST exams for PLA
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.
Skipping first and second-year courses can help students complete their degrees more quickly and with less financial strain.
On average, students have been able to save between $2,000 and $5,000 and graduate 1 to 6 months earlier.*

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 program accessibility.
Uncover the Top 10 Universities That Appreciate Your Prior Knowledge through DSST Exams.
Top 10 Universities
University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix, founded in 1976, 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.
University of La Verne

The University of La Verne, founded in 1891, is a private, non-profit university in La Verne, California.
It offers over 50 undergraduate majors, 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 and flexible online and in-person programs are available for assistance.
The Master's University

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 the PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, and the online program has in-person options.
California Baptist University

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 various 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 the PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, and the online program has in-person options.
National University

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 various 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 the PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, and the online program has in-person options.
Southern Illinois University

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 various 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, and the online program has in-person options.
Thomas Edison State University

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 various 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 the PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, and the online program has in-person options.
Southern New Hampshire University

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 various 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 the PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, and the online program has in-person options.
Grand Canyon University

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 various 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 the PLA program: Academic advisors are available for assistance, and the online program has in-person options.
Western Governors University

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.
Sources:
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. โฆ
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 collegesโฆ
Credits can be earned through low-cost subject tests, certifications, and other professional training and learning you've already obtained. CLEP/DSST Subject.
The most well-known of these are the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST Exams (formerly known as the DANTES Subjects Standardized ...
Credit for prior learning (CPL) provides a range of options, from recognition of military and workforce training to national examinations and portfolio development.
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.
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