Your experience matters.
Show what you’ve learned.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a structured review of learning gained outside the classroom. Portfolios, third-party evaluations, or competency assessments may help demonstrate that your learning meets college-level outcomes.

Ask the Registrar which learning may be relevant to your program before preparing a full submission.

• Identify the training, ministry responsibilities, or professional experiences you would like reviewed.
• Prepare a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) petition and relevant portfolio artifacts. ACU may request third-party verification or other documentation.
• Work with ACU to determine whether the demonstrated learning fits your program requirements. An evaluation does not guarantee credit.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or special evaluations may carry a fee. ACU will provide the scope, total fee, and payment and refund terms in writing before a fee-bearing review begins. You must accept those terms first; payment covers evaluation, not a promised credit award.

Transfer and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) decisions must fit your program and residency requirements. The same learning cannot receive duplicate credit. Use estimated credits in the calculator as a planning scenario until your review is complete.

It depends on the documented learning you bring and how it fits your chosen program. Transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) are reviewed against program requirements and credit limits. Start with a transcript review or a conversation with the Registrar about your experience; ACU will help you understand what remains to complete.

Start by emailing the Registrar. You may be asked to document projects, training, ministry responsibilities, and the learning you can demonstrate through your work. ACU will explain the evidence needed and how it relates to your program. Any evaluation fees and terms are provided before you commit to a fee-bearing review.

You can start a conversation about previous study and experience before applying. Preliminary guidance is not an official credit award. Official transfer evaluation follows admission and receipt of required documents. Standard transcript-based evaluations have no fee; Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or special evaluations may involve a disclosed fee.

Start with your intended degree, preferred format, and future goals. Admissions can help you explore university pathways and the agreement terms that apply. The receiving institution determines admission and how credit applies to its programs.

Ask admissions to review your proposed plan with the partner institution before enrolling. Concurrent coursework depends on the institutions, the applicable agreement, and your specific degree requirements; it is not automatic.

The American Council on Education evaluates eligible training and provides credit recommendations. ACU may consider ACE-evaluated learning when it fits your program. The Registrar can explain which official military transcripts or ACE documentation to provide; a recommendation does not guarantee an award of credit.