Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment Policy & Procedures
Interested students should review the Policy, Procedure, and Application Information on this page to determine whether Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a good option for them. Students with questions may contact the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (DTLA).
Idaho State Board of Education Prior Learning Policy
ISU Prior Learning Assessment Policy
ISU Prior Learning Assessment Procedures
Who is Eligible to Apply for PLA?
PLA is available only to currently enrolled undergraduate students and only for academic subjects offered at Idaho State University.
How Do I Begin?
To begin the process, submit a PLA Petition through the PLA Submission Portal to request permission from the academic department to prepare a PLA Portfolio. A separate petition is required for each course.
If the petition is approved, you may prepare a portfolio that describes and documents knowledge gained through experience and explains how that learning aligns with college-level coursework.
Portfolio Assessment Fee
After a PLA Petition is approved, you must pay a non-refundable Portfolio Assessment Fee of $75 per course to the University Cashier before the portfolio will be reviewed. A separate fee is required for each approved course petition. This fee covers the administrative and faculty review needed to evaluate prior learning for possible academic credit.
When you submit your portfolio, you must upload the University Cashier receipt with your materials. Portfolios will not be reviewed until the fee has been paid and the receipt has been uploaded.
How Do I Submit My Portfolio?
The PLA Checklist below outlines what your portfolio must include. Please review it as you prepare your materials.
When your portfolio is ready, submit it through the PLA Submission Portal as a single PDF. A separate portfolio submission is required for each course, and each submission must include the corresponding University Cashier receipt.
Please do not send documents directly to the department. The portal will automatically route your submission for review.
Who Assesses My Portfolio?
Faculty in the academic department where credit is requested assess the portfolio and enter their recommendation in the PLA Submission Portal. The case then automatically advances for review and approval by the department chair, dean, DTLA, and the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs (VPFA). Once approved, the credit is transcribed by the Office of the Registrar.
What are the PLA deadlines?
Deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year:
Fall Semester
PLA Petition: October 2, 2026
PLA Portfolio: November 13, 2026
Spring Semester
PLA Petition: February 19, 2027
PLA Portfolio: April 2, 2027
For More Information, Contact the Director of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Doug McGee
(208) 282-2493