Credit for Prior Learning and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

In addition to previous college credit accepted in transfer, the University provides three options that allow qualified students to receive academic credit for prior learning:

  • Credit by examination,
  • Credit for professional study and certification, and
  • Credit for prior learning through portfolio assessment.

Credit by examination

Proficiency examination credit may be awarded for:

Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP); the International Baccalaureate Program (IB); the New York University School of Professional Studies; Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES), and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).

For proficiency examinations completed prior to enrollment at Fairleigh Dickinson University, examination scores should be sent to the Admissions office for consideration alongside other transfer credits. Matriculated students must obtain authorization forms from the Office of Enrollment Services and secure the necessary approvals prior to registering for proficiency examinations.

Proficiency examinations may be used as substitutes for selected FDU courses, and credit toward degree requirements may be awarded by completion of approved examinations. These approved examinations, along with minimum acceptable scores and course equivalencies, appear on a list maintained by the Academic Affairs unit of the University: Select approved examinations.

Students considering this option should consult with their Academic Advisor to determine the suitability of a particular proficiency examination for their major. Acceptance of proficiency test scores are subject to the following conditions:

  1. Up to 33 credits may be awarded toward some baccalaureate degrees;
  2. All proficiency examinations must be taken before completion of the student’s first 64 credits and applied toward those 64 credits only. Exceptions can be made for students enrolled in the University’s degree completion programs or for students transferring in with 32 credits or more;
  3. If the proficiency examination duplicates previous course work, credits will not be awarded;
  4. Credits earned through the proficiency examinations are not included in the cumulative grade point ratio;
  5. Transfer students may apply proficiency credits earned at institutions other than FDU to an FDU degree program. Official documentation is requested at the time of admission;
  6. Failed courses taken at FDU cannot be replaced through proficiency examinations.

Credit for professional study and certification

Students who have completed formal training or professional development programs conducted by business, the military, law enforcement and public safety, government agencies or other organizations may be eligible to receive college credit if those organizations participate in the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Credit Program or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS). Students interested in receiving ACE or National CCRS credit should submit transcripts to the Office of Admissions (new students) or check with their academic adviser to determine if such credit is applicable to their degree program (continuing students).

Students may also be eligible to earn course credit through self-guided/self-directed educational providers such as Straighterline and Sophia if an ACE transcript is provided. Students are advised to check with their academic advisor before enrolling in any self-guided courses as several of the University’s accredited programs have restrictions regarding the acceptance of such credits.

Students may request a copy of their ACE transcript by calling the American Council on Education Transcript Service at (202) 939-9300 or visiting: https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Request-Transcripts.aspx. Students may contact National CCRS at (518) 486-2070 or via email at nccrs@nysed.gov.

Except for the Silberman College of Business, 6 undergraduate credits may be granted for Peace Corps volunteers (overseas service) and for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Additional credit may be granted at the discretion of the University.

Credit for prior learning through portfolio assessment

Credit for Prior Learning through portfolio assessment (Prior Learning Assessment or PLA) requires the submission of a portfolio demonstrating that college-level learning outcomes have been met. Portfolio review can occur at the time of admission or once a student has matriculated. Credits earned through Prior Learning Assessment will be posted after the student has completed 6 credits of FDU coursework. The Portfolio Review fee and Credit for Prior Learning posting fee can be found on the University’s Tuition and Fees page.

Associate degree students may earn up to fifteen prior learning credits, bachelor degree students up to twenty-four, and graduate degree students up to three. PLA credits must be awarded before the beginning of the student’s final semester in order to be added to the program of study.

Transferability of prior learning credit is not guaranteed.

The Guide for Portfolio Submissions and other questions regarding Credit for Prior Learning may be directed to Lifelong Learning at 201-692-7310.