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HAWAI'I CC COVID-19 INFORMATION
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, personal safety practices are still in effect. Find more information about what you need to do to stay safe, please visit hawaii.hawaii.edu/covid-19.

Prior Learning Assessment

students on campus

College Credit for Previous Work or Experiences

If you have previous life and work experiences where you gained significant knowledge or skills, you might be able to translate those skills and knowledge into college credit through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program here at Hawaii Community College. PLA helps you identify and demonstrate relevant learning acquired outside the Hawaii Community College classroom----and translate this learning into college credit.This can translate into saving you money & time towards earning your degree.

Hawaii CC believes there are many ways to demonstrate the learning outcomes and competencies found in traditional classroom course offerings. Hawaii CC provides a number of options to earn college credit through previous college and non-college coursework, equivalency and standardized exam scores, and skills gained from life experiences. Students may be able to earn up to 30 credits through Prior Learning Assessment if their learning aligns with requirements for courses taught at Hawaii CC. PLA credits may not be used to meet the residency requirement of 12 credit hours or 20% credit hours toward a degree or certificate.

Hawaii CC students may demonstrate their competencies and be granted credit from: equivalency examination, credit by institutional exam, & non-collegiate sponsored education credit.

Equivalency Examination

Standardized tests are national exams that allow you to demonstrate your proficiency in a subject area. These tests include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and DSST exams

Contact the Hale Kea Testing Center (HKTC) at 808-934-2540 for more information.

testing center staff

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Credit by Institutional Exam

Students may request to take an instructor-prepared course examination covering material of a regular Hawaii CC course. An adequate examination score earns college credit for the course without attending classes. Before credits are awarded, 50% tuition of the regular course fee is required.

Portfolio-Based Assessment

Students with previous learning experiences, may earn Hawaii CC credit if the experience can be verified and documented. Before credits are awarded, 60% tuition of the regular course fee is required.

Contact the PLA Coordinator at pathways@hawaii.edu or 808-934-2613

filling out online form

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Non-Collegiate Sponsored Education Credit

Non-collegiate settings may be equivalent to college credit, including courses sponsored by the military, business, industry, community agencies, labor unions, professional licenses, or industry certifications.

Contact the Admissions and Records Office (ARO) at 808-934-2710 for more information

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PLA STEPS

  1. Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor or counselor to discuss earning college credit for your prior learning experiences
  2. Decide which HawCC course you want prior learning credit for and which PLA method
  3. If needed, contact the resources above to facilitate the PLA process
  4. Required fees may be involved depending on the type of PLA

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I TRANSFER PLA CREDIT TO ANOTHER COLLEGE?
Not all schools accept all forms of PLA. If you plan to transfer within the University of Hawaii system, transfer of PLA credit will be at the discretion of the receiving institution. Please discuss this with your academic counselor.

IF I DON'T PASS MY PLA EXAM CAN I GET A REFUND?
PLA exams are non-refundable.

WHAT IF I'M NOT A STUDENT?
You must be enrolled at Hawaii CC to receive PLA credit.

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For more information contact

Kanoe Lambert
Pathway Coordinator
pathways@hawaii.edu
Phone: 808-934-2613

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