Prior Learning Assessment Opportunities

Discover Alvin's PLA Opportunities

Prior Learning Assessment opportunities are available through six (6) avenues: 

  1. Advanced Placement: Academic PLA offered through exams sponsored by CollegeBoard-AP
  2. CLEP Exams - Academic PLA through CollegeBoard-CLEP $87 per exam plus CLEP Proctoring offered through ACC for $20.
  3. Industry Certifications - Technical PLA offered by certifications earned on the job can be assessed for credit.
  4. Department Exams - available for any academic course where an AP or CLEP exam is not offered; available for many ACC Technical programs.
  5. Continuing Education Mirror Courses - courses taken through continuing education to be assessed for college credit.
  6. Career Portfolio's - presentation of knowledge and skills through a career portfolio (can be academic or technical).

Requesting PLA Credit

To get started:

  1. Visit with an ACC Advisor or Department Chair to discuss PLA opportunities. 
  2. Select the appropriate form to download and complete.
  3. Submit completed form to the respective office to approve criteria.

2025-2026 PLA Approved Opportunities 

Mary Jove, Ph.D., Department Chair
MJove@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

BMGT 1301

3

Supervision

Resume + two professional references required.

Resume must show management or supervisory experience gained over the past five years. Must be recent (<5years) on the job experience from the time of application to qualify for PLA.

Part time experience may be considered at one year
PT= six month FT                          

BMGT 2305

3

Advanced Communications Management

Toastmasters Competent Communication (Certificate)

Jason Nichols, Department Chair
radiotv@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

RTVB 1309

3

Audio/Radio Production I  

Departmental Exam & Skills Assessment                                             

RTVB 1425

4

TV/Video Field Production

Departmental Exam & Skills Assessment

 

Michael Smith, Department Chair
MSmith@alvincollege.edu

 

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

ITSC 1305

3

Introduction to PC Operating Systems     

CompTIA A+                                                       

ITNW 1325 and
ITNW 1358

6

Fundamentals of Networking 

Network +

CompTIA Network +

Crystal Robinson, Department Chair
CRobinson@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

CJLE 1506

5

Basic Peace Officer I

TCOLE Basic Proficiency Certificate                   

CJLE 1512

5

Basic Peace Officer II

TCOLE Basic Proficiency Certificate

CJLE 1518

5

Basic Peace Officer III

TCOLE Basic Proficiency Certificate

CJSA 2364

3

Practicum: Crim Justice/Safety Studies

TCOLE Basic Proficiency Certificate + TCOLE
Intermediate Proficiency Certificate

CJSA 2365

3

Practicum: Criminal Justice Studies

 TCOLE Basic Proficiency Certificate + TCOLE
Intermediate Proficiency Certificate + TCOLE
Advanced Proficiency Certificate

CJLE 1327

3

Interviewing & Report Writing for CJ Profession

TCOLE Basic Proficiency Certificate + TCOLE
Intermediate Proficiency Certificate + TCOLE

Advanced Proficiency Certificate + TCOLE
Masters Proficiency Certificate

 

TCOLE-Texas Commission on Law Enforcement

Laura Trigo, Department Chair
ltrigo@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

IFWA 1401

4

Food Preparation I

Industry References + Resume 

Resume must show industry experience for 1-2 years.                          

PSTR 1301

3

Fundamentals of Baking

Industry References + Resume 

Resume must show industry experience for 1-2 years. 

 

Michael Smith, Department Chair
MSmith@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

ITNW 1325 and
ITNW 1358

6

Fundamentals of Networking 

Network  +                        

CompTIA Network                                                                                      

Danielle Kemendo, Program Director
sonography@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

CVTT 1161

1

EKG Certification 

EKG Certification and 2 years of EKG industry work experience as documented on a resume.                  

DMSO 1210 

2

Introduction to Sonography

Valid ARDMS (RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RMSKS) or CCI (RCS, RCCS, RVS) Certification

DMSO 1342

3

Intermediate Ultrasound Physics

Valid ARDMS (SPI) or CCI (RCS, RCCS, RVS) Certification
DSAE 4 1440 EKG Certification and 2 years of EKG industry work experience as documented on a resume.
DCVS-Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography (DCVS)
DSAE-Adult Echocardiography
DSVT-Vascular Sonography
ARDMS-American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certified in SPI-Sonography Principles & Instrumentation

James Langley, Department Chair
JLangley@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

DFTG 1309

3

Basic Computer-Aided Drafting

Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User               

DFTG 2319

3

Intermediate Computer-Aided Drafting

Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional

DFTG 1345

3

Parametric Modeling and Design

Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA)

Brian Ayres, Program Director
BAyres@alvincollege.edu

PLA Requirements for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Courses (towards Advanced EMS/Paramedic Certificate and AAS)

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

EMSP 1160

1

Clinical Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

Valid, current and active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certificate OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technical Certification                     

EMSP 1501

5

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic

Valid, current and active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certificate OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technical Certification

PLA Requirements for Advanced Emergency Medical Service Courses (towards Paramedic Certificate and AAS)

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

EMSP 1361

3

Clinical I - EMT Paramedic

Valid, current and active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certificate OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technical Certification.        

EMSP 1356

3

Patient Assessment and Airway Management

Valid, current and active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certificate OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technical Certification.

EMSP 1355

3

Trauma Management

Valid, current and active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certificate OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technical Certification.

EMSP 1338

3

Introduction to Advanced Practice

Valid, current and active Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician Certificate OR National Registry Emergency Medical Technical Certification.

Viseeta Brown, PhD., RHIA, Program Director
VBrown@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

HITT 1305

3

Medical Terminology

Departmental Exam +

A)  2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Health Information Management or other health care related field and departmental exam. Passing grade of 80% or better on the exam.

OR

B)  similar course, provide relevant academic transcript (military or other institution) and departmental exam. Passing grade of 80% or better on the exam.                           

Jason Nichols, Department Chair
JNichols@alvincollege.edu 

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

RTVB 1309

3

Audio/Radio Production I

Departmental Exam & Skills Assessment                        

RTVB 1425

4

TV Studio Production

Departmental Exam & Skills Assessment   

Michael E. Fernandez, MBA, Program Director
mfernandez2@alvincollege.edu 

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

BMGT 1313

3

 Principles of Purchasing

Resume, Letter from Employer, Interview, Exam                          

LMGT

1319

3

Introduction to Business Logistics

Resume, Letter from Employer, Interview, Exam

LMGT-1321

3

Introduction to Materials Handling

Resume, Letter from Employer, Interview, Exam

LMGT 1325

3

Warehouse/Distribution Center Management

Resume, Letter from Employer, Interview, Exam

LMGT 1340

3

Contemporary Logistics Issues

Interview, Letter from Employer, Essay & Presentation

Resume Requirements-1 year full employment within a Logistics or Supply Chain Industry role

Amanda Moore, Program Director
AMoore@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

HPRS 1304

3

Basic Health Profession Skills

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam

ENDT 1310

3

Neuroanatomy & Physiology-EEG

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam

ENDT 1345

3

Applied Electronics & Instrumentation

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Skills Assessment

ENDT 1350

3

Electroencephalography

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Skills Assessment

ENDT 2320

3

END Technology I

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology

ENDT 2425

4

END Technology II

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology

ENDT 1463

4

Clinical I-END Technology

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Successfully passed ENDT 1350 Electroencephalography Skills Assessment

ENDT 2463

4

Clinical II-END Technology

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Successfully passed ENDT 1350 Electroencephalography Skills Assessment

ENDT 2661

6

Clinical III-Electroencephalography

ABRET Certification +
2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Successfully passed ENDT 1350 Electroencephalography Skills Assessment

ENDT 2215

2

Nerve Conduction Studies

ABRET Certification + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Skills Assessment

ENDT 2210

2

Evoked Potentials

ABRET Certification with R.EP.T + 2 years full-time experience (resume required) in Neurodiagnostic Technology

ABRET-American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists
R.EP.T-Registered Evoked Potential Technologist

Second Pathway: Non-registered with minimum 3 years full-time experience in Neurodiagnostic Technology.

 

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

HPRS 1304

3

Basic Health Profession Skills

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam

ENDT 1310

3

Neuroanatomy & Physiology-EEG

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam

ENDT 1345

3

Applied Electronics & Instrumentation

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam + Skills Assessment

ENDT 1350

3

Electroencephalography

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam + Skills Assessment

ENDT 2320

3

END Technology I

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam

ENDT 2425

4

END Technology II

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Departmental Exam

ENDT 1463

4

Clinical I-END Technology

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Successfully passed ENDT 1350 Electroencephalography Skills Assessment + Departmental Exam

ENDT 2463

4

Clinical II-END Technology

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Successfully passed ENDT 1350 Electroencephalography Skills Assessment + Departmental Exam

ENDT 2661

6

Clinical III-Electroencephalography

3 years full-time experience (work resume) in Neurodiagnostic Technology + Successfully passed ENDT 1350 Electroencephalography Skills Assessment + Departmental Exam

 

Tori McTaggart, RN, BSN, CDP,
Department Coordinator
nursing@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

VNSG 1122

1

Vocational Nursing Concepts

Successful completion of the CNA to VN Bridge Program through CEWD at Alvin College + current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Texas Health & Human Services Commission + 6 months of full-time work experience at a long-term care facility as CNA verified by employer in writing + Current Medication Aide certification (CMA) through Texas Health & Human Services Commission

                         

VNSG 1160 

1

Clinical Practical Nurse I

Successful completion of the CNA to VN Bridge Program through CEWD at Alvin College + current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Texas Health & Human Services Commission + 6 months of full-time work experience at a long-term care facility as CNA verified by employer in writing + Current Medication Aide certification (CMA) through Texas Health & Human Services Commission

VNSG 1227

2

Medication Administration

Successful completion of the CNA to VN Bridge Program through CEWD at Alvin College + current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Texas Health & Human Services Commission + 6 months of full-time work experience at a long-term care facility as CNA verified by employer in writing + Current Medication Aide certification (CMA) through Texas Health & Human Services Commission

VNSG 1423

4

Basic Nursing Skills

Successful completion of the CNA to VN Bridge Program through CEWD at Alvin College + current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Texas Health & Human Services Commission + 6 months of full-time work experience at a long-term care facility as CNA verified by employer in writing + Current Medication Aide certification (CMA) through Texas Health & Human Services Commission
Transfer applicants who, in the last 3 years, were enrolled in a professional nursing program and attempted/ completed nursing course(s) with a clinical component(s), must demonstrate competency through Prior Learning Assessment. Applicants will take a written departmental examination and clinical skills competency demonstration to be awarded transfer credit. The tests will be administered once per semester and evaluated by a faculty review committee. Contact the department for test dates.

Don Parus, Program Director
DParus@alvincollege.edu

 

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

PTAC 2386

3

Supervision

Work Experience: Must have at least four months of employment in a role as a Process Operator or Process Technician.

Documentation: A copy of the official job description is required to verify duties and responsibilities.                       

Rhonda Boone, Program Director
RBoone@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

PHRA 1315 

3

Medical Terminology 

Similar course, provide relevant academic transcript (military or other institution)                       

Amanda Moore, Program Director

AMoore@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

HPRS 1304

3

Basic Health Profession Skills

Departmental Exam + BRPT RPSGT Certification + 2 years work experience (resume required)                      

PSGT 1205 

2

Neurophysiology of Sleep

Departmental Exam + BRPT RPSGT Certification + 2 years work experience (resume required) 

PSGT 1400

4

Polysomnography I

Departmental Exam + BRPT RPSGT Certification + 2 years work experience (resume required) 

PSGT 1260

2

Clinical I-Polysomnography

PSGT 1400 (Polysomnography I) + BRPT RPSGT Certification + 2 years work experience (resume required)

PSGT 2660

6

Clinical II - Polysomnography (Fall Semester)

PSGT 1400 (Polysomnography I) + BRPT RPSGT Certification + 2 years work experience (resume required)

PSGT 2661

6

Clinical III - Polysomnography (Spring Semester)

PSGT 1400 (Polysomnography I) + BRPT RPSGT Certification + 2 years work experience (resume required)

BRPT-Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists
RPSGT-Registered Polysomnographic Technologist

Estevan Vasquez, Program Director
EVasquez@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

PHED 1150

1

Individual & Dual Sports

US Department of Defense DD Form 214 with honorable discharge                          

PHED 2150

1

Advanced Communications Management

Toastmasters Competent Communication (Certificate)
DD Form 214-Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

David Mustain, Department Chair
DMustain@alvincollege.edu

Course

Credit

Course Name

Source

WLDG 1200

2

Introduction to Welding

WLDG 1015, WLDG 1000, or NCCER Welding Level 1 and skills assessment            

WLDG 1307

3

Introduction to Welding Using Multiple Processes

WLDG 1007, AWS Certification and skills assessment

WLDG 1313

3

Introduction to Blueprint Reading for Welders

WLDG 1013, One year documented work experience as a welder or pipefitter and skills assessment or NCCER pipefitting Level 2 Certification

WLDG 1323

3

Welding Safety, Tools, and Equipment

OSHT 1015, WLDG 1023, or NCCER Core Credentials

WLDG 1353

3

Intermediate Layout and Fabrication

Documented work experience as a welder or pipe fitter and skills assessment

WLDG 1428

4

Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

WLDG 1028 or AWS Certification and skills assessment

WLDG 1430

4

Intro to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

WLDG 1030, Skills Assessment or certification

WLDG 1434

4

Introduction to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

WLDG 1034 or AWS Certification and skills assessment

WLDG 1435

4

Introduction to Pipe Welding

WLDG 1035, Skills Assessment, or AWS/ASME IX Certification

WLDG 1457

4

Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

WLDG 1043, WLDG 1057, or AWS Certification and skills assessment

WLDG 2371

3

Welding Final Project

Documented work experience as a welder or pipe fitter and Skills Assessment

WLDG 2406

4

Intermediate Pipe Welding

CEWLDG 2006 or Skills Assessment or ASME IX Certification

WLDG 2413

4

Intermediate Welding Using Multiple Processes

WLDG 2053 or WLDG 2013 or Skills Assessment or ASME IX Certification