Prior Learning Assessment

You've done the work. Now get the credit.  

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) gives you the opportunity to demonstrate what you know about a subject to earn college credits.

Southeast Missouri State University offers a variety of opportunities for PLA offering you the chance to reduce your time to degree and save money. Beyond standard credit by exam or military-related credit, academic departments and programs also offer unique ways to earn credits for experience you already have, either via portfolio, performance, certification, or other credentials. If any of our PLA opportunities interest you, please fill out the form to be put in contact with an advisor. 

Credit by Exam Programs 

Credit by Exam Programs assist people in gaining recognition for what they know and can do, regardless of how or where they learned it. College credit -earned by examination-(OS.25 Testing Services) may be counted towards General Education, major, minor, or elective requirements at Southeast Missouri State University. Contact the Office of Testing Services for more information about Credit by Exam Programs at (573) 651-2836 or at testingservices@semo.edu 

Each examination is a 90-minute objective test. Credit will be awarded for each examination that has a score of 50 or above unless otherwise indicated. Scores are subject to change. CLEP 

To take a CLEP exam visit https://collegeboard.org and create an account. Purchase your exam through College Board then call Testing Services at (573) 651-2836 and schedule an appointment. You will be charged a separate sitting fee at the time of your test. A valid photo ID is required to test. 

Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are given to high school students. For information about the Advanced Placement program, visit College Board’s website. To ensure proper credit for AP courses, please have score reports directed to Southeast Missouri State University. 

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) was originally set up to help armed service personnel get credit for knowledge and skills acquired through non-traditional experiences, it is now available to all U.S. universities.

To take a DSST exam call Testing Services to schedule an appointment. You will need a credit/debit card to purchase your test at Testing Services. A separate sitting fee will be required as well. A valid photo ID is required to test. 

The International Baccalaureate Organization includes more than 700 member schools currently in the program. Credit is awarded for scores of 4 or higher except where noted in Higher Level (HL) courses. No credit is awarded for standard level courses.

If you are eligible for IB credit please have your transcript sent to Southeast and contact Testing Services at (573) 651-2836 or testingservices@semo.edu .  

Students who earn Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications can earn credit for MI101. Students can test out of individual application sections within MI101 (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, and/or PowerPoint) based on mastery as evidenced by MOS certification(s). For more information about obtaining MI101 credit in this way, including information about how to sign up to take the MOS exams, please visit here.

Each test is roughly equivalent to a two-hour final examination administered in a regular academic class. You will be charged a sitting fee for each exam. A valid photo ID is required to test. 

Military Credits

A man in military uniform pointing. He is outside in a forest.

Southeast values the hard work and dedication that our military men and women have put into becoming professionals during their military service. To honor and recognize their efforts, Southeast awards as many military credits as possible. In addition to standard military credits awarded through ACE recommendations, Southeast can award these credits with appropriate approvals.

  •  Basic Naval Training – HL120 Health Perspectives

  •  Navy’s Basic Recruiter – SC155 International Communication

  • USAF’s LMM1103 military studies/leadership course – Oral Communications General Education Category

  • Marines’ MC-2204-0140 5-13 Career Course - Oral Communications General Education Category

  • Navy’s Recruiter Canvasser (NEC-9585-001) - Oral Communications General Education Category

  • E-5 Rank – Military Science minor

Other Opportunities for PLA at Southeast

The opportunities listed below are potential options. All actual credit award must be approved by the chair, dean, and Vice Provost.

Exams and military experience aren't the only way to earn PLA credits! To learn more information about additional opportunities, fill out the form above to contact an advisor.  

  • A real estate license can qualify for FI365
  • An insurance license can qualify for FI351
  • Certified Professional Secretary (CPS/CAP)  
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) can award Child and Family (CF) classes
  • FFA Pilots License grants AV110, AV111, AV112
  • Law Enforcement Academy  
  • MBA Prerequisite Review  
  • Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy completion satisfies courses for the Law Enforcement Academy track
  • OSHA certification awards IM301
  • POST Corrections Training CJ198
  • Retroactive credit for foreign language 
  • RN-BSN Equivalency Credits  
  • Technology Management Portfolio Credits  
  • TG University Credits  
Southeast Online
Contact Us
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Phone
Office
(573) 651-2766
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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