1. To be eligible to earn PLA credit, the student must meet all admissions and TSI requirements at the colleges in the Lone Star College System and not have previously taken or attempted the course. (http://www.lonestar.edu/Templates/content.aspx?pid=12342#Test)
2. Check the online manual for the most current requirements and procedures. (http://www.lonestar.edu/goto/PLA)
3. Meet with a counselor or advisor for information and to complete the appropriate form(s) for advanced standing or credit by PLA.
4. Pay assessment fees as stated at the college business office.
5. PLA credit is only awarded when it applies to the Lone Star College System program(s) of study. Students must still meet residency requirements of 50% for all certificates and 18 hours for all associate degrees.
6. Semester credit hours earned through PLA are designated as “CR” on the transcript; this credit is not computed for GPA purposes and no letter grade will be given on the student’s transcript. Semester hours generated by PLA are counted towards fulfillment of graduation requirements.
7. Other academic institutions may not accept PLA credit awarded through Lone Star College System, and it is the student’s responsibility to check with the receiving institution before deciding to pursue PLA credit.
8. PLA through portfolio, military transcripts, and external licensure/ certification is not awarded for core curriculum courses except for the KINE courses. Core credit may be earned through challenge examinations and articulated continuing education courses for only the core courses specified in the Lone Star College System College Catalog or on the website.
9. Six hours of Lone Star College System non-developmental credit must be completed prior to receiving PLA credit.
10. PLA credit may not be used if the course has previously been taken or if the course has been attempted. Student drops after official day result in a “W” posted on the transcript, making the course ineligible for PLA credit. Students dropping courses prior to official day can seek PLA credit.
11. If the student is a veteran applying for or receiving benefits, the student must comply with VA rules and regulations. To avoid overpayment, all transcripts must be evaluated and credit applied to the approved program prior to certification of courses for benefits. However, it is to the student's advantage to have his or her transcript evaluated prior to enrolling in classes. www.lonestar.edu/goto/veteran
12. Submit any required transcripts (i.e. high school or military) or other documentation as required.
13. Internal (departmental) challenge exams can only be attempted once. If the student attempts an exam, the information should be recorded in Colleague on TSUM so that other advisors can determine if the student is eligible. Each college will identify who will enter the data in TSUM.
14. Forms are submitted for appropriate signatures as per information below.
15. The district student information services office will automatically inform students that PLA credit has been granted on the transcript by sending them an email notification.
16. Once credit is awarded, the credit cannot be removed from the student’s record or transcript. The “CR” will not be included in the calculation of GPA.