To be successful in the field of Construction Management, you must be a life-long learner. If you desire formal credit for your commitment to education and experience, a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) could be the best option.
This type of program is administered by a college or university that helps students and professionals fast-track their education and boost career opportunities. One great option is the PLA program at Louisiana State University (LSU).
LSU has implemented a robust program that enables students to earn college credits toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Construction Management. To further understand the benefits of this program, we talked to Dr. Charles Berryman, CPC, who is the Department Chair for the Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management.
Learn more about how the PLA program works, how to leverage your AIC professional certifications, and why you should use this opportunity to expand your industry recognition.
What is a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
A Prior Learning Assessment evaluates knowledge and skills gained outside of traditional academic settings. These might include professional training, industry certifications, military experience, or workplace achievements. A PLA program allows you to convert this college-level knowledge into college credits toward your degree plan.
At LSU, the PLA program is specifically designed to meet the needs of non-traditional students – like veterans, working professionals, and industry leaders – allowing them to earn credits for their work experience, industry certifications, and even military training.
Who Benefits from the PLA Program at LSU?
The PLA program is particularly valuable for the following groups:
- Construction professionals with certifications wanting to enhance credentials.
- Military personnel with relevant engineering or construction training.
- Veterans and industry leaders transitioning into formal post-secondary education.
With PLA credits widely accepted in numerous degree programs beyond Construction Management, the program also caters to students pursuing disciplines like data science, business, and more.
Why LSU Introduced PLA for Construction Professionals
LSU launched its PLA program in Fall 2021, recognizing a growing trend in higher education to make learning more flexible and inclusive. The program specifically addresses challenges faced by industry professionals who possess significant practical expertise but need a degree to reach their career goals.
By offering credit for prior learning, the PLA program provides a pathway tailored for construction professionals to advance their education without unnecessary redundancies. Simply put, this initiative helps bridge the gap between life experience and the college classroom.
Dr. Charles Berryman highlights the program’s goal: “The primary aim of the PLA program is to help students reduce the time and cost of earning a degree while validating the knowledge and skills acquired through professional practice or certifications.”
Partnering with the American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
LSU partnered with us to acknowledge our professional designations – the Certified Associate Constructor (CAC) Level I certification and the Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Level II certification.
This partnership ensures that constructors with these recognized credentials can seamlessly gain PLA credit toward their degree. Collaborating with our organizations solidifies LSU’s commitment to supporting construction professionals with modern, practical learning solutions.
Key Benefits of LSU’s Prior Learning Assessment Program
For individuals holding a CAC or CPC certification, the PLA program offers several key benefits on your career path.
1. Accelerated Degree Completion
By converting prior learning into college credits, the PLA program speeds up the path to gaining a degree. College courses you’ve already mastered through work experience or certifications are eliminated, saving you time.
2. Cost Savings
By earning credits through the PLA program, you take fewer courses overall, meaning lower tuition costs. With LSU charging $50 per credit hour for PLA transcription, the program offers an affordable way to complete your degree by qualifying out of specific courses.
3. Career Advancement Opportunities
Combining a degree with certifications like the CAC or CPC creates a competitive resume, qualifying you for leadership roles and higher earning potential earlier than expected in your career path.
4. No Redundancy in Learning
Because you are awarded credits based on your practical experience and prior knowledge, you aren’t stuck relearning material in the classroom you’ve already mastered in the field.
Dr. Berryman emphasizes how the program helps construction professionals move forward with college-level learning under their belt: “Professionals with certifications can complete their required courses faster, making it easier to advance to roles such as director or senior project manager.”
How PLA Credits Drive Career Growth
The advanced placement opportunities created by the PLA program at LSU don’t just help you earn a degree – they help streamline your career redirection and enhancements. Professionals can focus on advanced coursework rather than foundational studies, allowing them to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
Since LSU implemented the program, several students have passed the AIC Level I exam and successfully deferred several Construction Management courses. The structure of the PLA program is built to support professionals who want to translate their on-the-job learning into academic progress.
Many construction professionals likely benefit by completing their degrees faster and gaining the credentials needed for career progression. For example, a project manager with CPC certification might bypass some of their Construction Management courses, complete their degree in a shorter timeframe, and move into a director role within their company.
How to Get Started with LSU’s PLA Program
Interested in learning more about the PLA program at LSU? Here’s a quick guide to getting started and earning credits for what you already know.
- Contact an Enrollment Coach. Dedicated LSU Online enrollment coaches are available to evaluate your work history and certifications to determine eligibility for college credit awards.
- Submit Your Certifications and Experiences. Prepare supporting documentation for credentials like the CAC or CPC exam to begin the evaluation process.
- Create a Personalized Degree Plan. Advisors at LSU will help you map out how PLA credits can be applied to your degree, ensuring a smooth and strategic academic experience.
Their program is designed to help you achieve a degree faster. However, you’ll still need to meet the university’s residency requirement of completing at least 25% of your coursework directly with LSU.
Take the Next Step With a Prior Learning Assessment
Are you ready to turn your work experience or prior knowledge into a degree? You can fast-track your academic goals and career aspirations with the Prior Learning Assessment program at LSU.
We appreciate our partnership with LSU because they recognize the CAC and CPC exams offered by AIC. This is an excellent opportunity to add credit for prior learning, life experience, and industry certifications to your academic toolkit and see your hard-earned expertise recognized.
You can get in touch with LSU Online today to start your path toward a brighter future in construction management.
Want to know about other colleges or universities that offer PLA programs? Contact us today to learn more about similar programs at other higher education institutions.
