Prior Learning Assessment

Explore the different types of exams eligible for PLA at Owens Community College.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exam

Earn college credit for multiple courses while still in high school through the College Board’s AP Program. Credit is awarded for AP exam scores of 3 or higher.

To receive AP credit at Owens, send your scores with the school code 1643, call (888) 225-5427, or submit your AP scores on an official high school transcript.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Testing

CLEP exams, offered by the College Board, are nationally standardized tests that can earn you college credit at Owens when you achieve a qualifying score.

For CLEP credit, request that your results be sent to Owens Community College, using school code 4367 for Toledo or 4819 for Findlay. CLEP testing is available at both the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campus testing centers. Learn more about Owens’ testing services.

View available CLEP exams, minimum score requirements, testing locations and pricing.

Find CLEP Exams

DSST Exams

DSST exams are nationally standardized, college-level tests that allow you to earn credit by achieving a minimum score. Use school code 4367 to have your score sent to Owens Community College.

View available DSST exams, minimum score requirements, testing locations and pricing.

Delve Into DSST Exams

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Public institutions in the state of Ohio accept guaranteed college credit for students who take International Baccalaureate exams and score at least a ‘5’ on a standard level assessment or at least a ‘4’ on a higher-level assessment. The list of accepted exams is linked below, and more information can be found on the International Baccalaureate website.

Students should email Owens an official IB test score to receive equivalent credit.

See the Full List of Diploma Program (DP) Subjects

Proficiency Tests

Proficiency tests at Owens Community College allow you to demonstrate competency for a course without enrolling in it.

If credit is awarded, it will appear on your transcript as “CR” for each course. These credits can count toward your degree requirements, though they may not transfer to other colleges.

View Proficiency Exams

You may be eligible to earn equivalent course credit at Owens based on your current, industry-recognized certifications. If credit is awarded, it will appear on your transcript as “CR” for each course. All forms must be approved and signed by the Department Chair.

Send us an email or contact your academic advisor for help completing the Course Credit Verification Form.

View Course Credit Verification Form (PDF)

Course Credit for Industry-Recognized Certifications

You can earn course credit at Owens with the following certifications (and more):

• CDA (Child Development Associate): ECE 100, ECE 216
• EMT: EMM 270
• Fire Fighter: FST 151, 152
• OPOTA (Ohio Peace Office Training Academy): CJS 171, CJS 172, CJS 173, CJS 174
• OSHA 30-hour: ENV 110
• OSHA 10-hour: ENV 111
• Paramedic I: EMM 277
• Paramedic II: EMM 279
• ServSafe: FNH 135
• STNA (State-Tested Nursing Assistant): STN 110

Students can also be awarded equivalent credit based on credentials that align with Industry Recognized Credential Transfer Assurance Guides (ITAGs). ITAGs will be processed via the Course Credit Verification form, but will not be charged the associated fee. ITAG credit will be reflected on a student’s transcript as a “CR” for each course.

Show what you’ve learned through prior experience by submitting a portfolio for evaluation. If credit is awarded, it will appear on your transcript as “CR” for each course. These credits can count toward your degree requirements, though they may not transfer to other colleges.

Note: Submitting a portfolio does not guarantee credit will be awarded.

Send us an email to explore portfolio assessment options.

Helpful portfolio resources:

• Portfolio Overview (PDF)
• Portfolio Rubric (PDF)
• Portfolio Appeal Form (PDF)

You can demonstrate hands-on competency for a course you have not enrolled in through a skills-based assessment developed by Owens Community College faculty and academic leadership. Send us an email to find out which courses offer a skills assessment.

If awarded, credit will appear on your transcript as “CR” for each course. These credits can count toward your degree requirements, though they may not transfer to other colleges.

Note: Completing a skills assessment does not guarantee credit will be awarded.

View PLA Skills Assessment Form (PDF)

Students are eligible to earn equivalent college credit for career-technical courses taken in high school or at a career-technical center that align with Career-Technical Assurance Guides (CTAGs) and have an equivalent approved course at Owens.

To earn credit, a student must request that their high school or career-technical center send their course information to Ohio’s Higher Education Information System (HEI). Owens’ Records Office can then pull the student’s information to award equivalent credit. CTAG credit will be reflected on a student’s transcript as a “CR” for each course.

A full list of current CTAG courses can be found in our College Catalog.

Veterans and active-duty service members are encouraged to submit their military transcripts to Owens for evaluation.

Applicable courses that align with Military Transfer Assurance Guides (MTAGs) will be awarded equivalent credit. A full list of current MTAG courses can be found in our College Catalog. MTAG credit will be reflected on a student’s transcript as a “TR” for each course.

Students can explore additional PLA avenues, such as portfolio assessments, to earn credit for military coursework and training if MTAGs are not sufficient.

Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy: Request a Joint Services Transcript

Air University: Request a Community College of the Air Force Transcript

Note: All PLA fees at Owens Community College are waived for student veterans. Thank you for your service!