Building Strong Prior Learning Assessments

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is becoming a critical strategy for institutions embracing competency-based education and flexible learning pathways. By recognizing knowledge and skills gained outside traditional classrooms, institutions can reduce student costs, shorten time to completion, and validate real-world experience. But effective Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) programs depend on one critical factor: high-quality assessments. That’s where WIDS provides a powerful advantage.

What Is Prior Learning Assessment?

Prior Learning Assessment is a structured way to measure subject matter mastery gained through work experience, military service, certifications, training programs or life experience. PLAs support the broader CPL process and can take several forms:

• Challenge Exams – Best for theory-heavy courses such as introductory psychology or accounting. These written exams often include objective and short-answer responses.
• Skill Demonstrations – Ideal for hands-on or lab-based courses like welding, healthcare skills, or culinary arts. These rely on observable performance checklists and scoring rubrics.
• Portfolio Assessments – Well-suited for learning demonstrated through professional experience, such as event planning or early childhood education. Portfolios may include supervisor feedback, evaluations and documented training evidence.

No matter the format, effective PLAs must align directly to course outcomes.

How WIDS Supports PLA Development

The WIDS Learning Design Model is built on a performance-based philosophy that emphasizes measurable, observable learning outcomes. These outcomes provide the foundation for consistent assessment – both inside and outside the classroom.

WIDS supports institutions by:

• Helping ensure PLA tools and methods align directly to stated course outcomes
• Creating consistency across programs and departments
• Providing faculty training and guided support during assessment development
• Offering strong project management to keep initiatives on track

Faculty remain the content experts, but WIDS provides the framework that makes PLA development efficient, scalable and sustainable.

Experience You Can Trust

With more than 30 years of experience supporting competency-based education and performance-based learning, WIDS brings deep expertise to curriculum and assessment development. Long before competency-based education became widespread, WIDS was training faculty in outcomes-driven instructional design.

WIDS software is more than a curriculum tool – it functions as a quality assurance system. It provides consistent templates, standardized processes and alignment across curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Build Strong PLAs on a Strong Foundation

Prior Learning Assessments are powerful tools when they are built correctly. With WIDS, institutions gain a proven framework, expert guidance and scalable solutions that support both faculty and learners.

Whether you are launching a new learning initiative or strengthening an existing program, WIDS helps ensure your assessments are credible, consistent and outcomes driven.

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