Prior Learning Assessment

Many first responder skill sets are gained in numerous ways: employment experience, military service, academy training (police, fire, FBI, military, etc.) disaster related deployments, employment certification training programs. PLA is not awarded solely for experience; rather it is awarded for the learning acquired outside the college classroom and how one can relate their experiences to FEMA’s Next Generation Core Competencies.

Individuals majoring in Disaster Management at FIU can submit evidence of documented prior learning.

• Between 0-30 credits of will be awarded based on the extent of an individual’s prior learning experience in the field of disaster management.

Any individual who prepares and submits a portfolio for review will be required to formulate a justification and rationale on how the prior learning experience relates to the discipline and learning outcomes associated with the degree.  Portfolios may only be submitted once and are bound by FIU’s Academic Integrity Policies.

The Prior Learning Assessment class is two semesters in duration where you have two dedicated coaches working with you to align your experiences and earn the maximum credits possible. Regardless of the number of credits earned, the cost of the PLA program is $885.

To determine the number of credits you are eligible to receive, please use the chart below.