A Decade of Global Prior Learning Assessment: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Prior learning assessment (PLA) uses testing or competency portfolios to assess and grant credit for college-level learning, thus offering personal and professional empowerment to adult learners. The purpose of this review was to systematically examine global academic literature related to PLA over a decade. An earlier review of U.S. literature focused solely on PLA, but this review focused on the globally used term recognition of prior learning (RPL) and prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR). Data collection followed a structured process to identify all peer-reviewed journal articles published over a decade that meet inclusion criteria. Data analysis included thematic coding to identify categories leading to themes. Major findings included journals publishing about PLA, author perspectives and affiliations, underlying empirical studies, and eight major themes: studies of programs, policy and systems, studies of PLA, technology tools, theory building, assessment practices, workplace applications of PLA, and immigration.

Keywords:

• Prior learning assessment (PLA)
• recognition of prior learning (RPL)
• prior learning assessment recognition (PLAR)
• systematic literature review
• immigration
• equality

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carrie J. Boden

Carrie J. Boden, PhD, is professor and former chair of the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies at Texas State University. She has designed and taught courses in traditional, hybrid, and online formats, and she has developed and overseen the implementation of several online program initiatives for adult learners. Her work has been recognized with several teaching, research, innovation, and service awards. Dr. Boden is founding editor of the Adult Learning in Professional, Organizational, and Community Settings book series. Her research primarily focuses on adult learning, theory, and practice, specifically prior learning assessment and transformative learning.

Catherine A. Cherrstrom

Catherine A. Cherrstrom, PhD, is associate professor at Texas State University in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. Prior to joining Texas State, she had a career in the financial services industry, most recently as Business Banking Market Executive, leading teams and serving business clients. Dr. Cherrstrom is a recipient of AAACE’s Commission for Professors of Adult Education’s Early Career Award for research and co-recipient of the Malcolm Knowles Award for Outstanding Adult Education Program Leadership. Her research interests include adult learning, non-traditional students, and prior learning assessment; STEM knowledge and teaching development; and adult career development and transition.

Todd Sherron

Todd Sherron, PhD, is assistant professor of practice and prior learning assessment (PLA) coordinator at Texas State University in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. Dr. Sherron leads the Texas State Reskilling, a grant-funded program dedicated to undergraduate education. He has served as a program evaluator for Math and Science partnership, NSF, NIH, USDA, Texas Workforce Commission, and Texas Education Agency. His research interests include PLA, veteran learners, and program evaluation.

Maria Mohamed

Maria Mohamed is a graduate research assistant at Texas State University in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. She assists Dr. Boden with her research on PLA, including work for this project. She is completing a master’s in professional counseling at Texas State University and expects to graduate in 2024.

Lindsey Wilson

Lindsey Wilson was a graduate research assistant at Texas State University in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. She earned the department’s Outstanding Graduate Research Assistant Award for her work assisting Dr. Todd Sherron in administering the prior learning assessment program and for conducting research with this team. Having graduated with a master’s degree, Lindsey now works for the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin as a Graduate Program Career Coach.

Kandi Pomeroy

Kandi Pomeroy is a graduate research assistant at Texas State University in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition and works closely with Dr. Carrie Boden in her research into adult education and transformative learning, including work for this project.