Credit for High School Programs

Receive college credit for certifications you earn in high school. Mesa Community College is offering Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for students who earn industry certifications and licenses through their training. With approved PLA, students receive free college credit that applies to MCC certificates and degrees.

Learn more about dual enrollment and PLA credit that may be part of high school partner programs, including Mesa Public Schools, EVIT and West-MEC.

How to Earn Credit at Mesa Community College

Greetings Future Thunderbirds!

Become a student and get your PLA credit in three simple steps.

  1. Complete the MCC High School Student Application for Admission
  2. Complete Identity Authentication by uploading your government issued photo identification.
  3. Complete the Prior Learning Assessment form for your program (see table below). Please allow time as all credentials will be reviewed for validity

Need help completing your application?

Our enrollment team is here to help you! Support is available in person or virtually via chat. The New Student Welcome Room is located at the Southern & Dobson Campus, inside the Enrollment Center Bldg. 39. Office hours are (Monday-Thursday 8:00-6:00) or Fridays (10:00- 5:00).

Current PLA Opportunities

Explore the available programs and their associated PLA forms below. Please note, in order to access and complete a PLA form, you must be an active MCC student and have an MEID.

High School ProgramsMCC ProgramPrior Learning Assessment FormCredits AvailableApplicable Degrees
AestheticsBeauty Industry State Licenses12 - 30
Agricultural and Food Products ProcessingSustainable Horticulture3 - 21
AgriScienceSustainable Horticulture3 - 21
Automotive TechnologiesASE Certifications2 - 10
OSHA Certifications3
AviationN/A at MCC

Aviation is available at Chandler-Gilbert Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
BarberingBeauty Industry State Licenses12 - 30
CodingPython Institute3
Collision RepairN/A at MCC

Autobody/Collision Repair is available at Gateway Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Commercial Baking & Pastry ArtsN/A at MCC

Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry is available at Scottsdale Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Construction TechnologiesOSHA Certifications3
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Certifications1 - 9
CosmetologyBeauty Industry State Licenses12 - 30
Criminal JusticePrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Culinary ArtsN/A at MCC

Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry is available at Scottsdale Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Dental AssistantPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Diesel TechnologiesPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Digital Animation (3D Animation)Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Digital PhotographyPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Early Childhood EducationPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Electrical & Power Transmission InstallationPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Emergency Medical TechnicianEMS Licenses/Certifications12.5
Fashion Design & MerchandisingPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Fire and Emergency ServicesEMS Licenses/Certifications12.5
Professional/Healthcare Provider CPR / AED (Adult, Child, Infant) Certifications0.5
Future EngineersPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Graphic DesignPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)N/A at MCC

HVAC is available at Gateway Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Hospitality ManagementN/A at MCC

Hospitality Management is available at Scottsdale Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Interior DesignN/A at MCC

Interior Design is available at Scottsdale Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
ManufacturingNational Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certifications3 - 12
Massage TherapyN/A at MCC

Massage Therapy is available at Phoenix College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Medical AssistantN/A at MCC

Medical Assisting is available at Phoenix College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Mental and Social Health TechnicianPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Networking & SecurityCompTIA Certifications3
Nursing AssistantPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Pharmacy TechnicianN/A at MCC

Pharmacy Technician is available at Gateway Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Physical Therapy TechnicianN/A at MCC

Physical Therapy Assisting is available at Gateway Community College		Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Plumbing Service and Repair TechnicianPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Radio/Audio ProductionPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Software and App DesignPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Technology Device MaintenanceCompTIA Certifications6
Veterinary AssistantNational Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Certifications12.5
Video ProductionPrior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Welding TechnologiesWelding Certifications5 - 15

Other Credentials

We are always working to expand PLA opportunities to include more degrees that accept prior learning that should be available in the near future. If you have an industry recognized credential or corporate training that you would like us to evaluate which is not on the list, please email your request to the Office of the Deans of Instruction at: [email protected].

Whether you’re interested in an associate’s degree, a certificate in your field, transferring to a four-year university, or you just want to take some classes for your own personal satisfaction, Mesa Community College has programs to suit your personal goals.