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).

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 Programs MCC Program Prior Learning Assessment Form Credits Available Applicable Degrees
Aesthetics Beauty Industry State Licenses 12 - 30
Automotive Technologies ASE Certifications 2 - 10
OSHA Certifications 3
Aviation N/A at MCC

Aviation is available at Chandler-Gilbert Community College		 Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Barbering Beauty Industry State Licenses 12 - 30
Collision Repair N/A at MCC

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

Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry is available at Scottsdale Community College		 Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Construction Technologies OSHA Certifications 3
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Certifications 1 - 7
Cosmetology Beauty Industry State Licenses 12 - 30
Criminal Justice Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Culinary Arts N/A at MCC

Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry is available at Scottsdale Community College		 Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Dental Assistant Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Diesel Technologies Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Digital Animation (3D Animation) Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Digital Photography Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Early Childhood Education Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Electrical & Power Transmission Installation Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Emergency Medical Technician EMS Licenses/Certifications 12.5
Fashion Design & Merchandising Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Fire and Emergency Services EMS Licenses/Certifications 12.5
Professional/Healthcare Provider CPR / AED (Adult, Child, Infant) Certifications 0.5
Future Engineers Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Graphic Design Prior 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 Management N/A at MCC

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

Interior Design is available at Scottsdale Community College		 Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Massage Therapy N/A at MCC

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

Medical Assisting is available at Phoenix College		 Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Mental and Social Health Technician Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Networking & Security CompTIA Certifications 3
Nursing Assistant Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Pharmacy Technician N/A at MCC

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

Physical Therapy Assisting is available at Gateway Community College		 Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Plumbing Service and Repair Technician Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Radio/Audio Production Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Software and App Design Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Technology Device Maintenance CompTIA Certifications 6
Veterinary Assistant National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Certifications 12.5
Video Production Prior Learning Assessment not available at this time
Welding Technologies Welding Certifications 5 - 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: cteopportunities@mesacc.edu.

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.