Starting in 1974, the "Council for Adult and Experiential Learning" (CAEL) has helped colleges and universities develop and expand their prior learning assessment (PLA) programs for adult and other non-traditional learners. In the past several years, with new and ambitious degree completion goals for adults, the U.S. is witnessing what can only be called a surge of interest in PLA. This article explains the new, expanded future for PLA that may now be possible. [This paper was also published in "New Directions in Adult & Continuing Education," n140 p51-60 Win 2013, available in ERIC at EJ1028461.]