Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) by Portfolio

Polk State College allows learners to receive college credit through portfolio development for prior learning experiences that do not have a standardized mechanism for college-credit evaluation (e.g., external standardized credit-by-exam, articulated licensure, or certification) in accordance with guidelines established by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

Using assessment by portfolio, the student can document college-level learning experiences that have been obtained through non-college experiences. A non-credit course that provides detailed information on how to develop a portfolio is required. Portfolio assessment may result in awarded credit for one or more specific Polk State courses, and up to a maximum of 25 percent of the student’s degree program. A fee is assessed for review of the portfolio regardless of whether credit is awarded.

Information about Prior Learning Assessment policies can be found on the College website’s Experiential Learning webpage: (https://www.polk.edu/experiential-learning-credit-pla/prior-learning-assessment-portfolio-pla/).