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/).