FAQs

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a written document in which you use a variety of tools to help you reflect on, identify, articulate and demonstrate past college-level learning which you may have acquired through study, work, and other life experiences gained outside the classroom.  

How do you qualify?

In order to be eligible for the portfolio assessment of prior learning program, you should:

• Be a degree or a certificate seeking student at AACC
• Be eligible for ENG111
• Have successfully completed at least six college credits at AACC
• Have excellent writing skills
• Have at least five years of prior learning experience beyond high school in your applicable field of study.
• Be able to clearly document the learning gained from your experience

How do you prepare a portfolio?

A user-friendly, self-paced AACC online tutorial will guide you throughout the process of portfolio preparation.  A portfolio usually contains:

• A cover letter, which states the student’s credit request
• A statement of educational, personal and career goals
• An outline of the most significant events in a student’s life as they relate to the stated goals
• A chronological record of college-level learning experiences since graduating from high school
• An articulate explanation of your knowledge in specific fields and the connection between that knowledge and stated learning objectives for specific courses offered at AACC
• Documentation including the materials relating to the learning claimed
• Other supporting materials such as reference letters, transcripts, recognitions, and certificates

How much does it cost?

The costs are minimal, considering the time you may save!

Fees:

• Portfolio assessment program application fee of $50* 
• Online tutorial access fee of $100*
• An assessment fee of $100 per portfolio evaluation
• Additional fees may apply for supplementary assessments such as site visits

*Valid for four consecutive semesters from the time of registration, excluding summer terms.

How long does it take to develop a portfolio and have it evaluated?

Depending on availability of your time, it may take up to eight weeks for you to prepare an acceptable portfolio. Each portfolio assessment by faculty will take an additional three weeks. 

How is credit for portfolio of prior learning determined and documented?

• Upon submittal of a portfolio, the appropriate faculty expert will evaluate the portfolio and make a recommendation to the department chair.
• Credit for portfolio is not considered resident credit so it will be recorded on your AACC transcript as “Prior Learning Assessment" credit.
• A maximum of 15 credits earned through portfolio assessment and credit by departmental exam can be used towards an associate degree at Maryland Community Colleges as per State guidelines. 
• The transferability of credits for portfolio assessment to other colleges is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Before beginning a portfolio, please check with the institution to which you want to transfer if they will accept portfolio assessment credits.

In what fields of study can credit for portfolio assessment be obtained at AACC?

If you are in one of the following degree programs you can earn up to 15 credits by portfolio assessment for certain courses in the program:

• Architecture       
• Business      
• Engineering Technologies      
• Human Services & Gerontology

See a list of courses that are available in the above programs.

Are you eligible to apply for credit by portfolio assessment?

You are encouraged to take a self-assessment test to determine your eligibility. 

Who should you contact about the portfolio assessment of prior learning program at AACC?

Your first point of contact at AACC is the Records and Registration office at  410-777-2834.  You can check your eligibility for the program and determine the possible course of action.