Prior Learning Portfolio
The Prior Learning Portfolio (PLP) is the process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment
of learning acquired through formal and informal study. The learning may include independent
study, volunteering, non-credit courses or workshops. The Prior Learning Portfolio
process allows students to verify that they already possess the skills and/or knowledge
required in some college level courses. The prior learning portfolio demonstrates
that the student has mastered the course learning outcomes of the course.
The PLP Process:
Initiator: Student
Process: Student initiates the procedure by following the process below under "Information
for Students". A faculty member/program director/program instructor is identified to review the student’s
application by the program associate dean. If accepted, the student prepares the portfolio
that may include a skills assessment. The faculty member/program director/program
instructor assesses the portfolio and assigns a satisfactory or non-passing grade.
If the student is awarded a satisfactory grade, the associate dean files the appropriate
form with the Registrar’s Office.
Palm Beach State Office(s) Responsible for Processing: Faculty Member/Program Director/Program Instructor, Associate Dean, Dean, Registrar
*Fees: $50.00 Per Course
Eligibility:
Student must:
• Be admitted to the program to which the credit/hours will apply
•Have earned at least 25% of the program credits/hours
Proviso(s): No more than 75% of the program credits/hours may be earned through the prior learning
portfolio process
B.A.S., A.A. Transfer courses or General Education courses may NOT be earned through the prior learning assessment process.
* Career Pathways CHOICE Website has process for reduced fees for Palm Beach County high school students
who may qualify.
PLP INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
The Prior Learning Portfolio at Palm Beach State College is an academic process where
college credit or clock hours can be granted in career-type courses that are A.S.
degree and CCPclock hour courses. B.A.S. and A.A. transfer courses are not eligible for this process.
This is a formal process that is based on the review of relevant materials produced
by the student. These materials are presented in a portfolio format for faculty and/or
staff review. In some courses, a skill assessment is also required for meeting the
course competency requirements.
The steps below will help you determine if a Prior Learning Portfolio is right for
you and will outline the process and its requirements.
Student Requirements for a Prior Learning Portfolio
1. Student must be award-seeking and be admitted to the program of study (degree,
certificate or diploma).
2. Student must have earned at least 25% of the credits or clock hours listed in the
program.
Step 1 - Is a Prior Learning Portfolio right for you?
As you look at the skills and competencies you need for your AS degree or certificate,
you might see career-level courses in which you already have significant learning.
Please note that any B.A.S. or A.A. transfer-level courses required in your program
(such as English, mathematics, humanities, social science or science) cannot be earned
through a Prior Learning Portfolio.
If you determine that an A.S. or CCPcourse exists in your program in which you would
like to apply for Prior Learning Portfolio credit, please follow the steps below.
Step 2 - Learn more details about the course in which you would like to apply for
credit/clock hours
All Palm Beach State courses have detailed course outlines available in the Online
Course Outline Database . This course outline will serve as the basis of your portfolio. The portfolio demonstrates
how prior learning (formal and informal) helped you master the course objectives listed
in the outline.
Step 3 - Fill-out Prior Learning Portfolio Information Form
To proceed with the process, fill out the Prior Learning Portfolio Information Form . Take this form to an associate dean on your campus for the program you want the
articulated credit in. This conveys to the associate dean and the faculty member your
intent to pursue Prior Learning Assessment. If the form is approved, you may proceed
with the next step of the process.
Step 4 - *Payment and Portfolio Preparation
If the Prior Learning Portfolio Information Form has been approved, pay the appropriate
fees as listed on the form at the Cashier's Office. Submit the Portfolio Information
Form, a copy of the paid receipt along with the completed portfolio. Follow the Guidelines for Preparing the Portfolio. Please remember that payment does not guarantee that the credit or clock hours will
be granted.
* Career Pathways CHOICE Website has a process for reduced fees for Palm Beach County high school students who may
qualify.
Step 5 - Review by Faculty/Staff
The faculty or staff member will review your portfolio and assess the level at which
you have demonstrated mastery of the course outcomes. In addition, you may be required
to demonstrate any needed skills to satisfy course requirements.
You will have one opportunity to make corrections or show additional evidence of learning
as required by the faculty or staff member. If the portfolio is approved by the faculty
member, he/she sends it to the associate dean and dean for final approval. The associate
dean will then forward a copy of the approved form to the Registrar's Office for posting
to your transcript.
If the portfolio is approved, a satisfactory grade will be issued, not a letter grade.
A satisfactory grade does not generate quality points; therefore this grade has no
effect on your grade point average. Please allow 10 days for the course to appear
on your transcript. You may access your transcript online through the FloridaShines.
Questions?
If you have any questions on the Prior Learning Portfolio process, please email Clarisse May.
PLP INFORMATION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
The Prior Learning Portfolio process at Palm Beach State College is an academic process
where college credit or clock hours can be granted in career-type courses (A.S. degree
and CCPclock hour courses). B.A.S. and A.A. courses (transfer courses) are not eligible for prior learning assessment. This is a formal process that is based on the review of relevant materials produced
by the student. These materials are presented in a portfolio format for faculty and/or
staff review. In some cases, the student must also demonstrate skills needed to satisfy
course outcomes.
In this process, students follow a detailed plan as outlined above. This plan first involves contacting a faculty or staff member (as appropriate based
on the type of program). You must agree to review the portfolio before the student
actually prepares any materials or pays any fees.
Student Eligibility
In order for a student to participate in a Prior Learning Portfolio, the student must:
1. Be award-seeking and admitted to the program.
2. Have earned at least 25% of the program credits or clock hours.
Student's Responsibility
The portfolio that a student prepares is based upon a Portfolio Model. The portfolio is based upon the course outline in the Online Course Outline Database with Academic Services.
Evaluation of the Portfolio
In your evaluation of the portfolio, you determine the level at which the student
has achieved the course outcomes. As a general rule, all course and skill competencies
should be achieved at a "C" grade level or higher. If you feel that significant gaps
are present in demonstration of the course outcomes the student has one chance to
make corrections to the portfolio by providing more evidence of learning.
If you approve the portfolio, the associate dean and dean also review and approve
the portfolio for granting of credit or clock hours.
Payment
Faculty and/or staff are compensated based upon the current Palm Beach State Salary
Schedule for Prior Learning Assessment.
Questions?
If you have any question on the Prior Learning Portfolio process, please email Clarisse May.
