Portfolio-Based Prior Learning Assessment

Turn Experience Into Academic Credit

Portfolio-based assessment allows students to earn academic credit for college-level learning gained outside the classroom, including through professional experience, workforce training, or significant volunteer work.

Through this process, students document and demonstrate how their knowledge and skills align with specific course learning outcomes at Cleveland State University. All portfolio submissions are reviewed by faculty and must meet academic standards to be eligible for credit.

How Portfolio Assessment Works

Portfolio assessment is a structured, faculty-reviewed process:

1. Students work with an academic coach or advisor to determine whether portfolio assessment is appropriate.
2. Students develop a portfolio that documents prior learning and aligns it to course-level learning outcomes.
3. Faculty review the portfolio and determine whether credit is warranted.
4. Credit is awarded as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) and, if approved, is posted to the student’s academic record.

Note: Portfolio assessment requires documentation and faculty review. Credit is not awarded for experience alone.

Where Portfolio Assessment Is Available

Portfolio assessment is currently offered through select programs and colleges.

• AAPLE Program (Levin College of Public Affairs and Education)
  A long-standing program supporting adult learners through portfolio-based credit aligned to degree pathways.
• General Studies (College of Arts and Sciences) (Launching Fall 2026)
  This program will expand portfolio-based opportunities for students seeking flexible, interdisciplinary degree completion pathways.

Additional programs may be added as colleges continue to develop portfolio-based options.

Important Considerations

• Credit is awarded based on demonstrated learning aligned to CSU course outcomes, not experience alone
• Portfolio assessment is program-specific and may not be available in all disciplines
• Evaluation processes and any åassociated fees are administered within an institutional framework
• Programs may set limits on the amount of credit that can be earned through portfolio assessment

What to Do Next

Portfolio assessment may be available for students whose prior learning aligns with course learning outcomes in select academic programs.

If you are interested in exploring whether portfolio assessment is appropriate for your educational goals, contact the Portfolio Assessment team to discuss available opportunities and next steps.

Email: explorelevin@csuohio.edu

Portfolio assessment opportunities vary by program and are expanding as Cleveland State University continues to develop a coordinated, university-wide approach to Credit for Prior Learning.