Portfolio-based assessment of prior learning is a rigorous process by which a student earns college credit by demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes of an existing course in the current University of Utah catalog. A portfolio is a collection of materials that provides evidence of that learning. Credit is determined by faculty and awarded for verifiable college-level learning gained and learning outcomes met through experience—not for the experience itself.

**Please Note
Portfolio-based assessment is for current matriculated (degree-seeking) undergraduate students at the University of Utah interested in submitting a portfolio to be assessed for course credit.

Questions to Consider Before Requesting Credit

1. Do you have current, college-level knowledge gained through work, community service, or other experiences outside the classroom?
2. Can you clearly explain what you’ve learned from your experiences and how that learning aligns with the outcomes of a specific course?
3. Do you have evidence to support your learning—such as completed projects, presentations, software code, certifications, or other work samples?
4. Are you able to tell the story of your learning through a written narrative, performance, or presentation that demonstrates how you meet course outcomes?
5. Can someone speak to your experience? You may be asked to include letters of reference from supervisors, colleagues, or others who can verify your skills and learning.
6. Have your experiences involved increasing levels of complexity or responsibility? Learning that builds over time—such as mastering advanced tasks on the job or deepening your knowledge through extended travel or volunteer work—can strengthen your portfolio.

To learn more, please visit the Portfolio-Based Assessment webpage in Campus Advising Solutions. Individuals with questions may also reach out to credit-prior-learning@utah.edu.