Portfolio Assessment

Work experience and informal training that does not result in an industry-recognized credential (certification or licensure) may be evaluated for college credit through a portfolio review process. Students may be eligible for college credit due to things like: on-the-job training, business ownership, civic leadership, volunteer work or independent study.

It’s important to note, there will be portfolio instructions and expectations. Students will receive guidance from a Gateway Academic Advisor to complete a portfolio that showcases experience, skill(s) and knowledge. 

The first step in building a portfolio is to browse the COTC course catalog and identify courses you feel fit your experience, skill(s) and knowledge. Every course at COTC has objectives students meet to pass the course. A portfolio will show how you have enough proficiency to meet a course’s objectives, in lieu of taking a course.

Portfolios will need to include the following:

Resume

Students will need to provide a current resume outlining their professional work experience, skills and any learning they have done, in alignment with each course they seek to earn credit for. 

Essay

Students must write a personal essay explaining how and why they believe they have met the objectives of each course they seek to earn credit for.

Sample Work

Often our work speaks for itself. Portfolios can (and should) include sample work if available. This provides our portfolio reviewers more evidence of your knowledge and skill(s).