COSC - Portfolio Assessment?

[dhugar]

Hello,

I just pulled the trigger and signed up for InstantCert. I am interested in finishing my Degree by testing out of as many classes as possible using Exams. I've been looking at COSC. Does anyone have any experience with their Portfolio Assesment? I have been employed as VP of Information Technology, CIO for the last five years. I was wondering how my experience would relate to credit earned.

Thanks for all the great info.

[Merlin]

I have a similar background and originally was interested in using Portfolio Assessment (aka PLA or Prior Learning Assessment) as a supplement to my examinations as well, but after doing the research and speaking to an advisor at COSC, I determined that it isn't really worth the time and effort as a primary means of credit earning. Between online classroom resources and credit by examination (which enables credits to pile up quickly for subjects you are already well versed in), you can earn credits at a much faster (and cheaper) rate than most PLA programs allow. The areas where there might be an advantage for PLA would be subject areas that are not available via other means or where you're looking for upper level credits in a subject where testing doesn't qualify.

I have not encountered many people who have done much PLA work, but if you end up going down that path with COSC, please be sure to post your experience here to let us know how it went. Make sure you review the costs per credit though... its not cheap.

[burbuja0512]

:iagree:

I have also held management positions during my career (though not VP... yet ) but didn't bother to try to get the PLA. What I found is that my biz background helped me speed through some of the tests needed for my biz admin concentration.

I also wonder how a PLA would look on a transcript if you ever decide on grad school. It may not matter, but I'm almost positive that you could not use it to meet any graduate pre-requisites. If this is something you want to consider, you should look into it before going the PLA route.

Keep in mind that someone with a strong biz background who is a quick learner may not need to spend a ton of time studying for tests. I averaged about a weeks' worth of study for almost all of the CLEP/DSST that I took. If you need to invest more time through a PLA, it may not be worth the time, but I totally agree with Merlin and if you do find out about it, please share!