COSC - Portfolio Assessment?

[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.