Portfolio Assessments

A Portfolio is an assessment of your prior work/life experience through written documentation from which you have developed sufficient college-level learning to earn credit for a specific class.

Earn Credits for What You Know

We offer a variety of portfolio opportunities in Law Enforcement, Marketing, Business, Communications, and Kinesiology, to name a few! If you don’t see an area that you have experience in, let the Adult & Corrections Education Director know. We are always expanding our portfolio options!

Prior Learning Assessment Course

Students will enroll in an 8-week, 1-credit Prior Learning Assessment Course offered at a reduced tuition rate, which will provide general orientation and guidance in prior learning assessment and the portfolio process. For more information, contact the Adult Learning Program Coordinator.

How to create a Portfolio

  1. Students must be enrolled at LCSC in the semester in which they submit a Portfolio.
  2. Students must not be enrolled in the course for which they intend to submit a Portfolio for assessment.
  3. Students may not submit a Portfolio for a course they have previously audited, previously failed, or for which they have received credit via another means of prior learning assessment.
  4. Students may only submit a Portfolio for assessment for a specific course one time. Portfolios will not be returned and will be kept on file in accordance with Records Retention policies.
  5. Credit awarded through Portfolio assessment is limited to 25% of the total credits required for a degree.

  1. Contact Rob McDonald, Adult Learning Program Coordinator, at priorlearning@lcsc.edu with questions or to begin the Portfolio process. 
  2. The Adult Learning Program Coordinator will work with you and your Advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for assessment and share the specific details required for your portfolio creation and submission.
  3. To aid in developing their first portfolio, students will enroll in the ID-292 Prior Learning Assessment Course which will provide general orientation and guidance in the portfolio process. They will be provided with a Portfolio Assessment Guide template.
  4. When you are ready to submit – fill out your Course Portfolio Form and pay your $75 Portfolio Assessment Fee online at www.lcsc.edu/testing-center with credit or debit or at the cashier’s office at 208-792-2351.
  5. Submit your Course Portfolio Form and Portfolio to the Adult Learning Program Coordinator. Using an electronic format is encouraged.
  6. Portfolio Assessment Results: The Portfolio will be sent to the instructor for assessment. After the Portfolio has been assessed, the Adult Learning Program Coordinator will notify you of the assessment results. If you pass the assessment, the credits will be posted to your transcript. 

Portfolio Assessment Guides

Below are course specific templates for creating a portfolio. Work with the Adult Learning Program coordinator or your advisor to identify appropriate courses to challenge based on your experiences.

picture of Reid hall

Accounting

Enjoy a career in accounting or finance, areas that have five of the top seven future jobs according to U.S. News & World Report.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
AC 394/494

Internship in Accounting

1-12
US flag at top of Reid Centennial Hall clock tower

Justice Studies

Pick from three emphasis areas and carve out a career in law: policing and law enforcement, law and legal system, and corrections and human services.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
JS 103

Intro to Criminal Justice

3
JS 201

Police in America

3
JS 202

Corrections in America

3
JS 495

Practicum in Justice Studies

9
Students On Campus Fall

Business & Computer Science

Pursue your Business degree on campus, online, or in Coeur d'Alene. The Business & Computer Science Division offers a top-notch education designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy, thanks to our active collaboration with the business community.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
BUS 101

Intro to Business

3
BUS 220

Business Communications

3
BUS 221

Intro to Computers/Info Systems

3
BUS 311

Foundations of Management Theory

3
BUS 321

Principals of Marketing 

3
BUS 360

Leadership

3
BUS 494

Internship in Business

1-12
Female takes a photo of students with her phone

Communication Arts

Explore communication in a variety of contexts and become an effective and well-rounded communicator for any career path. Graduates enter a wide range of occupations, including radio and television broadcasting, public relations, technical editing, and sales.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
COMM 204

Public Speaking

3
COMM 494

Internship in Communications

1-6
Early Childhood Development student with child

Early Childhood Development

Gain expertise and become a valuable resource in the development of young children. The program emphasizes cognitive development, fine/gross motor physical development, social and emotional development, language and literacy development, and self-help skills of children birth through age eight.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits
ECDPT 100

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

3
ECDPT 112

Infant Toddler Development

2
ECDPT 150 Observation and Assessment 3
ECDPT 194B Internship in Early Childhood Development 2
ECDPT 208

Curriculum Development

3
ECDPT 294A

Internship in Early Childhood Development

3
Woman writing on a notepad next to a lake

English

Earn a degree that propels any career or academic path where critical thinking, clear communication, and effective writing skills are a priority. This field engages students’ responsive and analytical abilities, refines written and oral expression, and fosters creative and critical thinking about literature across cultures and times.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
ENGL 494

Internship in English

1-6
Female nurse smiling at camera

Nursing

Transform your passion for helping others into a fulfilling career through one of the top nursing programs available. With cutting-edge simulation and skills labs, you’ll engage in a variety of learning activities that will deepen your understanding of the art and science of nursing.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
NU 478

PR:Leadership for the RN

2
Kinesiology class with students stretching

Kinesiology

Study the human body, uncover its fundamental principles, and promote health for yourself and others. Students delve into the workings of the body, understanding its potential, while also examining how positive lifestyle choices can lead to lasting improvements in health and well-being.

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
KIN 261

Skill & Analysis: Court Sports

1
KIN 262

Skill & Analysis: Field Sports

1
KIN 267

Skill & Analysis: Strength Development

1
KIN 352

Youth Sports/Recreation

3

Portfolio Guides

Course Number   Portfolio Assessment Guide Credits  
RE 303

Emergent Literacy

3
SE 335

Special Education Field Experience

3