1. Do I have to be matriculated as a Charter Oak student to get portfolio credits?
2. How many credits can I get through portfolio assessment?
3. How long does it take to get portfolio credits?
4. How much does it cost to get portfolio credits?
5. Can I get blocks of credit for courses in the same area?
6. If an evaluator asks for more information, how long do I have to provide it? What happens if I don't?
7. Can I get my portfolio copies back after the evaluation?

1: Do I have to be matriculated as a Charter Oak student to get portfolio credits?

No, you need only successfully complete IDS102, the portfolio development course, obtain a signed Portfolio Assessment Authorization Form from the Assessment Coordinator, and pay the Assessment fee.

2: How many credits can I get through portfolio assessment?

COSC does not limit the number of credits that students can be awarded or use toward a Charter Oak degree. If you are planning to transfer portfolio credits to another institution, you will have to find out what their policy is. Some schools do limit the number, type or level of portfolio credits you may apply toward a degree, and it is your responsibility to find out about any limits or restrictions.

3: How long does it take to get portfolio credits?

Portfolio assessment is not a fast process, though it can be a very fast way to gain a large number of credits in comparison to the time it would take to earn the same number of classroom credits. From the time you submit your final version, you should allow a minimum of 2-4 months for the assessment process and transcripting of your credit award.

4: How much does it cost to get portfolio credits?

Your cost will depend on how many credits your evaluation includes and on whether or not you are a Connecticut resident (see Tuition - Portfolio Assessment ).

5: Can I get blocks of credit for courses in the same area?

COSC does not grant block credit for portfolio assessment. Your portfolio is composed of a separate unit or file for each course requested. Each course requires a specific description, narrative and evidence, although in some cases evidence may serve to support knowledge claims for more than one course. Occasionally the Assessment Coordinator will agree that it is permissible to combine materials for two or more courses in a portfolio, for instance in two or more levels of a language, or for serial courses such as Quantitative Analysis I and II. You must have written approval from the Assessment Coordinator to do this.

6: If an evaluator asks for more information, how long do I have to provide it? What happens if I don't?

Requested revisions or additional information must be provided within 30 days of the evaluator's request. If you cannot complete revisions within that time, you may request an extension of 30 days, for which a fee of $60 is assessed. If you do not submit revisions within the expected time frame, your credit request for the course(s) in question will be denied and the remainder of the portfolio will be processed as usual.

7: Can I get my portfolio copies back after the evaluation?

One copy of each portfolio is retained by COSC. If you want to have the other two copies returned, you must provide return postage. The minimum fee for return of extra copies is $25, with additional charges for heavy or bulky packages. Use of original documentation in portfolios is strongly discouraged because of the expense and difficulty of returning copies.