Welcome to the Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio Program
Your experience, Your time, Your education.
MDC portfolio-based assessment programs are designed in an accelerated and flexible online format for working professionals. MDC has partnered with industries and community organizations across South Florida that are dedicated to supporting their workforce both academically and professionally. Leverage your work experience in a particular field to earn college credit in a related academic program of study. MDC’s portfolio assessment programs are designed to allow students to enroll simultaneously in academic courses while completing your portfolio assessment.
What is a Portfolio-Based Assessment?
Miami Dade College offers a limited number of Portfolio Options. A prior learning portfolio describes, and documents relevant knowledge gained from experiential learning and equates that knowledge to academic courses. The portfolio consists of a learning narrative and supporting documentation of verified learning. A performance-based assessment may be required for some academic disciplines such as culinary arts and hospitality management. Portfolios are assessed by qualified faculty to determine mastery of the equivalent college course. The Office of Prior Learning can assist you in learning more about the available portfolio options at MDC.
NOTE: Criteria related to work experience (i.e. number or years of employment, roles in a supervisory capacity, etc.) varies based on the academic program. No language courses, courses with labs, or lab courses are permitted as part of the portfolio assessment. General eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Be admitted to MDC and enrolled in the appropriate degree or certificate program. Students are required to be enrolled in academic courses prior to being approved for a portfolio assessment.
- Maintain a minimum 2.00 term GPA and 2.00 cumulative GPA as noted on the academic transcript
- Have completed or been placed in ENC1101
- Student must not have previously attempted to complete a portfolio for the course.
- Student must not have previously received a grade of A, B, C, or S in the course.
- Student may not be registered for the course and simultaneously take a portfolio-based assessment.
- Any exceptions to the above must be approved by the campus Dean of Faculty or Academic School Dean.
The 25% residency requirement of the College cannot be satisfied through portfolio.
The first step for all prospective students is to apply to MDC. Once enrolled, you should submit a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Questionnaire outlining your previous work experience. You can fill out your Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Questionnaire. Upon receipt, the PLA Coordinator will review your questionnaire and schedule an appointment with you to discuss the request for portfolio-based assessment.
If you are currently enrolled at MDC, the Office of Prior Learning strongly recommends that you meet with either an academic advisor or your academic department chairperson to determine if you meet the criteria for portfolio administration. Academic advisors and chairpersons can send an email to pla@mdc.edu referring you for portfolio evaluation.
MDC partners with a variety of industries and community organizations that offer employee incentive programs. If you are currently employed with one of our partnering organizations, please contact your Human Resources Office, as they may be required to submit a referral on your behalf.
- Assessment Fee - $30 per credit
- Fees are subject to change.
- MDC assessment fees are non-refundable/non-transferable.
| FALL 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Eligible students can request portfolio-based assessment | 08/25/25 |
| Last Day to Request portfolio-based assessment for Fall 2025* | 10/29/25 |
| Portfolio Documentation Due (Hospitality, Culinary, Surgical Technology Programs)** | 11/20/25 |
| All Performance-based Assessments must be completed (Hospitality, Culinary, Surgical Technology Programs)*** | 12/05/25 |
| Final due date for all portfolio-based assessments | 12/05/25 |
| Credit determination available | 12/15/25 |
| SPRING 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Eligible students can request portfolio-based assessment | 01/05/26 |
| Last Day to Request portfolio-based assessment for Fall 2025* | 03/13/26 |
| Portfolio Documentation Due (Hospitality, Culinary, Surgical Technology Programs)** | 04/10/26 |
| All Performance-based Assessments must be completed (Hospitality, Culinary, Surgical Technology Programs)*** | 04/24/26 |
| Final due date for all portfolio-based assessments | 04/24/26 |
| Credit determination available | 05/04/26 |
*Subject to availability. Students will have the option of being added to the following semester if there are no more slots available for the requested term.
**Required Documentation: Information for these specific portfolio program requirements are found below
***All approved students will be given a designated time slot for a performance-based assessment. All fees must be paid prior to this date. Students will not be permitted into the performance-based assessment without fee payment.
Available Portfolio Programs
At MDC’s Miami Culinary Institute (MCI), students can earn credits toward an associate in science degree in culinary arts management by demonstrating their knowledge and experience in the food services industry. Eligible students must complete a performance-based assessment at the MCI, where faculty will determine credit based on demonstrated mastery of required culinary competencies.
MCI Eligibility Criteria:
- 2-3 years of experience as a line cook, sous chef, caterer, personal chef
- Required Documentation:
- Resume, Provide letters of verification from employers within the food industry. All letters must be on organizational letterhead with verifiable contact information for the employer.
- All approved students are required to come to the Miami Culinary Institute in person on the designated date listed in the PLA calendar to complete a performance-based assessment (i.e. demonstration of cooking techniques).
Surgical technologists that are seeking to become certified in the State of Florida as well as earn their associates degree in surgical technology can utilize their experiences to earn credit for prior learning. Students wishing to use work experience in surgical technology must demonstrate extensive knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, aseptic techniques, patient care procedures, surgical technology procedures, patient safety, and use and care of equipment and supplies, preoperative (before surgical procedure), intraoperative (during the surgical operation), and postoperative (after surgical operation). Students can earn up to 33 credits toward the associate of science in surgical technology.
Eligibility Criteria
- A minimum of 5 years of experience as a surgical technologist
- Required Documentation:
- Resume, Provide letters of verification from employers within the healthcare industry. One letter of recommendation from a healthcare professional (i.e. physician, surgical assistant, etc.). All letters must be on organizational letterhead with verifiable contact information for the employer.
- All approved students are required to come to MDC’s Medical Campus in person on the designated date listed in the PLA calendar to complete a performance-based assessment (i.e. demonstration of surgical technology techniques).
The Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade and Transportation enables mid-level managers and executives to leverage their experience to fast-track a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management innovation. Eligible students can earn up to 18 credits through the successful submission of a comprehensive portfolio-based assessment.
Eligibility Criteria
- 3-5 years of supervisory and/or managerial experience
- Verifiable letters of employment
- All letters must be on organizational letterhead with verifiable contact information for the employer.
- Departmental Approval
- Required Documentation:
- Prior Learning Assessment Resume
- Prior Learning Assessment Worksheet
- Introduction and Goal Statement
- Written Narrative
- Supporting Documentation
Upon departmental approval, students will receive access to the PLA Portfolio Platform. The platform will provide guidance and additional instructions for the submission of required documentation.
K-12 and Early Childhood Education
The School of Education’s PLA Program is designed to provide structured, evidence-based opportunities for apprentices, para-to-teach candidates, and bachelor’s applicants to earn academic credit for prior learning experiences. Through rigorous review, reflection, and performancebased tasks, students demonstrate mastery of course competencies that align with real-world classroom-based instructional skills and the teaching profession.
Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolled in the Teacher Apprenticeship Program
- Para-to-Teach Candidate
- Bachelor’s Applicants
- Subject to departmental chairperson review and approval
PLA Program Components
| PLA Orientation | Introduces students to the PLA process, procedures, protocols, and expectations. |
| PLA Acknowledgement | Students formally confirm their understanding and acceptance of the PLA terms and expectations. |
| Introduction & Goals Statement | Students provide personal and professional introductions and articulate individual goals. |
| Professional Readings & Viewings | Curated literature, videos, and research-based best practices aligned to PLA learning objectives and course competencies. |
| Unpacking the Learning Objective/Course Competency | In-depth analysis and discussion connecting course objectives to career-based applications and workplace relevance. |
| Deep Dive Essay(s) | One comprehensive essay per PLA, guided by prompts and essential questions to provide critical reflection and demonstrate subject mastery. |
| Resume & Evidence of Experience | Submission of a formal resume and supporting documentation validating real-world experience related to the assigned PLA(s). |
| Lesson Plan(s) | Development of meaningful instructional experiences that align with assigned course competencies and reflect pedagogical understanding. |
| School-Based Letter of Recommendation | A letter from a school-based supervisor or administrator attesting to the student’s experience and instructional capability. |
| Supporting Documentation | Additional artifacts verifying the learner’s prior experience and competencies (e.g., certificates, student work samples, evaluations). |
| Exit Interview | A culminating professional interview using an attribution rubric to assess mastery of process, content, and course outcomes. |
Program Features
- Multi-Tiered Vetting System
- Peer Review, Coaching, and Support Days
- Orientation & Electronic Bulletin Board
- Progress Monitoring & Real-Time Feedback
- Research-Based Framework
- PLA Exhibition/Showcase