Competency Assessment Portfolio (CAP)

Click here for a PDF version of the CAP guidelines and petition form.

What is a Competency Assessment Portfolio?

A Competency Assessment Portfolio (CAP) is a method by which an institution can evaluate prior learning. Students who wish to explore credit options through development of a competency assessment portfolio must be willing to spend considerable time in the preparation of this docu-ment. The portfolio contains a collection of materials and written documentation which identifies
and describes professional training and experiential learning which can be evaluated for college-level credit equivalency.

Will assessment of prior learning help me to earn credits in my major?

Yes. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate and document prior college-level learning which you may have achieved through study for professional licenses, certificates, seminars and workshops,
or other personal experiences.

Is assessment of prior learning unique to UMC?

No. The University of Minnesota and approximately 1200 other colleges and universities provide for the assessment of learning through experience. Challenge exams such as CLEP, PEP, DANTES, APE, are also common and accepted by 95 percent of colleges and universities.

How do I find information on developing a CAP?

1. Your adviser may explain the steps.
2. You may contact the chairperson of the CAP Committee or the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
3. You may attend an announced orientation session provided by the CAP Committee.
4. You may review the explanatory materials held on reserve in Kiehle Library.

Who evaluates the CAP?

A CAP committee, composed of faculty, reviews and evaluates professional courses working with UMC faculty and faculty from other institutions. UMC will not award credit simply for years of
experience. The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) has established guidelines for the assessment of prior learning. UMC follows CAEL assessment guidelines.

Is there a limit to the number of credits I can earn through CAP?

A maximum of 30 semester credits may be awarded for prior learning which was not associated with collegiate credits.

How much does it cost?

The fee for all CAP credits is one-half the UMC tuition rate.

Do credits earned through CAP fulfill University of Minnesota residency requirements?

No. Credits earned by examination do not count as residence credits.

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