In response to an earlier blog post about "Portfolio Contents: Can You Use Material From Former Employers?" Alison asks, "If I write an original article for an employer's edit test, can I keep that article for use in my writing portfolio?"
If I'm understanding the question, she's asking about a writing sample created for use by an employer in a test they give to potential new employees. If that's not correct then my answer might be different. Did you write this as an employee or were you hired as a freelance writer to create the material. If a freelancer, what does your contract say? If you did the work as part of your employment it seems that this would be one of those times when it is a good idea to get permission from the employer to use the material. What you've written would be similar to doing writing for an employee handbook or creating presentation slides for internal use. It belongs to the employer and it might be something they don't want floating around outside the company, even if it is for portfolio use. When in doubt, ask.
Any differing opinions or alternate views out there?