What is prior learning assessment?
Earn credit for workplace experience or self-directed learning through formal assessment. If you have built knowledge and skills through work, volunteering, or independent study, you may be able to use that experience to get credit for courses in your program. This process is called prior learning assessment and recognition, or PLAR.
Who is it for?
PLAR is for students who want to skip certain courses because they already know the material. It works best for people who have worked in a related field, completed non-credit training, or learned a trade informally. You can use PLAR to move faster through a certificate, diploma, or degree program.
How the assessment works
Faculty members in your program area will assess your knowledge and skills, course by course. They use a few different methods to make sure your learning matches the course outcomes:
- Challenge examinations: A test prepared by the assessor that covers the main topics of the course.
- Skill demonstrations: You show you can perform a task, like welding or coding, while an assessor watches and scores you.
- Portfolios: You collect documents, work samples, and letters that prove what you have learned.
- Interviews: A conversation with the assessor to discuss your experience and knowledge.
If you pass the assessment, the credit counts toward your program. Courses credited through PLAR do not count toward your grade point average, and the transcript shows an L notation instead of a letter grade.
Steps to apply
- Look up your program in the course catalogue and pick the courses you want to challenge.
- Contact the Admissions office to ask if the course is eligible for PLAR and to get the application form.
- Fill out the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) form and attach any required evidence, such as a portfolio or employer letters.
- Submit your application to the Registrar's office. You will receive a fee invoice to pay before the assessment begins.
- Meet with your assessor to review the course outline and agree on the assessment method and date.
- Complete the assessment. You will get your results within two weeks.
Fees and deadlines
There is a non-refundable fee for each course you apply to challenge. Fees cover the time the faculty member spends reviewing your materials and running the assessment. The exact amount depends on the course level and how complex the evaluation is. Check the Tuition & Fees page for current rates.
You must submit your PLAR application at least two weeks before the start of the term. If you do not meet this deadline, you must register for the course and attend classes as normal. You cannot use PLAR to challenge a course you have already failed within the past year.
Contact us
For questions about eligibility, fees, or the application process, reach out to the Admissions office. They can direct you to the right program coordinator or give you the portfolio template.
Phone: 519-555-0171
Email: [email protected]
Office: Hollis Hall, Benchlands Campus