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PLAR - Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition
What is Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition?
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process that helps adult learners to identify, articulate and demonstrate relevant learning acquired through life and work experiences and translate this learning into college credit.
Credits earned through PLAR may help to reduce the amount of in-class time required to earn a credential, reduce the cost of education and encourage placement in a certificate or diploma program at an appropriate level.
Through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses.
For more information about Prior Learning Assessment or to initiate an application please contact Lorraine St-Pierre, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Administrator at (613)727-4723 extension 7027 or via e-mail stpierl@algonquincollege.com
How Does PLAR Work?
It's as easy as 1 -2- 3.
| 1) Information | 2) Demonstration | 3) Evaluation |
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PLAR vs. Transfer of Academic Credit (Exemption) What courses have an identified PLAR process? Application Procedures |
1) Information
To be eligible for a prior learning assessment you must:
- Be 19 years of age or older, or have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- You are not eligible for a prior learning assessment if you have failed the course during the previous twelve months for which you are seeking credit
- If English is your second language, you may be required to pass an English test
PLAR vs. Transfer of Academic Credit (Exemption)
PLA is different from Transfer of Academic Credits (Exemptions).
- PLAR evaluates learning you have gained from life and work experience.
- Transfer of Academic Credits (Exemptions) provides recognition of previously acquired courses taken at Algonquin College or at other educational institutions
- Transfer of Academic Credits are processed through the Registrar's Office
What courses have an identified PLA process?
- Prior learning in Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology is evaluated on a course-by-course basis. The assessment method (portfolio or challenge exam) will vary, depending on the nature of the course
- The PLAR Administrator communicates with faculty to establish PLAR course eligibility. Assessment procedures are continuously up-dated and modified. Please contact the PLAR Administrator to obtain course eligibility information
- The PLAR Administrator is available to assist you to identify appropriate courses for a prior learning assessment and will advise you about specific course assessment procedures. Contact the PLAR Administrator to set up an appointment
- Before you apply for a Prior Learning Assessment you should meet with the PLAR Administrator, Program Coordinator or faculty member to discuss your eligibility for PLAR. You should review the course outline to make sure you are comfortable with the learning requirements of the course(s). You may obtain a PLAR application form from the PLAR Office (room C135 - Woodroffe Campus)
- The completed application form and the assessment fee of $113.34 (per course) is submitted to the Registrar's Office
- After the application form has been processed you may submit your portfolio to the PLAR Office or proceed with your scheduled challenge examination
- For most programs, a minimum of 25% of the required courses must be completed at Algonquin College. The remainder may be put in place through Transfer of Academic Credit and/or PLAR.
Admission to a Program
- The granting of prior learning credits does not guarantee entry into a Program of Study. You must follow the normal admission procedure to gain entrance into a College Program.
Fees
- Fees Assessment fees are established by the Ministry of Education and Training
- The assessment fee is $113.34 per course assessment (subject to change)
- The assessment fee will cover such costs as the delivery of test(s), the evaluation of test(s), the evaluation of a portfolio, an oral interview if required, and academic support and administrative activities.
Appeals
- As a first step, you should discuss your concerns with the PLAR Administrator
- An appeal process is available in the event the assessment has not been carried out to your satisfaction. You must communicate a request in writing to the PLAR Coordinator within ten (10) working days of the mailing of the assessment results. You must outline the reasons why an appeal is warranted. A twenty-five ($25) fee will be charged which is refunded, if the decision is changed in your favour
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR)?
PLAR is a process in which college-level learning gained through previous work and life experiences is identified, evaluated, compared to College course requirements and translated appropriately into College credits. PLAR is directed towards the evaluation of learning gained from experience, and is not the same as "exemption" or transfer of academic credits from other educational institutions.
What is college-level learning?
College-level learning is learning which is equivalent to the knowledge, skills and values expected from college courses. College-level learning must have both a theory base and a practical base. It should be possible to apply the learning acquired in different situations and places of work.
In what ways might I have acquired college-level learning?
Adult learners may acquire college-level knowledge and skills by engaging in independent study, personal projects and reading, paid or voluntary work, travel, military service and non-college courses and training programs.
Do I need to be a specific age to qualify as an adult learner?
No. All college students are considered to be adult learners. However, usually the adults who qualify for prior learning credits are over 22 years of age and have had independent life and work experience over and above that normally acquired during the adolescent years.
How many course credits can I get through PLAR?
It is possible to achieve a maximum of 75% of college credits required for a credential through the process of PLAR. The number of credits which you would obtain would depend upon the nature and extent of your learning and how well your learning matches the College course requirements.
If I have some but not all of the learning required in a course, will I be able to receive partial credits?
A College "credit" is normally provided for completion of one course. If the assessor determines that some essential learning required in the course is missing, s/he may recommend and assist you in developing a learning contract. Through the learning contract, you will establish an individualized plan for achieving the required learning. Once the learning has been achieved and re-evaluated, you will be awarded the course credit(s).
What exactly is a learning contract?
The learning contract is an agreement reached between you and the assessor which addresses the learning requirements which must be achieved in order for a course credit to be awarded.
The learning contract specifies:
a) the learning outcomes to be achieved
b) how these outcomes are to be accomplished (learning resources and strategies)
c) the target date for their accomplishment
d) the evidence that will be presented to demonstrate their accomplishment
e) how this evidence will be judged/validated.
Where do I begin, if I want to get credit for my prior learning?
You should begin by contacting:
Lorraine St-Pierre, PLAR Administrator
Tel: (613) 727-4723 extension 7027
e-mail: stpierl@algonquincollege.com
Room C135
The PLAR Administrator will provide academic advice and information. The PLAR Administrator will determine your eligibility and assist you through the processes of PLAR.
If this fee must be paid in advance what guarantees do I have of obtaining credit?
There are no guarantees that you will obtain credit through PLAR, just as there are no guarantees that you will obtain credit through taking a college course. However, the PLAR Administrator and program advisors will assist you in pre-determining your chances of success. It is important that you weigh the benefits against the risks.
How will the College assist me in preparing for PLAR?
The PLAR Administrator and Program Advisors will assist you in obtaining current course outlines, in order that you can prepare for challenge test(s) and/or create your portfolio.
Can I prepare a portfolio on my own?
Yes, many candidates develop their portfolio independently but require the Portfolio Guidelines from the PLAR Administrator.
2) Demonstration
How do I demonstrate my prior learning?
Prior learning can be demonstrated through challenge exams or the portfolio process
- Challenge exams are set by the programs for designated courses and may encompass a paper and pencil test, an interview and/or a demonstration or performance test, depending on the nature of the learning. Contact the PLAR Administrator to find out if there is a challenge examination available for the course for which you are seeking credit.
- A portfolio is a file or folder of information which describes your relevant experience, identifies and analyses your learning achievements and provides validation of that learning through a collection of documents.
- In order to substantiate the claim to a PLAR credit in a required course, the portfolio must adequately
- Identify/describe your relevant learning accomplishments (knowledge, skills, competencies, abilities)
- Show a match between learning achievements and the requirements of the course
- Verify these learning accomplishments with supportive documents
3) Evaluation
How will my prior learning be assessed?
- Your prior learning will be evaluated by program or course experts in the College who have had recent experience in teaching the courses being challenged
- You will be expected to demonstrate learning that is equivalent to the basic learning outcomes required to pass the course
- Once the PLAR credits have been achieved, the Registrar will record your credits on your official transcript
- Your PLAR credit will be recorded as a grade when possible; otherwise a non-graded "CR" credit designation will be assigned
- A failed attempt at a prior learning assessment will not be recorded on your transcript
To find out more about PLAR, please contact the:
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Woodroffe Campus, Room C135
Ottawa ON K2G 1V8
Tel.: (613) 727-4723 ext 7027
Fax: (613) 727-7642