Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

PLAR gives you credit for what you’ve learned through real-life experience, even if it didn’t happen in a classroom. This might include: 

• Work experience in any field (paid or unpaid).
• Volunteering in your community, at school, or in non-profits organizations.
• Military or public service experience including service in the regular force, reserves, or as an employee.
• Caring for others, such as parenting, elder care, or supporting someone with a disability.
• Running a business or freelance work.
• On-the-job training, certifications, or workshops that you have completed.
• Cultural or traditional learning from your community.
• Independent study, like learning new technology or languages on your own, gaining certifications, creating a business, or leading an initiative.
• Creative work, such as writing, design, or performance.
• Travel or lived experience that helped you build skills or knowledge that are applicable to your future learning goals.  

If you’ve gained skills, knowledge, or insight from any of these experiences and can show what you’ve learned, you may be eligible for PLAR. An advisor can help you decide if your experience is a good match for a course or program. 
 

PLAR Self-Assessment: Are You Ready?
Use this self-assessment to see if you might be a good fit for PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition). Answer each question honestly. There are no right or wrong answers!
Part 1: Your Learning Experience

1. Have you learned important skills through work, volunteering, or life experience (not in a classroom)?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ No
   • ☐ Not sure
2. Can you explain what you’ve learned and how you learned it?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ Somewhat
   • ☐ No
3. Does your learning relate to a course or program you're interested in?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ Not sure
4. Have you received training (formal or informal) in this area?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ Somewhat
   • ☐ No

Part 2: Your Evidence and Comfort Level

5. Can you provide proof of your learning (like work samples, certificates, references, or a resumé)?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ Maybe
   • ☐ No
6. Are you comfortable writing about or talking through your learning experiences?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ A little
   • ☐ Not really
7. Are you confident in completing a written test, project, or skills demonstration?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ It depends
   • ☐ No
8. Do you have time to prepare and submit materials or complete an assessment?
   • ☐ Yes
   • ☐ Maybe
   • ☐ No

What Your Answers Might Mean

• Mostly "Yes": You may be a strong candidate for PLAR. Contact an advisor to take the next step.
• Some "Yes" and some "Maybe": You might be ready! An advisor can help you explore your options.
• Mostly "No": PLAR might not be the best fit right now, but our advising team can support you in other ways to achieve your goals.