Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Get credit for your educational, work and life experiences! Through Loyalist’s prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) program, applicants and current students with relevant work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for academic credits. Please note that graded credits (as opposed to exemptions or transfer credits) are granted.

How does PLAR work?

Many courses are eligible to challenge through PLAR. The challenge process measures your demonstrated learning against the knowledge and skills required by course outcomes using various evaluation methods. If successful, you’ll earn credit without needing to enroll in the course or module. Make your challenge requests when you are admitted to a program to ensure the process can be scheduled promptly. Please note that you can only attempt the PLAR process once per course.

To challenge a course, you will be required to complete one of the following, as designated by the course outline and the instructor:

Challenge exam
Skills demonstration
Interview
Portfolio

Tuition fees are charged, as well as a PLAR assessment fee for each course evaluation. PLAR assessment fees are payable in advance and are not refundable.

How to apply to PLAR

If you believe you would be a good candidate for PLAR, you will need to talk to your program coordinator to confirm your PLAR eligibility. When you are ready to apply, please fill out the application below.

Loyalist Student ID*
Loyalist Program*
Please choose from list below
Name*
First Last
Loyalist Email*
Loyalist Course Code*
Example: COMM1048
Loyalist Course Title*
Example: College Writing Skills
Semester the course is being taken in class*
Please choose from the list below
Have you talked to your program coordinator or faculty member, regarding your PLAR eligibility?*
A discussion with your program coordinator or faculty regarding your PLAR eligibility is required prior to applying for a PLAR.
- Yes
- No
If yes, please include the coordinator or faculty member's name
Consent*
By signing, the student agrees that they understand that fees* (subject to change) must be paid in full before the PLAR will be assessed. This a non-refundable fee. For current fee schedule see student handbook.
I agree
CAPTCHA
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Note: Transfer of credit and prior learning assessment and recognition are available to applicants to a maximum of 75 percent of certificate or diploma requirements, and 50 percent for degree programs. Giving any false documentation is considered academic dishonesty and is a breach of AOP 216 Academic Integrity.

Resources for your PLAR application