Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Policy

Policy Owner: Vice-President, Academic
Policy Lead(s): Executive Director, Registrarial Services

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Approver:
Academic Coordinating Committee
Policy Owner:
Vice-President, Academic
Policy Lead(s):
Executive Director, Registrarial Services
Effective date:
2007-09-01
Date of last approval:
2021-08-25

Policy Statement

Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, education (informal/ formal), non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measured to meet the required course outcomes and grading standards.

Scope

This policy applies to candidates who wish to earn academic credit for a course in acknowledgement of significant life and work experience. PLAR is not to be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies and/or to improve grades.

Students must be at least 19 years of age or have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) to be eligible to apply for PLAR.

Definitions

Conestoga College maintains a glossary of terms specific to the institution. The terms in use for this document are defined below.

Credentials
Awarded upon completion of a program of study as set out by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities as defined in the Credential Framework found in the binding policy directive for Programs of Instruction, April 1, 2004. Approved credentials are as follows:
  • Baccalaureate Degree
  • Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Ontario College Advanced Diploma
  • Ontario College Diploma
  • Ontario College Certificate
  • College Certificate
Formal Education
Obtained through completion of credit-based programs and/or courses documented by an institution.
Informal Education
Gained through participation in non-credit learning activities which may include activities such as workplace-based training, seminars and/or workshops.
Non-Formal Learning
Knowledge and/or skills gained through self-directed study, voluntary work, travel and other learning experiences.
Post-Secondary Education Quality Assurance Board (PEQAB)
The Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board is an Ontario agency that makes recommendations to the Minister of Colleges and Universities of Ontario on applications for ministerial consent under the terms of the Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000.
Program/Program of Study
An academic program that leads to issuance of a post-secondary credential or certificate for a particular area of study. 
Work & Life Experience
The prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies acquired through employment, education (informal/ formal), non-formal learning or other life experiences.

Policy

  1. The maximum credit allowed through transfer of credits and credits obtained through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for certificate and diploma programs is 75% of the program credits. Therefore, at least 25% of the program credits must be taken under the direct supervision of Conestoga faculty.
  2. The passing grade for a PLAR assessment will be consistent with the course passing grade.
  3. PLAR assessments are consistent with and appropriate to course learning outcomes, program vocational learning outcomes, and essential employability skills and reflect the meaningful acquisition of the required skills and knowledge.
  4. Credits obtained through PLAR do not guarantee admission into a program.
  5. Course outlines will clearly state whether the course is PLAR Eligible.
  6. Students will remain registered in classes for which they are attempting a PLAR assessment until they receive final confirmation of the assessment grade.
  7. Degree programs are required to follow the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) Standards.
  8. Programs associated with articulation agreements and pathways, professional accreditation bodies may have restrictions that limit their ability to recognize PLAR in meeting their requirements.

Relevant Legislation and Related Documents

Relevant legislation

CAPLA Guidelines (Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment)
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Framework for Programs of Instruction

Related documents

Admission Decision Dispute Resolution and Appeal Procedure
Admissions Policy
Supplemental Assessment Procedure
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Procedure
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition Registration Form

Revision Log

DateDetails
2012-02-17Policy and Procedure Committee
2012-02-29Academic Coordinating Committee
2012-06-27Policy and Procedure Committee
2012-07-01Review and Revised
2014-09-01Academic Forum
2014-11-10Policy and Procedure Committee
2014-11-19Academic Coordinating Committee
2019-10-22Policy and Procedure Committee
2019-11-15Academic Forum
2021-08-25Academic Forum
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Policy