By Sheryl Zornes Administrative Assistant Pan Canadian Gateways Project By Sheryl Zornes Administrative Assistant Pan Canadian Gateways Project

 Think of all of the experiences that you have had in your lifetime and all of the valuable information you have learned from them. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to earn College or University credit for some of this learning…

… Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) can do just that for you! Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition is when a institution takes a look at the knowledge and skills that a student has and decides if this knowledge is equal to that obtained in a course or program and, if it is, credit can be awarded. Prior Learning Assessments are becoming more and more common at colleges and universities across the globe. Students must demonstrate that their prior learning is equivalent to that acquired through courses or outcomes within their program. There are many variances between institutions on what is considered transferable for receiving prior learning credit. Each institution determines how many credits they can and will award through PLAR.

PLA and PLAR- Defining the Language A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the development stage of the process where the student prepares their information to be reviewed for credit and submits it to the institution. A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the development stage of the process where the student prepares their information to be reviewed for credit and submits it to the institution. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) describes the whole process of going through the steps to present the evidence, submit to the institution, and receiving credit. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) describes the whole process of going through the steps to present the evidence, submit to the institution, and receiving credit.

Just as PLA processes differ across the globe, so does the language. Some commonly used names for PLA include: Just as PLA processes differ across the globe, so does the language. Some commonly used names for PLA include:  Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)  Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)  Flexible Assessment  Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)  And Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Seminars and conferences, experience in the workplace, independent study, life experiences, volunteering, travel, hobbies, family experiences, continuing education, personal achievements, employment training, language training, corporate training, significant skills, military service, non- credit courses, in-service training, certified professional training, political activities, etc. Though it differs from institution to institution, some examples of different sources for awarding credits from a Prior Learning Assessment include :

Different Methods of PLAR… Credit can be awarded for a Prior Learning Assessment in a number of ways. Portfolio Assessment - assemble and submit to the institution all information that you find relevant to your learning in Portfolio form. - institution reviews and appropriate credit is awarded.

…Different Methods of PLAR… Portfolio Assessment Support Documents Some documents that are commonly used in portfolios include:   Certificates   Diplomas   Performance assessments and evaluations

…Different Methods of PLA Other commonly used methods for awarding credit through a PLA include: - course challenges - written or oral examinations - interviews - skills demonstration - a workplace assessment - or a proficiency exam.

PLAR Credit Awards Just as methods and sources for PLAR vary from institution to institution, so does the amount of credits awarded for a PLAR. Some institutions award a maximum of 50% of the credits needed for a diploma/certificate through PLAR while others will award up to 75%. Some institutions offer 30 Credits from a PLAR while others offer 60. Also, the awarded credit may come from combinations of different PLAR methods. PLAR can also be used for a means of program entry. Some institutions offer a 1-3 credit course that teaches students how to build their portfolio to help assist the PLAR process. Not all courses or programs are necessarily open for PLAR.

Some Prior Learning Assessment organizations in Canada and the world include: CAPLA- the Canadian Association for Prior Learning AssessmentCAPLA- the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment PLAR in ManitobaPLAR in Manitoba The PLA Centre- HalifaxThe PLA Centre- Halifax CAPL- Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning- New ZealandCAPL- Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning- New Zealand

PLAR credit is awarded for the knowledge and skills learned from an experience, not the experience itself. When applying for PLAR be sure that you have evidence that you have gained knowledge and skills that match outcomes identified for a particular course.

While doing research I found that PLAR is practiced in many countries across the world. Though some colleges/universities have no PLAR policy, there are many others that have begun practicing PLAR and incorporating it into their programs and courses.

 Canada  The United States  Australia  New Zealand  Belgium  Ireland  Finland  South Africa  Germany  Scotland  Jamaica PLAR is accepted and/or developed through institutions in:

So, when considering going back to school for post secondary education, start thinking about your life and all of the things that you have learned through your experiences. It is well worth while to get credit for this kind of learning. It is a positive experience to look reflect on yourself and your accomplishments.