Helpful links PLAR Application PLAR Policy Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) provides a way to formally recognize previous work, life, volunteer, or other experiences relevant to your Durham College program if you think you may have required course knowledge. PLAR offers an opportunity to challenge the learning outcomes of a course using an evaluation method selected by the course subject-matter expert. Evaluation may include exams, assignments or portfolios. If you have studied previously at a recognized post-secondary institution, Credit Transfer would be a more appropriate option. Am I a good PLAR candidate? PLAR provides an opportunity for individuals with personal or professional experience to use their knowledge and skills to challenge the learning outcomes of a course. If you think your previous experiences may be applicable to course(s) in your program and would like an opportunity to be exempted, PLAR may be an option for you. Please consult your course outline (second page) to determine if the course you wish to challenge is eligible for PLAR. Course learning outcomes are also stated in the course outline and should be carefully reviewed to confirm if the required knowledge has been obtained. Students cannot initiate the PLAR process if the following applies. You were registered in, or audited the course, in the previous 10 months. You failed the course within the previous two academic years. You have previously submitted a PLAR challenge for the same course. The PLAR process may be initiated only once per course. You have misrepresented your performance in a college course for the purpose of obtaining marks or recognition. It is highly advisable that you complete all pre-requisites for a course prior to submitting a PLAR request. Please contact Transfer Services at transfers@durhamcollege.ca for additional information. If you meet the above criteria, continue reading to learn how to apply. How long is the PLAR process? The PLAR process can take approximately two months from start to completion, as such, it is advisable to submit requests in advance of classes starting. PLAR requests must be submitted by the tenth day of classes each semester. Late applications will not be accepted. If you are a full-time student and currently registered in the course you would like to PLAR, you should continue attending class until you receive a successful PLAR outcome. In the event the PLAR receives an unsuccessful outcome, this ensures the course requirement will be met. How do I apply for PLAR? Apply for PLAR. Professional and Part-Time Learning Requests You should not register in a course if you feel you are eligible to PLAR, as an assessment cannot be guaranteed within appropriate withdrawal deadlines. Please see Important Information & Resources. Important Information IS THERE A FEE FOR PLAR? The PLAR fee is $148.86 per course and is non-refundable. Once processed by Transfer Services, this fee will automatically be added to your student account. If you choose not to proceed with the requested PLAR, you will be required to submit a refund appeal through Transfer Services. Learn how to pay fees. PLAR (Mass Challenge): The mass challenge PLAR fee is $20 and is available to Full-Time & Part-Time students. This option is not available to students registered with Professional & Part-Time Learning. HOW MANY CREDITS CAN I PLAR? To graduate with a Durham College credential, you must complete at least 25 per cent of program requirements directly through Durham College. As such, you may PLAR or credit transfer up to 75 per cent of program requirements. ARE ALL COURSES ELIGIBLE FOR PLAR? No, some courses may be ineligible. Please consult the second page of your course outline to determine if the course you would like to challenge is PLAR eligible. HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? PLAR is offered on a course-by-course basis using an assessment method determined by the course subject-matter expert. Types of assessments include but are not limited to: a comprehensive written examination or test observation or demonstration of skills an oral or videotaped presentation portfolio submission or product assessment interview HOW LONG DOES THE PLAR PROCESS TAKE? The typical process can take between 1 to 2 months to complete, depending on faculty availability and assessment type. DO I RECEIVE A GRADE FOR PLAR? A successful PLAR outcome is graded similarly to the course you are challenging. If the course is a Pass/Fail course, a successful outcome will result in a Pass. If the course is graded numerically, you will receive a numeric grade. As a successful PLAR is recorded in the same manner as credits earned through course work, a numeric PLAR grade will impact your GPA. If unsuccessful, the failing grade will not be transcribed on your academic record and will have no impact on your GPA. You will not be able to initiate the PLAR process a second time for the same course. HOW DOES PLAR IMPACT MY TUITION AND/OR OSAP? Successfully PLARed courses that are dropped from your schedule may impact your full-time enrolment status, which could impact your OSAP funding or eligibility for other student financial aid options. Dropping to part-time status may also impact access to other student benefits and services such as the U-Pass, medical coverage, and access to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Tuition fees would not be refunded for successfully completed and dropped courses unless you drop to a part-time status. WHAT IS A MASS CHALLENGE? Courses with a mass challenge option require a minimum of ten (10) post-secondary students to be registered for the same PLAR assessment, by day 10 of the current semester, for fees to be assessed as such. The mass challenge PLAR fee is $20 and is available to Full-Time & Part-Time students. This option is not available to students registered with Professional & Part-Time Learning.
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