Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

You may be a good PLAR candidate if you have gained college-level knowledge and skills through work, volunteer activities, military service, leadership, independent study, cultural learning, previous training, or other life experiences that align with a Durham College course. PLAR allows you to demonstrate that learning and potentially earn academic credit without taking the course, provided you can show that you have met the course learning outcomes.

PLAR may be a good option if:

• You have significant experience related to the course content.
• You are confident you can demonstrate the course learning outcomes.
• You can provide evidence of your learning, skills, and experience.
• You want to avoid repeating learning you have already achieved. https://dconline.sharepoint.com/sites/ICE/Policies-Procedures/Prior-Learning-Assessment-and-Recognition.pdf

PLAR may not be the best option if:

• Your experience is not closely related to the course learning outcomes.
• You are missing significant portions of the course knowledge or skills.
• You completed equivalent learning at another recognized post-secondary institution. In this case, Credit Transfer may be a more appropriate option.

Note: Not all Durham College courses are eligible for PLAR. Course eligibility is indicated on the course outline.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, PLAR may be a good option for you.

Before submitting a PLAR application, consider the following:

✅ Do I already have the knowledge and skills taught in this course?

✅ Can I demonstrate that I have met the course learning outcomes?

✅ Do I have relevant experience from work, volunteering, military service, leadership, professional training, independent study, cultural learning, or other life experiences?

✅ Can I provide evidence of my learning and experience if required?

✅ Have I reviewed the course outline to verify that the course is eligible for PLAR?

✅ Have I considered whether Credit Transfer may be a better option based on my previous post-secondary studies?

You are not eligible to apply for PLAR if:
https://durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition-policy.pdf

• You have previously been registered in the course.
• You have previously audited the course.
• You have already submitted a PLAR challenge for the same course. The PLAR process may only be initiated once per course.

Before applying, you should:

• Review the course outline to confirm the course is PLAR eligible. Not all courses are eligible for PLAR.
• Compare your knowledge, skills, and experience to the course learning outcomes to determine whether you have already achieved the required learning.
• Ensure you can provide evidence of your learning and experience if required as part of the assessment. https://durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition-policy.pdf

Important: If the course has prerequisites, it is strongly recommended that you complete the prerequisite requirements before submitting a PLAR request. PLAR credit does not exempt students from program prerequisite requirements. https://durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition-policy.pdf

1. Submit your application
   Complete a PLAR application and compare your knowledge, skills, and experience to the course learning outcomes. Applications are typically accepted up to 10 business days after the start of the semester.
2. Pay the PLAR fee
   A non-refundable PLAR fee is charged when you submit your application.
3. Application review
   Transfer Services will review your application and forward it to the appropriate Academic Faculty. The Faculty will assign a subject matter expert to oversee your PLAR assessment.
4. Complete your assessment
   Your assessment method will be determined by the academic area and course learning outcomes. Assessments may include an exam, assignment, portfolio, interview, presentation, demonstration, or a combination of methods. Not all PLAR assessments are the same.
5. Receive your result
   The Faculty will submit your final grade to Transfer Services, who will communicate the outcome to you. Passing grades are recorded on your academic record and included in your GPA. Failing grades are not recorded on your transcript, but the course cannot be challenged through PLAR a second time.

The PLAR process typically takes 1 to 2 months to complete, although timelines may vary depending on factors such as assessment type, faculty availability, scheduling requirements, and the volume of requests being processed. https://durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition-policy.pdf

Students are encouraged to submit PLAR applications before the start of the semester whenever possible. Applications are accepted up to 10 business days after the start of the semester, but applying early allows more time to complete the assessment and receive a result. https://durhamcollege.ca/wp-content/uploads/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition-policy.pdf

Examples of assessment timelines may include:

• Exams: Typically completed in a single sitting, though preparation time should be considered.
• Interviews: Usually 1 to 2 hours, plus scheduling time.
• Assignments and portfolios: May take several weeks to gather evidence, complete submissions, and prepare supporting documentation.
• Other assessment types: Timelines vary based on course requirements and assessment expectations.

Once your assessment has been completed, the Academic Faculty will submit the result to Transfer Services, who will communicate the outcome to you.

Full-Time Students

Students enrolled in a full-time program must submit their PLAR application no later than 10 business days after the start of the semester. Late applications will not be accepted.

If you are currently registered in a course you wish to challenge through PLAR, you should continue attending classes until you receive your PLAR result. If your PLAR application is unsuccessful, continuing to attend class will help ensure you remain on track to meet the course requirements.

Professional and Part-Time Learning (PPL) Students

Students enrolled in a Professional and Part-Time Learning (PPL) program may submit a PLAR application at any time during their studies. However, applying as early as possible is strongly recommended.

Because course content, curriculum, and PLAR eligibility may change over time, early applications can help you plan your academic pathway more effectively. Students are also encouraged not to wait until their final semester, as an unsuccessful PLAR assessment may require registration in an additional course to meet graduation requirements.

Before applying for PLAR, you must be admitted to your intended PPL program. Students should not register in a course they intend to challenge through PLAR, as tuition fees are not refundable if a PLAR application is submitted for that course

PLAR assessments are designed by the Academic Faculty and are based on the course learning outcomes. Assessment methods vary by course and may include one or more evaluation methods. The assessment type is determined by the academic area and the knowledge and skills being evaluated.

Common assessment methods may include:

• Portfolio
• Assignment
• Exam or test
• Interview
• Presentation
• Demonstration of skills
• Project
• Observation or performance assessment
• A combination of assessment methods

The specific assessment requirements will be provided by the Academic Faculty and may vary by course.

Depending on the course and assessment method, examples of evidence may include:

• Employment letters
• Work samples
• Professional certifications
• Training records
• Projects or reports
• Volunteer or community experience
• References
• Presentations
• Documentation of cultural, community, or land-based learning
• Reflective statements describing your learning and experience

The evidence required will vary by course and assessment type. Your Academic Faculty will provide specific instructions after your PLAR application has been approved.

To apply for PLAR, follow these steps:

1. Review the course outline to confirm the course is eligible for PLAR and compare your knowledge, skills, and experience to the course learning outcomes.
2. Access the PLAR application through the MyDC website: MyDC > Enrolment Services > Transfer Services > Credit Transfer & PLAR
3. Complete and submit the application, including the required information about your prior learning and experience.
4. Pay the applicable non-refundable PLAR fee at the time of application.
5. Await further instructions regarding your assessment from the Academic Faculty. https://dconline.sharepoint.com/sites/ICE/Policies-Procedures/Prior-Learning-Assessment-and-Recognition.pdf

Need assistance?
For questions about the PLAR process or issues accessing the application, contact plar@durhamcollege.ca.

WHAT TYPES OF LEARNING CAN BE ASSESSED?

PLAR recognizes learning gained through a variety of experiences, including employment, volunteer work, military service, professional development, community leadership, independent study, cultural and community-based learning, previous training, and other life experiences. PLAR focuses on what you know and can demonstrate, regardless of where the learning occurred. https://dconline.sharepoint.com/sites/ICE/Policies-Procedures/Prior-Learning-Assessment-and-Recognition.pdf

WHAT EVIDENCE MIGHT BE REQUIRED?

Depending on the course and assessment method, examples of evidence may include employment letters, professional certifications, training records, work samples, projects, reports, references, portfolios, volunteer experience documentation, demonstrations of skills, or reflective statements describing your learning. Assessment requirements vary by course.

DOES ACADEMIC INTEGRITY APPLY TO PLAR?

Yes. All Durham College Academic Integrity policies apply to PLAR assessments. Students are expected to submit original work and accurately represent their learning, skills, and experience.