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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows you to formally recognize previous work, life, volunteer, or other experiences relevant to your Durham College program. If you believe you have acquired the necessary course knowledge through these experiences, PLAR offers a way to challenge the learning outcome of a course using an evaluation method selected by the course subject-matter expert. Evaluations may include exams, assignments or portfolios.
If you have studied previously at a recognized post-secondary institution, Credit Transfer might be a more suitable option.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows you to formally recognize previous work, life, volunteer, or other experiences relevant to your Durham College program. If you believe you have acquired the necessary course knowledge through these experiences, PLAR offers a way to challenge the learning outcome of a course using an evaluation method selected by the course subject-matter expert. Evaluations may include exams, assignments or portfolios.
If you have studied previously at a recognized post-secondary institution, Credit Transfer might be a more suitable option.
A student is not eligible to initiate the PLAR process if:
- They were previously registered in or audited in the course.
- They previously submitted a PLAR challenge for the same course. The PLAR process may be initiated only once per course.
It is highly advisable that you complete all pre-requisites for a course prior to submitting a PLAR request.
- Submit your application: Submit an application comparing your knowledge, skills, and experience to the course learning outcomes. Please see “How do I apply for PLAR” for application link.
- Fee: A non-refundable PLAR fee will be charged upon submission.
- Application Processing: Your application will be sent to the appropriate Academic Faculty Office, who will assign the PLAR to you.
- Assessment: You may be evaluated through various methods. Review your course outline and connect with your Faculty Office for more information on the assessment type.
- PLAR Outcome: Your final grade will be shared with the Transfer Services Office. A passing grade will be documented on your transcript. A failing grade will not.
The typical process can take between 1 to 2 months to complete, depending on evaluator and instructor availability and assessment type. It is advisable to submit requests in advance of classes starting.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS: PLAR requests for students registered in a full-time program 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.
PROFESSIONAL AND PART-TIME STUDENTS: PLAR requests for students in a PPL program may apply for a PLAR request any time during their studies. Students should first apply and gain acceptance to the Professional & Part-Time Learning program that they wish to pursue; however, should not register in the course they are planning to be exempted from as they will not be refunded for any enrolled courses.
The PLAR application can be found through the MyDC website (MyDC>ENROLMENT SERVICES>TRANSFER SERVICES). For access issues, please connect with plar@durhamcollege.ca.
Important Information
The PLAR fee is $148.86 per course and is non-refundable. Once your application has been 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 need to submit a refund appeal through Transfer Services.
PLAR (Mass Challenge): The mass challenge PLAR fee is $20.
For more information about paying your fees, please visit how to pay fees.
To graduate with a Durham College credential, you must complete at least 25 per cent of program requirements directly through Durham College. You may PLAR or credit transfer up to 75 per cent of program requirements.
Not all courses are eligible for PLAR. Please consult the second page of your course outline to determine if the course you would like to challenge is PLAR eligible.
PLAR assessments are 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
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 not have impact on your GPA.
Successfully completed PLAR 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 will not be refunded for successfully completed and dropped courses unless you drop to a part-time status.
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 students in a full-time day program. This option is not available to students registered with Professional & Part-Time Learning.
Students may appeal a PLAR grade using the grade appeal process.