Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

In order to gain credits you must:

• Review the program of study and identify which course(s) you have prior experience with.
• Review the learning outcomes found in your program guide and/or course outline.
• Complete the PLAR Self-Assessment form and once approved, register for PLAR and pay the required fee.
• Successfully demonstrate that the learning outcomes have been met.

1. You must be a registered Durham College student to apply for PLAR. 

2. Obtain the current course outline for the course to be challenged. If you cannot locate this information, please contact the PLAR office. 

3. Complete the PLAR Self-Assessment Form. 

4. Use the PLAR Self-Assessment Form to evaluate and document whether your knowledge and skills substantially match the learning outcomes in the current course outline. 

5. After completing the PLAR Self-Assessment form, students will contact the appropriate school and submit their completed PLAR Self-Assessment Form (the program coordinator/program designate may ask for clarifying information prior to determining applicant eligibility for PLAR). 

• • • Submit your forms to the appropriate school by email with the subject line: PLAR Application for Review 

6. Program coordinators or designates will review the completed self-assessment form within five (5) business days of receipt. During this review, program coordinators or designates may ask clarifying questions about an applicant’s skills, knowledge and/or work experience.

7. Program coordinators or designates will sign and return the Self-Assessment Form to the applicant, indicating approval or denial of the applicant’s eligibility for PLAR. 

If the Program Coordinator has designated your PLAR Self-Assessment Form as ELIGIBLE (APPROVED), please officially apply for PLAR.

1. To officially apply for PLAR, you must submit the following via email to PLAR@durhamcollege.ca:
   1. 1. PLAR Application Form
      2. Non-refundable fee
         • • For payment options, please refer to the “Payment Details” section of the PLAR application form
      3. Signed copy of the PLAR Self-Assessment Form. This form must be signed by the Program Coordinator/Program Designate Name 
2. The PLAR Office will notify the appropriate school office of the registered PLAR candidate.
3. The school office will arrange for the release of the challenge assessment to the student.