PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR)

DETAILS

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the learning adults gain through work, training, and life experiences. The process acknowledges the educational proficiency adults develop outside of educational settings, and that is often consistent with post-secondary-level learning outcomes. Through the use of PLAR as a method of assessing prior learning, adults with substantial experiential learning can be awarded course or program credit. PLAR removes barriers to higher education for adult learners by accrediting the skills, knowledge, and competencies adults gain throughout their lives. Through PLAR, adults who have extensive experiential learning can be fast-tracked in their educational programming through various assessment methods.

The types of learning that are documented through PLAR are:

INFORMAL

  • Volunteer activities

  • Household responsibilities

  • Hobbies

  • Sports

NON-FORMAL

  • Job training

  • Skills learned on the job

  • Career development

  • Personal development

ADMISSION PROCESS

Adult learners are not required to be registered in a program before applying to gain course credit through PLAR. There is an open admission policy, but all applicants must:

  • Be 18 years of age, on or before September 1 , 2022

  • Fill out a PLAR application

  • Complete a career investigation report

  • Pay the $75 application fee (new students only)

  • Meet with the PLAR coordinator

Learners will then complete:

  • A structured interview with the PLAR coordinator

  • An education plan

  • Identification of courses and method of PLAR assessment

  • Payment based on credits

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Learners may use many methods of assessment, including but not limited to:

  • Portfolio

  • Case study

  • Skill demonstration

  • Challenge exams

  • Standardized tests

  • Submission of other materials that document experiential learning

Adult learners must demonstrate that the course learning outcomes are met in order to receive course and/or program credit. After the assessment, learners will undergo a structured interview with a Subject Matter Expert and/or PLAR evaluation committee. Results of the assessment will be made available to learners within ten (10) business days from the final assessment interview. For detailed policies and procedures, please make an appointment with the PLAR coordinator.

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. In the PLAR process, students must clearly demonstrate that they meet the competency level of the course(s) they are being assessed for. Credit in a course and/or program will not be granted if the academic standard is not met.

  2. PLAR fees are due before the start of the PLAR process. Once the PLAR assessment begins, refunds may be prorated at the discretion of the Registrar's office.

  3. The PLAR assessor or Subject Matter Expert may contact references and employers to authenticate documentation.

  4. Once the PLAR process has begun, Yellowhead Tribal College will ensure that the assessment of each course is complete within twelve (12) weeks of assessment completion. In the case of exceptional circumstances, every effort will be made to expedite the process with no additional fees charged to the student.

  5. PLAR credits can be applied to programs at Yellowhead Tribal College and will not be designated "PLAR credits." A grade or pass/fail will appear on the official transcript, based on assessment format.

  6. All documents presented for the PLAR process must be certified as authentic by the student. Any false or altered documents will result in termination of the process and is considered academic misconduct under Yellowhead Tribal College student policies.

FEES

After applying for assessment, adult learners must submit the required fees. The fee schedule for PLAR is as follows:

  • Challenge Exam for Credit - $150.00 per assessment

  • Skill Demonstration - $200.00 per assessment

  • Learning Portfolio - $200.00 per credit

Withdrawal appeals will follow Yellowhead Tribal College policy