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Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)  

 

What is PLAR?

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process that identifies the skills and knowledge which individuals have acquired through life and work experiences.  The process can take various forms and the outcomes can be used for a large number of purposes relevant to individual career goals.

Olds College is fully supportive of developing ways and means to provide appropriate recognition of a learner’s experiences or education.

The PLAR process used by Olds College includse:

What is Work Experience or Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is considered to be “uncredentialed” learning which is acquired through work experience (inclusive of employment, practicum, certifications, etc.) or life experience.

What About Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit?

Any post secondary transcripts that you submit to Olds College will automatically be assessed for advanced standing/transfer credit and you will be notified of the results by letter.

You may be required to submit further documentation such as course outlines and/or course descriptions.

Advanced standing will only be considered when the applicant demonstrates on their transcript that they have a minimum grade of either a C- (60-64 percent) or four (4) on a nine-point system or two (2) on a four-point system for the course(s) in question.

What About COMP 109 - Information Processing?

All students will be registered in COMP 109 (Advanced Standing/Transfer Credit is not available for this course). A competency test will be administered during the first week of the course. Upon successful completion of the competency test, prior learning assessment (PLAR) will be granted and a tuition refund will be issued to the student account.

Why Apply?

Receiving recognition for prior learning may reduce both the time and the cost of your education, and open up opportunities for those wishing to do so to take other optional courses while completing their program of study.

Who Should Apply?

You may apply for PLAR when you have received confirmation of admission to Olds College and have either acquired considerable knowledge and skills from work experiences in a specific field, have taken course work offered outside the regular classroom or have completed relevant certification.

When Should You Apply?

You should begin the process immediately upon notification of admission to Olds College. Requests for Work Experience/Experiential Learning must be submitted by August 15 for the complete fall semester and November 15 for the complete winter semester with a letter outlining your rational and fees must be paid.

Residency Requirements

In order to be eligible to graduate from any credit program offered by Olds College, you must complete no less than 25 percent of the program’s instructional hours, while enrolled in Olds College courses as a full or part-time student.

What Does PLAR Cost?

Work Experience or Experiential Learning Assessment - $30.00 processing fee per credit (to a maximum of $100.00 per course)

NOTE: PLAR fees are independent of tuition. If the assessment is successful, there will be no additional tuition costs. If unsuccessful, regular tuition charges will apply.

How To Apply

Work Experience or Experiential Learning

Step One

Complete a “Work Experience or Experiential Learning” application form and pay the processing fee of $30.00/credit to a maximum of $100.00 per course. Include a letter outlining the rationale for why you are requesting the evaluation of Work Experience or Experiential Learning.

Step Two

You will be contacted by Student Services/Office of the Registrar outlining further details. You may be required to provide specific information in a portfolio format. This information may include:

Step Three

Student Services will work with the appropriate Program Coordinator and arrange the assessment setup and interview if required.

Step Four

Student Services will notify the student of the results. If credit is granted, the credit will be indicated on the Olds College transcript as “PLA”.

The evaluation process may take up to 4 weeks to complete.

PLAR Application Form

Olds College Policies