Skip to main content
Support and Services

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

2SLGBTQIA+ studentsAlumniCurrent studentsIndigenous studentsInternational students
Three students sit in a classroom with laptops. The person in the foreground smiles at the camera.

Key Details

Location

Floor 3, room 3024 (across from library)

Cost

Various

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

General Contacts

Pathways
Send email
705-5668-101 ext.6370

Overview

We see the value in your skills and experience!

Have you been away from formal education for some time and want to pursue a postsecondary education? You may have acquired a great deal of relevant knowledge through work, volunteer activities, military service, independent study, training programs and more! Let our team evaluate your experiences for credits!

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

At Cambrian we recognize the value of skills developed outside the traditional classroom. We use a student-centered approach to look at where you’ve been in life.

If you are very self-directed and motivated to complete a College Certificate or Diploma we will evaluate any formal education you have, informal learning you’ve experienced as well as your real-world experience.

Achieving credits through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) can be completed either through challenge exams or by portfolio development, depending on the program and courses involved.

You will have the support of the Pathways Officer as well as the Program Coordinator from your program of choice.

  • Most people know more than they realize.
  • Most people can achieve goals they thought were out of reach.
  • Turn your real world experience into college credits!

"Going back to school as a mature student can be daunting and a little intimidating. Cambrian College and the faculty have made it painless and dare I say, even quite enjoyable for me. I've been able to take advantage of PLAR-ing some courses to earn my diploma and designation of choice. The option to PLAR some of the courses will keep me on track so that I can reach my goals in a timely manner. Cambrian acknowledges all that I have learned and encourages me to bring that to the table."

Cambrian Student

Important tips to remember!

  1. Registration (including fee payment) for PLAR must be completed by Day 10 of the semester
  2. If you are applying for PLAR assessment for a course that you are currently enrolled in, you will be withdrawn from that course
  3. Full-time students who are unsuccessful in a PLAR attempt will be required to complete the course via regular delivery
  4. Receiving course credits through the PLAR process may adversely affect course load and eligibility for OSAP and other sponsorships

More about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition