PLAR FAQS

What is the difference between PLAR and Transfer Credit?

Transfer credit involves the assessment by the TRU-OL Admissions Department, of your formal learning from other post-secondary institutions.

PLAR involves the assessment by the PLAR department, of learning you have gained through work and life experience.

When can I apply for PLAR?

You can apply for PLAR at any time as long as you are enrolled in a TRU-OL program (certificate, diploma or degree) and have a Program Plan completed. However, we suggest that you consider PLAR at the beginning of your program in order to avoid registering in courses you could have received credit for through Prior Learning Assessment.

What are the main steps in the PLAR process?

The steps involved in the PLAR process vary with the assessment method chosen:

A. Portfolio-based PLAR

1. Complete a Knowledge Resume (a free service)
2. Assessment of the Knowledge Resume by the PLAR Committee/Assessor
3. Submission of PLAR Application form (if approved at Step 2)
4. Development of the portfolio
5. Assessment of the portfolio
6. Awarding of PLAR credits

B. Challenge Exam

1. Contact the PLAR Department referencing the course(s) you have requested for a challenge exam
2. The PLAR Advisor checks if a challenge exam is available and if the course fits the requirements of your Program Plan
3. You receive an Information Sheet for the challenge exam course(s)
4. Pay the challenge exam fee
5. Contact the Exams Department to arrange the examination date
6. The PLAR credits are awarded upon successful completion of the exam

C. Credit Bank

Please contact the PLAR Department to find out if you are eligible for PLAR credits through the Credit Bank for training from your employer, non-credit continuing studies or a professional association.

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What is the difference between a Portfolio Assessment and a Challenge Exam?

Both the Portfolio Assessment and the Challenge Exam can result in your earning credit for a course without either registering in it or completing the formal assignments. Challenge Credit is earned by writing and passing a standard exam. Portfolio-based Credit is earned by submitting a portfolio that documents learning you have gained from work and life experience.

Are all TRU-OL courses available for Challenge Credit?

No, not all TRU-OL courses are available for Challenge Credit. Please contact the PLAR Department to find out what courses you can currently challenge.

What is the difference between the course-based and the competency-based portfolio?

In the course-based portfolio, you will demonstrate that you meet the learning outcomes of a particular course (e.g. BUSM 111). The knowledge and learning you have gained from work, volunteer and/or life experience must be matched with the requirements of the course. The PLAR credits earned are applied to that specific course.

The competency-based portfolio is based on the assessment of eight critical skills including problem solving, communication, critical thinking, and more. You will provide supporting evidence and demonstrate that you have acquired these skills through work, life and/or volunteer experience. The PLAR credits earned are generally considered “applied studies” and are used towards the elective requirements of your program.

How many credits can I earn from a competency-based portfolio?

Over the past few years, the credit awards given to individuals ranged from 6 credits to 36 credits. The most typical award was 15 credits. The number of credits you will actually be awarded will depend on how much opportunity you have had to learn from work and life experience, your ability to describe that learning in a clear and well-organized way, and how many elective Applied Studies credits you are allowed in your program plan.

How does the work involved in preparing a PLAR portfolio compare to earning the same amount of credits by actually taking courses?

Reports from successful PLAR candidates indicate that the PLAR process is quicker than earning the equivalent amount of credit through doing course readings, assignments, and exams. The amount of work involved in preparing a good portfolio will depend on how much learning from experience you have and how skilful you are at describing and documenting it. For candidates doing course-based portfolios, we generally recommend that you prepare portfolios for more than one course. The second portfolio is usually much quicker than the first, since you will have already documented and organized the "raw material" of your experiential learning while preparing the first portfolio.

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How much does PLAR cost?

PLAR fees vary with the method of assessment chosen, such as portfolio, challenge exam or credit bank.

Portfolio-based Assessment

Challenge Exam

Fee= $100 per credit. Most courses have three credits so the cost per course will generally be $300.

Credit Bank

Fees vary. Please contact the PLAR Advisor for more information.

When do I have to pay the PLAR fee?

A. Portfolio-based Assessment

The PLAR fee is only paid after a student's Knowledge Resume has been reviewed (which is a free service) and approved and if the student decides to formally apply for PLAR.

B. Course Challenge Exam

The PLAR fee is only paid after the PLAR Department has confirmed that a Challenge exam is available.

C. Credit Bank

The PLAR fee is only paid after a student has been admitted to a TRU-OL program and before the Program Plan is created. If a student is seeking Transfer Credit, they are not required to pay an additional fee for bringing Credit Bank credits into their TRU-OL program.

What is the maximum number of credits I can get through PLAR?

The maximum number of PLAR credits allowed depends on the program of study. Please check with the PLAR Advisor about your particular case.

How much time do I have to complete my PLAR portfolio?

For a Competency-based Portfolio, you have a maximum of 30 weeks (after the payment of the PLAR fee) to develop the portfolio and have it assessed. The assessment takes approximately four weeks so you should aim to have the portfolio submitted at the end of the 24th week.

The time limit for the Course-based Portfolio is 12 weeks after payment of the PLAR fee for completion of the first course. The assessment takes approximately three weeks to complete. You are then allowed 12 weeks from the date of your assessment results to complete the next course, and so on.

What help can I get in preparing my portfolio?

The PLAR Advisor provides information and coaching to students doing Course-based Portfolios.

If you are approved to do a Competency-based Portfolio and have paid the PLAR fee, you will receive access to a PLAR Blackboard site that has all the information necessary to prepare the portfolio. The website also includes samples and a discussion board.

Will the PLAR credits be accepted by other universities?

If you intend to apply to graduate school or to any professional organization for further education and/or certification, you should be aware that credit earned through the PLAR process may or may not be acceptable to such institutions. We recommend that you contact the receiving institution for more information.

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Do PLAR credits count towards a GPA?

No, the PLAR credits do not count towards your GPA. If you are awarded PLAR credits, you will receive the letter grade "S" for Satisfactory.

Do I receive a tax receipt for the PLAR fee?

Yes, tax receipts (T2202A forms) for the previous calendar year are automatically mailed to you in mid-February.

Can I apply for financial assistance to pay for PLAR?

No, PLAR is not eligible for student loans, grants or bursaries.