Micro-Credential and PLAR Webinar Series - Hosted by CAPLA

CAPLA presents webinars at noon EDT on May 12, May 19, and May 26. Use this link to get a special price on the whole series, or select individual sessions below to register.


May 12, 2021 - RPL 101: An Introduction to RPL in Canada
Speakers: Lauren Waples, Red River College, and Doreen Leong, College of Pharmacists of British Columbia
Session Description: RPL practitioner Lauren Waples will facilitate this introductory session that will include topics such as:

  • The Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA)
  • What is prior learning?
  • Where does learning occur and how is it recognized?
  • Who is involved in RPL?
  • Assessing prior learning
  • CAPLA’s Guiding Principles for Quality RPL Practice in Canada
  • Steps in the RPL process
  • Implementing RPL

Providing an example of a sector using RPL procedures and tools, we are pleased to welcome Doreen Leong, Director of REgistration and Licensure for the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, to report on how the occupational body uses RPL to improve access and maintain standards of practice within the profession.

Register here for the individual session. Register here for a special price on the whole webinar series.


May 19, 2021 - RPL Assessment Practice: Methods, Tools, and Processes
Speakers:  Laura Malbogat & Mark Gallupe
Session Description: Join experts as they discuss and describe a variety of methods for assessing prior learning. Laura Malbogat's presentation is titled "The Art of Making Assessments - Meaningful is Possible," and Mark Gallupe's presentation is titled "Portfolio-Assisted RPL Assessment."

Register here for the individual session. Register here for a special price on the whole webinar series.


May 26, 2021 - Will the Micro-credential Craze Reset the Recognition Agenda in Canada?
Speakers: Mike Luff, Canadian Labour Congress, Dan Piedra, McMaster University, and Dr. Nan L. Travers, SUNY Empire State College
Session Description: Join panellists as they respond to a variety of recognition and micro-credential questions such as:

  • Are post-secondary education (PSE) credentiallers able and willing to use micro-credentials (MC) as pathways into traditional diplomas and degrees?
  • How do MC originating outside of the academy differ from other kinds of assessment and recognition of workplace learning required of PSE evaluators?
  • Is a micro-credential better than no credential at all when looking for employment in particular sectors?
  • How can recognition of MC contribute to improving access and equity?
  • Is Canada’s competency assessment and recognition culture ready for MC? (for example among employers, occupational bodies) If no, why not? If so, where are the promising practices?
  • Discussions about lifelong and life-wide learning, along with RPL/PLAR implications, have been going on in Canada for over 30 years. What do you think will make a recognition of learning culture ‘stick’ today?
  • Should all micro-credentials include a digital badge? 
  • Who will become the navigators, advisors and advocates for adult learners and others who may need support in developing their ‘blockchain-anchored digital identity’?

Register here for the individual session. Register here for a special price on the whole webinar series.


We hope you'll join us!

Full speaker bios and session descriptions coming soon to CAPLA | Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA).