PLAR for Academic Credit

Applicants, who can demonstrate knowledge and skills gained outside a formal education environment through work, volunteer, or other life experiences, may apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) if that knowledge and skill corresponds to a specific Humber course or program.

Failed courses are not eligible for PLAR. Students must be out of the course for one year and be able to show new knowledge and skills acquired through non-formal, informal or other formal training in order to PLAR a failed course in the future.

Granting of credit for prior learning does not guarantee entry into a program of study. You must follow the normal admission procedure to gain admission into Humber College.

Assessment and Awarding of Credit

To receive credit for prior learning, an applicant will need to:

• analyze prior learning and achievements
• compare prior knowledge and skills to specific learning outcomes for specific Humber courses or programs
• demonstrate knowledge, skills, and learning acquired, as opposed to experience gained

Requirements will vary from program to program and course to course. Generally, applicants and students will be required to demonstrate skills and knowledge in one or more of the following ways:

• development of a portfolio (a collection of materials that documents skills and knowledge
• demonstration of skills through role-playing or simulations
• written tests, oral exams, and/or structured interviews; and/or
• completion of assignment(s) or development of product(s) designed to demonstrate specific knowledge and skills in action
• challenge exam

Humber reserves the right to determine the PLAR assessment method for a particular course.

PLAR as Part of the Academic Record

Depending on the method used to demonstrate and assess the skills and knowledge the applicant has acquired, credits earned through PLAR will be recorded on the student’s transcript either as a percentage grade or as a SAT (Satisfactory) grade. Unsuccessful PLAR attempts will not be recorded on the student’s transcript.

PLAR grades that were obtained through a challenge exam will be calculated into the student’s weighted cumulative program grade point average (CPGPA). PLAR grades that were obtained through a portfolio review (SAT) will not be calculated into the student’s weighted cumulative program grade point average (CPGPA).

Students are granted only one opportunity to PLAR a course.

Note: A reduction of course load as a result of earning credits through PLAR may affect a students’ eligibility for financial assistance through OSAP.

Residency Requirement

Credit for courses obtained through PLAR may normally replace no more than 50% of the course credits required for any degree program and 75% required for any diploma or certificate program.

Application Process and Required Documentation

Applicants who wish to apply for PLAR should meet with their Program Coordinator to assess eligibility. Once you have reviewed the course/program learning outcomes and are able to demonstrate your learning, you must submit a PLAR Application Form with the required documentation and assessment fees to the Office of the Registrar.

https://humber.ca/admissions/assets/files/pdfs/PLARApplication.pdf

Authority and Responsibilities

• PLAR challenges are assessed by the designate of the academic school responsible for the delivery of the course at Humber.
• The Office of the Registrar has the responsibility to maintain a record of the PLAR application and grade.

Timelines and Evaluation Process

In order to facilitate student’s recognition of prior learning, Humber endeavours to ensure timely evaluation of PLAR applications. Normally, the following time limits apply;

• Students who are enrolled in the course for which they are seeking PLAR should continue to attend class until they receive their results in order to ensure the course requirement is met.
• PLAR results will be assessed within four to six weeks of the application being submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
• Processing may be longer depending on portfolio submission time and scheduling of challenge exam
• PLAR requests should be submitted as soon as possible, preferably 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the semester for which the PLAR is being challenges. Student’s should be aware of the academic calendar add/drop deadline dates for refunds and withdrawl without academic penalty and apply accordingly.

Grade Review Process

An applicant who disputes the results of a Prior Learning Assessment may appeal that decision under the Grade Review and Academic Appeal process (see Section 18.0).