Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

What is PLAR?

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) focuses on the evaluation of prior learning through work or other life experiences rather than the formal educational courses used in the academic transfer of credits or course exemptions. If you have previous post-secondary courses that may count towards your program, please contact the Credit Transfer Department.

PLAR evaluates knowledge and skill on a course by course basis. The assessment process is determined by the academic area. Credit is granted when learning level and content match the Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) of a specific course. The assessor will require a challenge exam and/or portfolio assessment. Additional demonstration of learning may be requested at the assessor's discretion.

For more information, you may also visit our FAQ section

Contact plar [at] mohawkcollege.ca (PLAR)

How is PLAR Assessed?

Prior learning is assessed by a combination of methods including, but not limited to a:

  • Challenge Exam Assessment - Assessors develop a variety of written and non-written evaluations to measure an individual's knowledge based on course learning outcomes.
  • Portfolio Assessment - Assessors evaluate an organized collection of materials, submitted by the student, to demonstrate knowledge related to course learning outcomes. Requirements vary by course and may include:
    • A description of learning experiences
    • Identification of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to course learning outcomes Supporting documentation to verify learning claimed. 

Please Note- PLAR cannot be used for failed courses unless 1 year has passed. For a comprehensive look into PLAR, please view the PLAR Policy.

Important PLAR Information

PLAR Fees

The 2025-2026 non-refundable PLAR registration fee is $145.08 per course. 

Please note: registering through PLAR could affect OSAP funding for Full-time students.  Please contact Financial Assistance prior to applying for PLAR.

PLAR Timelines

PLAR assessments are offered in the fall, winter, and/or spring terms and make take approximately 6-8 weeks to process. This timeline should be kept in mind when submitting a Registration Form. Currently we are accepting registration forms for the Spring Semester, which runs from April 1st, 2025 until August 31st, 2025. 

The last day to register for a Summer Semester PLAR challenge is July 31, 2025. 

Please note: you need to have Department approval prior to the registration deadline.

PLAR Assessment Process

  • Understand PLAR Requirements
  • Get Approval- Contact Program Coordinator/Manager or Co-op Specialist
  • Submit Registration Form and payment
  • Connect with assessor for instructions for your PLAR challenge exam and/or portfolio submission

See below for the detailed steps to the PLAR process.

PLAR processes are regularly monitored, evaluated, and revised to reflect changes in the needs of students and faculty.

 

Registering for PLAR

Step 1: Determine Which Course You Qualify for Using PLAR »

  • Obtain the current course outline(s) from the program area responsible for delivering the course
  • Review the course outline to determine if your knowledge and skills match the course learning outcomes.
  • Complete the Self Assessment tool for each course you are requesting to challenge through PLAR

Step 2: Contact and Meet Your Program Coordinator »

  • Consult with the program coordinator for clarification and to help you with matching your experience and learning to the course learning outcomes. Your Program Coordinator can be found by searching the respective program.
  • Contact your Co-op Specialist if you are considering PLAR for a Co-op work term.

  • Provide your Self Assessment form to the Coordinator for evaluation.  Additional documents may be requested to support the request.

    If you are approved to proceed with a PLAR challenge, go to the next step.

     

Step 3: Register and Pay Fees »

  • Submit the registration form and approval email.
  • If you are unable to submit your form, please contact us at plar [at] mohawkcollege.ca (plar[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) to explore other options.

  • The $145.08 PLAR fee for each course must be paid online in MyMohawk prior to your PLAR registration.  Payment instructions will be given once your approval has been confirmed- the PLAR fee is non-refundable.

     

Step 4: Complete the PLAR Assessment » 

Once you have been registered, you will be connected with the Assessor and given instructions for how to complete your PLAR challenge.

  • If your Assessor requests a portfolio submission, collect documents that support the requirements for your PLAR. These might include: a resume, a description of experiences and learning that relate to the course being challenged, work samples, letters of verification, a project/ assignment, etc.
  • If your Assessor requires that you write a challenge exam, the faculty will arrange your exam on a day and time that will work for you.
  • Assessors will make all reasonable efforts to transcribe credits in the same way as the course. Where that is not possible, a "CR" - Credit Granted - will be used if requirements are met.
  • If learning fails to match the outcomes of a given course, a "UW" - Unofficial Withdrawal - will appear on your transcript. No refund will be given for unsuccessful attempts.