How to apply for PLAR
1. Contact your academic school for more information about PLAR.
Instead of in-person appointments, please reach out to your program area (email on each program's webpage) or Success Advisor to obtain course outlines and faculty contact info. As deadlines apply, please check the PLAR deadline for the current semester: College Events And Academic Deadlines. It is the same date as the Course Change Deadline for most programs.
2. If you have enough previous learning to qualify (determine this by using the Self-Assessment sheet), set up a meeting with the faculty member who will potentially conduct the PLAR assessment.
At this time, we encourage you to communicate over email and/or arrange online meetings.
Download the self-assessment sheet here.
3. Once PLAR eligibility is determined, complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Form.
Download the prior learning assessment and recognition form here.
4. Pay PLAR fee ($160.85) to Enrolment Services.
Please call 416-289-5300 to make payments over the phone. As the PLAR fee is non-refundable, DO NOT submit the form before completing steps 1-3
5. Discuss further details of assessment with faculty and then complete your PLAR assessment(s).
6. The faculty member will assign a grade by completing PLAR Form section under "FOR COLLEGE USE ONLY."
Faculty should directly email studentrecords@centennialcollege.ca the completed PLAR form to post grades. Grades will be posted after Student Records confirms PLAR fee payment.
Methods used for assessing PLAR
Centennial College uses two methods to assess PLAR, portfolio assessments and challenge assessments. The RPL assessor, in collaboration with the student, decides which assessment format to use.
During this time, assessments that require in-person interaction should be replaced by other methods. Please discuss alternative methods with your assessor.
Portfolio Assessment
A portfolio is a collection of materials in either paper or electronic format that demonstrates learning that you obtained through past experiences. The documentation included in the portfolio can be a collection of formal, non-formal or informal learning experiences.
A portfolio can include, but is not limited to the following types of evidence:
- Resume
- Autobiographical letter
- Description of your career plan
- Translation of documented experience into learning outcomes
- Work Samples
- Job descriptions
- Letters of reference
- Training records
- Detailed course outlines from non-credit training courses or workshops
- Certifications
- Transcripts
- Performance appraisals
- Special awards
- Professional contributions (reports, business plans, marketing materials, etc.)
*Portfolio submissions may be accompanied by an interview.
Challenge Assessments
A challenge assessment may include, but is not limited to, the examples listed below. It may also be a combination of different types of assessments.
- Written: Exams, case studies, problem-solving exercises, essays, short answer questions and research papers.
- Oral: One-to-one dialogues and panel interviews.
- Performance: Simple demonstrations of skills, work samples and role plays.
- Product Assessment: Reports, plans/blueprints, published materials and photography.