General Information & Eligibility
Depends. Experience alone is not evidence of learning, and PLAR awards credit for the learning when it matches specific course learning outcomes.
No, PLAR credit shall not be awarded for knowledge and skills obtained from audited courses.
No. Check the course outline to see if a course is challengeable. Program areas, particularity those related to vulnerable sectors, can limit access to PLAR for field placements. These programs may choose to require a minimum of one field placement, regardless of a student’s prior learning or experience.
No, students may elect to apply for PLAR assessment without being registered for the course.
Depends. Accepting applications past the deadline is up to the discretion of the program area. Check through your Success Advisor.
Yes, students are eligible to apply for PLAR for Centennial courses in which they have previously received an unsatisfactory/failing grade one year after receiving the final grade by providing proof of additional relevant learning. Regular PLAR application processes and fees apply.
Yes. Documentation submitted toward an unsuccessful transfer credit application may be used for a PLAR application.
Refunds
No, so it is crucial for students to follow the steps on our Apply for PLAR page. Paying without prior discussion with an Assessor could result in the fee being wasted if the student does not qualify. The fee is subject to change each academic year.
Depends. Full-time tuition is a block-based set fee, so unless students become part-time (which has other implications -- also see Q. "Can Recognition of Prior Learning (Transfer credit, PLAR, and equivalent/substitute credit) affect financial assistance, study permits, and/or post graduate work permits?" below), there is no refund.
Assessment & Grades
Yes. PLAR credits receive a grade, and they appear on transcripts in the same way credits earned though Centennial college coursework appear. PLAR culminating assessment grades have GPA weight.
The Assessor typically conducts the assessment within 60 days after PLAR fee payment. Before this 60-day assessment period begins, all prior steps (e.g., student self-assessment, student-Assessor consultation, etc.) must have taken place.
Yes, students can appeal PLAR decisions. These appeals follow the guidelines set by the Grade Appeals Policy and Procedures.
Yes, and regular PLAR application processes and fees apply. For PLAR attempts that are unsuccessful or do not earn a satisfactory mark, students may make another attempt one year after receiving the assessment. To do so, they must provide proof of additional relevant learning.
If a student fails a PLAR challenge, it will not be recorded on their transcript. They should be cautious, especially if the PLAR-ed course is a prerequisite for other courses, as a failed PLAR attempt might hinder their progress in the program. If they choose to redo the challenge in the future, regular PLAR application processes and fees apply.
Limits and Implications (OSAP, study/work permits, etc.)
Yes. Unless otherwise specified by the program, credits awarded through all RPL methods combined should not exceed 75% of total program hours. For degree programs, PLAR credits should not exceed 50% of total program hours.
Students must complete at least 25% of program hours at Centennial College to graduate with a Centennial credential.
Yes. When credits earned through RPL result in full-time students becoming part-time eligibility for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or permits for international students may change. A full-time student is one who is enrolled in at least 70 per cent of the student contact hours (two-thirds of the courses required) for the approved program in a given semester.