Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills that you have acquired outside Ontario’s secondary schools. The formal evaluation and accreditation of your prior learning is known as Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

    The PLAR process involves two components:

•        The challenge process whereby your prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for a course. Assessment instruments include formal tests (70%) and other strategies (30%).
       
    •    The equivalency process whereby credits are granted to students who transfer from non-inspected private schools or schools outside Ontario.

Mature students are 18 years of age or over who are returning to school to earn a diploma after being out of high school for at least one year. Mature students must earn a minimum of four Grade 11 and 12 credits by taking courses through Wahsa as well as satisfy the diploma requirements with regard to the provincial literacy test and community involvement.

    Up to sixteen Grade 9 and 10 credits may be granted to a mature student following individual assessment. Mature students may earn ten of the 14 remaining Grade 11 and 12 credits needed to meet diploma requirements in three ways:

    •    They may demonstrate achievement of the required course expectations and receive credit through the challenge process.   
    •    They may present education and/or training credentials for assessment through the equivalency process.
    •    They may take the course.