Course Challenging

PLAR Overview

The following information is a condensed version of Policy/Program Memorandum No. 129, which can be accessed in its entirety here. I’ve boiled it down and re-organized the information a little bit. If you’re having troubles with your administration, attending a private school or are in otherwise unusual conditions (i.e., if you’re a recent refugee), I would recommend reading the full document, as I’ve omitted some of the more obscure instructional concerns.

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby students may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills that students have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school. Students may have their knowledge and skills evaluated against the expectations outlined in provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the secondary school diploma.

The "challenge" process is the process whereby students' prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for a Grade 10, 11, or 12 course developed from a provincial curriculum policy document published in 1999 or later.

All boards are responsible for developing and implementing PLAR policies and procedures that are consistent with provincial policy (OSS, sections 6.6 and 8.2).

All credits granted through the PLAR process must represent the same standards of achievement as credits granted to students who have taken the courses.

In accordance with the Education Act, publicly funded boards will not charge students fees for undergoing the challenge or equivalency process.