What is Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)?

This section explains how you can earn academic credit for learning you’ve done before through work, school and/or life experiences.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning assessment & recognition (PLAR) is a process that allows you to obtain academic credit for one or more courses in a certificate, diploma or degree program. You may demonstrate that you have acquired the skills and knowledge of a course through formal, non-formal, or experiential learning, such as work, training, independent study, volunteering, travel, hobbies or family experiences. 

Who Can Apply For PLAR?

New students must be accepted before applying for PLAR. Returning students may apply, except for courses they failed within the last calendar year. 

How Does PLAR Work?

PLAR is processed on a course-by-course basis. If you determine that you have already acquired the knowledge for a course, we strongly encourage you to review the course outline first before applying to “challenge” the course. 

Which Courses are Eligible for PLAR? 

  • Most courses are eligible for PLAR. The most common courses are English/Communications, Co-op, Externships, Field Placements and Continuing Education Nursing. 
  • However, the academic departments may designate a course as not eligible. If you are unsure about a course, you may contact your academic department to confirm. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Your academic division will determine the evaluation method for your assessment. Some common assessments include a written or oral exam, an interview, a case study, or the submission of a portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills. 
Note: The evaluation of your knowledge is comparable to the learning you would have had in the classroom environment. 

Will I Receive a Grade? 

All students will receive an assessment grade. If you receive a passing grade, this will appear on your official transcript and will count towards your overall grade point average (GPA). If you do not pass the challenge, your grade will not be recorded on your transcript; however, you will be required to register for the course to meet your program requirements. 

How Many Courses Can I Challenge Through PLAR? 

All students must complete a minimum of twenty-five (25) percent of their credit courses at George Brown College. The remaining course requirements may be obtained through PLAR or transfer credits. 
Important Note: Receiving PLAR and transfer credits may affect your full-time registration status, which could impact your eligibility for OSAP, as well as certain scholarships, bursaries, or other sponsorships. It is a student’s responsibility to maintain their full-time status, if necessary.

How to Apply for PLAR?

Step 1: Complete The Self-Assessment Form

Step 2: Complete The Application Form 

Once you have completed the self-assessment form, please complete the Student Section of the Application for PLAR form. If you believe you have acquired the knowledge for the course. 

Step 3: Submit The Self-Assessment And Plar Application Forms 

  • Submit the completed Self-Assessment and PLAR Application form to your program coordinator for review. If oyu have program-related questions, please reach out to one of the team.
  • Your program coordinator will confirm (a) if the course is eligible for PLAR, and (b) if you are eligible for PLAR, (c) the method of assessment.

If you need assistance with any of the above steps, contact the PLAR Office at plar@georgebrown.ca. 

What Is The Application Fee? 

The application fee for 2024 – 2025 is $115.20. After reviewing your application, you will be notified to pay this fee.

When Is The Deadline To Apply? 

The PLAR deadlines for the 2024 – 2025 academic year are: 

  • Fall 2024: May 6, 2024
  • Winter 2025: October 3, 2024
  • Spring 2025: March 3, 2025

Note: Applications may take up to six weeks to process. Students must adhere to all important deadlines regarding registration and partial refunds while their application is being processed.

The 2023 Academic Year runs from September 2023 to August 2024. Deadlines to apply for PLAR:

  • Fall 2023: May 8, 2023
  • Winter 2024: October 2, 2023
  • Spring 2024: February 5, 2024

The processing time for applications and documents is up to six weeks. Please factor this into your planning and course registration.

Please check the list of Important Dates for the last day to add/drop courses for a refund or academic penalty. All results need to be in before these dates.

Contact Us: 

If you require assistance with your PLAR application, please email PLAR@georgebrown.ca. 

Land acknowledgement

George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.


Learn more about our land acknowledgment