What Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition is not

PLAR is separate from credit transfer. Credits transferred from post-secondary colleges or universities are handled by the Office of the Registrar Transfer Credit Services. For more information, contact the unit via AskAU.

Remember, PLAR does not award credit for:

• The number of years you have spent in a job.
• The number of workshops attended.
• The level of your position.
• The effort or time you have invested in preparing your portfolio.

See What is PLAR for an understanding of conditions that may gain you PLAR credit.

A final word

The number of credits achieved through PLAR depends on the assessment of the evidence presented. An appeal process is available should you disagree with the number of credits awarded.

The Transfer Alberta and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning publish statements of principles about PLAR that press for the process to be financially affordable, relatively free of bureaucratic and administrative barriers, fair, credible, and open to evaluation. These goals and processes are endorsed by Athabasca University.