PLAR Credit

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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credit assesses what you know, no matter how you learned it. Knowledge and skills may be acquired through work, non-formal training, independent study, volunteer activities and hobbies.

Example:
  • If you learned computer skills at work, you may be eligible to challenge PLAR credit for a Sask Polytech computer skills courses.

Benefits of PLAR:

  • Save time: Skip course instruction and go directly to assessment when you already know the material.
  • Lighten your load: Reduce your course load by successfully challenging courses before you begin.
  • Save money: PLAR assessments usually cost less than full course tuition.
  • Boost employability: Gaining recognized credit can strengthen your job prospects—even before completing your program. 

Eligibility

PLAR is an option if you:
  • Cannot get transfer or equivalency credit for the same course(s).
  • Have previous learning that matches the learning outcomes for one or more courses available for PLAR credit in your program.
  • Are willing and able to validate what you know.
  • Meet your program's PLAR eligibility criteria.
  • Are prepared to pay the PLAR fee.

Learn more about important factors to be cautious of before considering PLAR.

Cost

The fee for each PLAR course assessment is 75% of the course tuition. Since tuition fees are typically higher for international students and for part-time courses, PLAR fees are proportionally higher as well. Fees may be reduced or waived in exceptional circumstances when approved by the academic chair for the program. PLAR fees are nonrefundable. 

Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for a more detailed cost breakdown, or reach out to the PLAR contact for your program.

Deadline

Check the Candidate Guide on your program web page for deadlines.

Process

1. Find out how PLAR works in a particular program
  1. Find your program in our A-Z Listing.

  2. Scroll down to the Get Credit for What You Know heading. 

    Get Credit for What You Know section that gives outline of what it is with link to associated Candidate Guides.

  3. Select the Candidate Guide link, if there is one. Read the guide thoroughly before contacting a program head or a program's PLAR contact.
2. Use the Candidate Guide to prepare for consultation
  1. Review eligibility criteria in the Candidate Guide to see if you qualify for PLAR.

  2. Apply for admission to the program, if required for PLAR eligibility in that program.

  3. Complete self-rating checklists in the Candidate Guide to estimate how closely your skills and knowledge match learning outcomes for each course.
3. Consult with the PLAR contact and request approval
  1. If your skills and knowledge are a close match to the learning outcomes of one or more courses, reach out to the PLAR contact for a 1-on-1 consultation. Be prepared to submit a partially filled PLAR application form (pdf) and your self-rating checklist(s), in addition to any other required documentation.

  2. The PLAR contact will clarify eligibility, fees, deadlines and assessment method(s). They will also provide an assessment plan with details and deadlines for completing your assessment.

  3. If the PLAR contact approves your request, they will sign your PLAR application.
4. Register for PLAR
  1. Submit completed form to Enrolment Services. Once form has been processed, PLAR charges will appear on your account (viewable on mySaskPolytech). Please make payment of fees via your mySaskPolytech account.

  2. PLAR fees go on your student account. If your account becomes past due, you will be unable to access transcripts, grades, or graduation credentials.
5. Complete the PLAR assessment

Complete the assessment before the end date for your PLAR registration or the deadline outlined in your assessment plan.

  • Assessment may involve one or more assessment methods.
  • Ask the PLAR contact or PLAR assessor questions as needed to clarify.

The assessor evaluates all evidence and submits the results to Enrolment Services.

6. Find out your results

If you are successful, credit for the course(s) appear on your transcript as CR. Log in to mySaskPolytech to view your unofficial transcript or request an official transcript.

If you are registered in the course(s) for which PLAR is successful, you will need to withdraw to receive a refund on your tuition. See Withdrawals, Transfer and Refunds for instructions. 

If you are unsuccessful, you will receive mailed or emailed notice with further options:

  • Consult with the program head for advice,
  • Appeal the evaluation and grade, and/or
  • Take the course by distance education or in class. You cannot re-register for PLAR.

Contact us

Have PLAR questions? Contact askaquestion@saskpolytech.ca or reach out to your PLAR contact today.

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