Student Records

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

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Do you have significant learning at a post-secondary level from work, training, and other experiences?

Vancouver Community College recognizes the diverse environments in which traditional and non-traditional life-long learning is acquired.  The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process provides students with an opportunity to gain academic credit based on an assessment of prior formal and informal learning experiences. Where this learning is deemed equivalent to the outcomes defined by a course or program of study, formal credit is then awarded.

Please note that prior learning assessments and assessment methods are determined by individual academic departments and not all programs are PLAR eligible.

You may be eligible for PLAR if you have attained significant learning at a post-secondary level from work, training, and other experiences outside the formal post-secondary education system. 

To be considered for PLAR:

  1. Refer to your course outlines for information on PLAR availability.
  2. Submit a Prior Learning Assessment Request Form to transfercredit@vcc.ca.

Important information:

  • Credits received though Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in combination with Transfer Credit will not exceed a maximum of 65% of a program.
  • If you are an International Student, please refer to the PLAR page for International Students.
  • For more information, please email transfercredit@vcc.ca.
  • PLAR assessment fees are non-refundable.
  • Awarding of PLAR will not impact GPA.
  • All requests made using the Prior Learning Assessment Request Form must be received 2 weeks prior to the start of the program. 

PLAR Pathways

  • Competency-Based Portfolio: In this pathway, students may receive credits by demonstrating their broader learning background (employment, volunteering, cultural engagement, industry certifications, self-study, etc.) that aligns with VCC program and/or course learning outcomes. This may include a worksite assessment of a student’s learning, skills, and competencies in a simulated or real setting.
  • Portfolio-Based Assessment: In this pathway, students may receive credits through the assessment of a portfolio (file or folder of information) that provides supporting documentation and evidence of previous accomplishments and acquired knowledge as it related to the learning outcomes of a particular VCC course(s). The supporting documentation required for this portfolio-based assessment is determined by faculty within the academic department offering the course(s).
  • Challenge Exam: The challenge exam (or standardized test/assessment) pathway allows students to complete a written, oral or performance-based exam (as deemed appropriate by the issuing department and/or program) without registering in the course being challenged or completing the assignments. 
  • Credit Bank: This pathway provides students with the opportunity to potentially receive credit for pre-assessed training from selected employers, external organizations and certification bodies, professional accrediting associations, micro-credentials, and/or non-credit Continuing Studies programs.

Please note that not all courses are eligible for the PLAR pathways mentioned above.  The method of PLAR and the documentation needed to support a PLAR request varies across academic disciplines. The options for challenging a course (which include but are not limited to a portfolio, exam or audition) are determined by faculty within the academic department offering the course.

The applied knowledge and skills gained from these areas may be used to demonstrate a student’s competencies in a specific course or subject area and may also be used by faculty as part of the assessment for PLAR credit.

  • Extra-curricular activities (such as music performances, speaking engagements, etc.)
  • Volunteer and/or community work
  • Paid employment
  • Industry-based training and certifications (such as licenses and external accreditations)
  • Professional development and designations
  • Continuing Studies course work (may be credit or non-credit and may include micro-credentials)
  • Independent study
  • Workshops and seminars
  • On-the-job training
  • Traditional ways of knowing and land-based knowledge
  • Non-accredited institutions that deliver industry-based training
  • Military Service