Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit granting process whereby students can obtain credits for prior learning. Under the direction of the principal, students can have their knowledge and skills evaluated against the expectations outlined in provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The PLAR process involves two components: “challenge” and “equivalency.” The course comparison information is for use in the PLAR “equivalency” process; the process for assessing credentials from other jurisdictions.

PLAR Credit Equivalency for Regular Day School Students

Students enrolled in Ontario secondary schools as regular day school students, who are eligible for equivalency credits are those who transfer to Ontario secondary schools from non-inspected private schools or schools outside Ontario. Equivalency credits are granted for placement only. The principal in the receiving school will, in the process of deciding where the student should be placed, determine as

equitably as possible the total credit equivalency of the student’s previous learning, and the number of compulsory and optional credits still to be earned.

See Policy /Program Memorandum No .129, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): Implementation in Ontario Secondary Schools, 2001

PLAR Credit Equivalency for Mature Students

For mature students enrolled in Ontario secondary schools, requirements concerning the application of the PLAR “equivalency” process differ from those for regular day school students because of the broader life experience of mature students. The “equivalency” process for mature students involves individual assessment for the purpose of granting Grade 9 or 10 credits, and/or assessment and credentials and other appropriate documentation from jurisdictions outside Ontario for the purpose of granting credit for a Grade 11 or 12 course developed from an Ontario curriculum policy document published in 2000 or later.

See Policy /Program Memorandum Mp.132, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students: Implementation in Ontario Secondary Schools, 2003

PPM 129 – PLAR for Day School Students (Out of province & Non-inspected Home School)

PPM 132 – PLAR for Mature Students OSSD (1999+) 

PPM132 – PLAR for Mature Students OSSD (1987-1998) & SSGD (1974 – 1986)

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