Information on specific provincial and territorial prior learning assessment and recognition practices

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There is currently no single framework or provincial policy for PLAR practices in postsecondary education. However, Alberta does have the following:

• a provincial definition for formal and informal Recognition of formal and informal Prior Learning (transfer credit, credential recognition, PLAR);
• Section 122.1(2)(d) in Alberta's Post-secondary Learning Act, which includes reference to the importance of accessibility and affordability of education through arrangements to support recognition of prior learning, course credits and the admission of transfer students;
• provincial PLAR policies and practices for Apprenticeship and Industry Training programs;
• PLAR learner pathways supports in Transfer Alberta, Study in Alberta, and Tradesecrets provincial government websites;
• a provincial PLAR Articulation Committee for institution leadership and collaboration;
• a provincial data collection for Transfer Credit Awarded that includes collection of both Transfer Credit and PLAR Credit Awarded data; and
• institution/organization-specific PLAR policies and processes.

Transfer Alberta includes an informational overview of PLAR for postsecondary credit in Alberta. The quality assurance steps defined in CAPLA's RPL Quality Assurance Manual for the PLAR process are included on the site from a student perspective, outlining how the PLAR process generally works at an institution. Students are referred to their postsecondary educational institution/provider to learn about their specific PLAR policies and processes.

Study in Alberta outlines general PLAR processes, and includes specific links and requirements for the recognition of prior learning by educational institutions.

Tradesecrets provides PLAR information regarding an apprenticeship in one of the skilled trades.

Additional information

Alberta Advanced Education Apprenticeship and Industry Training programs provide access to prior-learning assessment (PLA) pathways:

• Registered program applicants in one of the designated trades in Alberta may have the following PLA options:
  • Both registrants (apprentices) or individuals wishing to become registered in one of Alberta's apprenticeship education programs can challenge a PLA (entrance exam) in lieu of providing proof of meeting the education requirements for that program.
  • Sponsored apprentices have access to the PLA program (period exams). If the registrant and the sponsor (typically an employer) agree that the registrant has the skills and knowledge to gain advanced standing in the program of study (designated trade), the registrant with the support of the sponsor can challenge a PLA exam for a specific period (in-classroom technical training) of their program. To become certified in an Apprenticeship Education Program in Alberta, the registrant must complete at least one period of in-classroom training.
  • Non-sponsored program registrants (apprentices without a sponsoring employer) who have a minimum of one year work experience in a designated trade in Alberta can also request an attempt for a PLA for advanced standing in their program.
• Additionally, PLA is used for several other educational tracks leading towards advanced standing in one of the apprenticeship education programs, such as:
  • Accredited pre-employment programs
  • Accredited high school Career and Technology Studies (CTS) programs
  • Accredited technician and technology programs
  • Previous training in the trade (non-accredited).
• The Trades Qualifier program can also be considered a form of a PLAR:

• In the Work Experience Trades Qualifier program, applicants can have their previous work experience assessed. If it meets the program requirements for the designated program in Alberta, applicants can be approved to challenge the qualification program exam leading to certification in a designated trade in Alberta.
• Approved applicants must meet all requirements, including a practical PLAR evaluation. Depending on the trade, this may be a practical examination, a trades competency verification (TCV), or an employer declaration letter (EDL).

Trades Qualifier program applicants can legally work in Alberta with their recognized credential; however, applicants who choose to apply for an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate can challenge the PLA (journeyperson exam, typically the Red Seal exam) to receive an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate with the Red Seal in a participating program. For programs that also have a practical examination, applicants will also be required to successfully complete the exam.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no provincial government guidelines regulating PLAR in British Columbia. Each postsecondary educational institution determines the policies, practices, and procedures.

Additional information

In 2021, the British Columbia Prior Learning Action Network (BCPLAN) conducted a review of 25 postsecondary educational institutions in British Columbia to determine which institutions were offering PLAR, the type of PLAR offered, student support, fees, and activity. This resulted in the publication in 2021 of the report: Prior Learning Assessment in BC—Inventory of PLAR options processes, and credit allowances in BC post-secondary institutions.

The BCPLAN website provides an overview of PLAR Options Processes and Credit Allowances in BC by postsecondary educational institution, emerging from the work highlighted in the 2021 report above.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

The Government of Manitoba has a 2012 document on their website titled Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policies and Procedures Guide for Adult Learning Centres (ALCs). In addition, there is a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Manual. The Government of Manitoba's website also provides PLAR information, including an FAQ.

Additional information

The Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) is a membership organization which promotes PLAR in Manitoba. It provides a list of some PLAR practitioners in Manitoba on its website, such as the Workplace Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (WPLAR).

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known provincial government guidelines or policies regulating PLAR in New Brunswick. The New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour outlines prior learning assessment options on its website with a focus on apprenticeship programs in trades.

Additional information

CampusNB is operated by the Council on Articulations and Transfers of New Brunswick (CATNB) as a participatory Council of the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, and is the only non-governmental association of postsecondary institutions. Its website offers an overview of PLAR in New Brunswick.

Additionally, some postsecondary educational institutions (e.g., University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College) outline prior learning assessment options on their respective websites.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known provincial government policies or guidelines regulating PLAR in Newfoundland and Labrador. Each postsecondary educational institution determines the policies, practices, and procedures. However, The Newfoundland and Labrador Credit and Program Transfer Guide (2022-2023) outlines prior learning assessment options, and states that “Students of Memorial University of Newfoundland may be eligible for the award of credit for information or non-formal learning in specific circumstances.”

Additional information

The Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) publishes Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) regulation in its University Regulations. The College of the North Atlantic (CNA) also provides information on PLAR on its website.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known territorial government policies or guidelines regulating PLAR in the Northwest Territories.

Additional information

The Aurora College lists prior learning assessment practices including evaluation “through written and/or oral examination, portfolio review and other methods approved by the Registrar” within its Academic Calendar 2022-2023 for its PLAR policy. To pursue PLAR options, students may apply to the Office of the Registrar.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known provincial government policies regulating PLAR/RPL in Nova Scotia. In 2010, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education drafted but did not adopt or implement a “Recognition of Prior Learning Policy Framework.”

Most postsecondary educational institutions in Nova Scotia recognize both formal and informal prior learning, and several of these have well developed policies and procedures in place to support PLAR. 

The Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration provides funding and support to the prior learning and international qualifications recognition initiatives in the province. Funding and support of these initiatives are administered by the Recognition of Prior Learning and Labour Mobility unit of the Department, which employs two full-time staff (i.e., Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, Labour Mobility Coordinator).

Additional information

The Council on Admission and Transfer Nova Scotia (CATNS), through MyNSFuture, highlights on its website that each postsecondary educational institution in Nova Scotia has their own approach to PLAR and provides a hyperlink to consult the respective public institutions' websites.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known territorial government guidelines or policies regulating PLAR in Nunavut.

Additional information

The Nunavut Arctic College provides guidance to students on its Admissions & Application Procedures stating: “Nunavut Arctic College will assess and grant credit for prior learning that is equivalent to the learning outcomes of identified College courses or programs.” The Nunavut Arctic College publishes on its website the Recognition of Prior Learning policy (revised 2012).

Provincial government policies and guidelines

For postsecondary education in Ontario, in 2009, the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and University revised the Framework for Programs of Instruction, which states: “Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) is to be made available for as many credit courses as possible in programs of instruction in which enrolment is eligible for funding through the general purpose operating grant.” Consequently, the 24 publicly funded Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAATs) in Ontario are required to provide access to PLAR to students. In 2003, there was also a provincial PLAR Resource document published that offered suggested PLAR best practices. However, most of the links in this document are not active.

For secondary education in Ontario, in 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Education issued the Policy/Program Memorandum 132 on Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Mature Students – Revised Mandatory Requirements. It provides direction to boards concerning the mandatory requirements of Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements (2016) (Ontario Schools), Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students who are enrolled in Ontario schools, including: secondary schools, continuing education, provincial schools, demonstration schools, Centre Jules-Léger, TVO's Independent Learning Centre (ILC).

Additional information

In 2022, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) published the Prior Learning Assessment in Ontario: an online scan of PLAR information for Ontario's 24 Publicly Funded Colleges. On page 5, it states: “…Ontario colleges provide multiple ways for PLAR applicants to validate their learning, from the presence of learning portfolios to written or oral tests and interviews. In addition to these multiple assessment opportunities, the steps required for PLAR applicants are clearly outlined on the available web pages.” Consequently, students may consult the websites of the 24 publicly funded CAATs for educational institution-specific information.

In 2018, the report Best Practices in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition in Ontario Colleges & Universities by Mary J. Harrison was published. The report highlights how postsecondary educational institutions operationalize prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) policies in Ontario.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

At the postsecondary level, there are no known provincial government policies and guidelines regulating PLAR in Prince Edward Island.

At the secondary education level, the Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Lifelong Learning published the External Credentials Policy and Procedure in 2022. It describes the process and means by which high school students may receive credit for programs and courses completed outside of the public senior high school system.

Additional information

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) provides information to students on its website and offers two types of PLAR: course-based and program-based.

Holland College also provides guidance to students on prior learning assessment options its website.

Provincial government policies and guidelines

In Quebec, the terminology in use is the recognition of acquired competencies — RAC (reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences), recognition of competencies — RC (reconnaissance des compétences), or workforce skills recognition — RCMO (reconnaissance des compétences de la main-d'œuvre).

Quebec is the only province in Canada that regulates RAC (for the college level, as well as vocational training). There is no known government oversight of RAC for Quebec's universities.

In 2021, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEES) published the Reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences en formation collégiale technique : cadre général, cadre technique. This general and technical framework describes the main characteristics of RAC practices for publicly and privately funded institutions at the college level. However, the 2005 Recognition of Prior Learning and Competencies in Vocational and Technical Training: General and Technical Frameworks remains current for vocational training.

In 2002, the Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec adopted a Government Policy on Adult Education and Continuing Education and Training; in 2017, Quebec's approach to supporting lifelong learning was then reassessed and repositioned in the updated Politique de la réussite éducative, while depicting PLAR as a key issue in adult learning. In a recent 2022 publication by the Québec Conseil Supérieur de l'éducation, the summary asserts that colleges “must take into account the experiential nature of this learning by proposing a methodology and a regulatory framework”.

The Quebec Government website also provides information on the:

• Recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies.
• Workforce Skills Recognition program for workers who have acquired experience in a trade and feel that they have mastered the necessary skills to obtain official recognition for their skills.

Additional information

The 48 cégeps (public general and vocational colleges) are supported by the MEES through two centres of expertise known as Centres d'expertise en reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences (CERAC) and Centres d'expertise en reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences formation professionnelle (CERAC-FP). The CERAC mandate is to act as advisory bodies, working in collaboration with cégeps. The CERAC offers support, training, resources, and research for RAC practitioners in the 48 cégeps, while CERAC-FP focuses on vocational training. For additional information on RAC, refer to:

• The Centres d'expertise en reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences (CERAC) and Centres d'expertise en reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences formation professionnelle (CERAC-FP) offers detailed information on the RAC processes and steps.
• The CERAC-FP's Offered Services and Fédération des Cégep continuing education provide search features for program- and region-specific information.
• The CERAC-FP publishes the Candidates Guide to RAC for vocational education.
• The CERAC publishes a historical overview of RAC in Quebec.
• The English Montreal School Board provides an overview of RAC.

Universities in Quebec also provide information on RAC, on their respective websites, such as:

• Université du Québec à Montréal
• École nationale d'administration publique
• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Qualifications Québec also publishes comprehensive information intended for candidates, employers and practitioners, as well as a list of RAC policies by Universities in Quebec.

Finally, in November 2024, the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire launched the Service de soutien interuniversitaire en RAC (SSIRAC). This service aims to raise awareness of and promote the recognition of prior learning and competencies in the university setting. It also seeks to support universities in the development and continuous improvement of their PLAR services

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known provincial government policies or guidelines regulating PLAR in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education publishes information on its website referring students to individual postsecondary institution's academic advisors.

Additional information

The following are some examples where postsecondary educational institutions provide information to students, such as:

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• University of Regina
• Briercrest College and Seminary

Provincial government policies and guidelines

There are no known territorial government policies regulating PLAR in Yukon.

Additional information

Yukon University's Academic Regulations and Procedures outlines PLAR procedures within its institution.