Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and FastPass
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows students to receive academic credit for knowledge and skills gained outside of the classroom.
This learning may come from work experience, professional training, certifications, volunteer activities, previous education, or other life experiences. If your previous experience demonstrates that you have already achieved the learning outcomes of a Fleming course, you may be eligible to receive credit without taking that course.
How PLAR Can Help
PLAR provides an opportunity for students to receive recognition for learning gained through experience.
Through PLAR you may be able to:
- Reduce the number of courses required to complete your program
- Save time completing your studies
- Reduce tuition costs
- Progress more quickly toward graduation
What Types of Experience Can be Assessed
Learning does not only happen in the classroom. You may already have knowledge and skills that relate to your program through previous education, work, volunteering, training, or other life experiences.
For example, you may have taken courses at another institution, built job-related skills through employment, completed certifications or licenses, participated in employer training, or developed experience through volunteer or community roles. Even personal or life experience may be relevant if it clearly connects to the learning outcomes of a course.
PLAR helps assess this learning to determine whether it may count toward college credit.
Start with FastPass – A Credit Predictor Tool
Fleming College uses FastPass, a technology-supported tool designed to help identify potential PLAR credit opportunities for students to receive credit based on their previous learning and experience.
By uploading your résumé, our team can review your background and identify courses where your experience may align with Fleming learning outcomes. This initial review helps determine whether pursuing a PLAR assessment may be appropriate.
What’s Next?
If you believe your previous experience may qualify for PLAR, the process is simple and designed to provide quick feedback.
Step 1 – Upload Your Résumé
Upload your résumé to the FastPass tool by dragging and dropping it into the AI-supported PLAR assessment system. The system reviews your work and education experience.
Step 2 – Review Potential Credits
The tool will show potential course credits you may be eligible for within the academic program you are interested in.
Step 3 – Apply for Credit Evaluation
If you decide to proceed, you can apply for formal credit evaluation. You only pay for the specific course credits you want assessed and added to your transcript.
Processing times may vary, so it is recommended that you begin the PLAR process as early as possible.
Once your résumé has been submitted through FastPass:
- A PLAR administrator reviews your background and identifies potential course matches.
- You will be contacted to discuss available PLAR assessment options.
- If you choose to proceed, you may complete an assessment such as:
- A portfolio submission
- A challenge exam
- An assignment or project demonstrating learning outcomes
- If the assessment is successful, you may receive credit for the course.
Other Ways to Receive Credit for Previous Learning
PLAR is one of several ways that Fleming College recognizes previous learning.
If you previously completed courses at another college or university, you may be eligible for transfer credit instead of PLAR.
Transfer credit is used when a completed course from another institution is considered equivalent to a Fleming course. PLAR is used when learning has been gained through experience outside of formal education.
If you are unsure which option applies to you, our team can help guide you through the appropriate process.
Learn more about Transfer Credit and Pathways at Fleming College.
Questions About PLAR?
If you would like to learn more about PLAR opportunities or discuss your experience with a member of our team, please contact: fastpass@flemingcollege.ca
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