Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Due to changing student demographics in post-secondary education, recognition of prior learning policies and practices are of critical importance. Adult learners are increasingly mobile and bring with them a mosaic of employment and personal experiences, as well as education from a variety of training modes or providers. Students are very selective in their demand for programming to match their learning needs. Institutions need to be able to identify, assess and formally recognize the learning that has already taken place and allow learners to build on that base. At SIAST, recognition of prior learning practices includes prior learning assessments and transfer credits.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is a process of evaluating the skills and knowledge gained through experiential and/or non-formal learning for the purpose of obtaining credit in a SIAST course.
PLAR contributes to the efficiency of the educational system by efforts to eliminate redundant training for individuals who have developed skills and knowledge elsewhere. Visit our PLAR web sections (located in the left-hand menu) for more information and also visit our PLAR database for a list of PLAR ready courses in SIAST programs.
Quality Assurance Documents
To ensure continued growth of PLAR, quality assurance is of critical importance. The SIAST PLAR Office in partnership with The Canadian Institute for Recognizing Learning, Ryerson University, and the University of New Brunswick engaged in an applied research project to examine quality assurance in PLAR. The research project produced three publications designed to inform, train and promote PLAR in post-secondary institutions. They are:
- Quality Assurance in PLAR: Final Guide QA English Vol. II (pdf)
- Quality Assurance in PLAR: Final Guide QA French Vol. II (pdf)
- Quality Assurance in PLAR: Issues and Strategies for Post-Secondary Institutions (pdf)
- Quality Assurance in PLAR: Annotated Bibliography (pdf)
For information on a specific program, visit the program web page
Transfer Credit
Credit earned at another educational institution that is equivalent to course work at SIAST. Visit our Transfer Credit web page to determine how your previous education counts.
Recognition of Prior Learning Practitioner Certificate Program
This program provides practical training in all aspects of the recognition of prior learning field for practitioners working in education, career counselling, human resource management and employee recruitment. The program will prepare you in recognition of prior learning practices such as PLAR, credit transfer and qualification recognition, with major emphasis on prior learning assessment and recognition practices.
Learn more about how you can become an RPL Practitioner.
Contact Us
Call our toll-free number:
1-866-goSIAST (467-4278)
Email: SIAST RPL Office