Challenge Examination, Workplace-based Assessment, Portfolio Assisted
Douglas College values student learning and the rich variety of ways and environments in which learning takes place. The College seeks to provide recognition of previous traditional and nontraditional learning. When such learning is not recognized by formal transfer agreements, it may be recognized through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Douglas College offers students who are enrolled in a program of study the opportunity for the assessment of learning that has been acquired through prior formal and informal learning experiences. When learning is assessed as equivalent to the outcomes defined for a course, program or graduate profile, then formal credit is awarded. Individual departments or programs are responsible for determining courses are PLAR eligible and this is noted in the individual Course Curriculum Guideline in the course catalog.
Similarly, departments and/or programs are responsible for identifying appropriate processes for the assessment of prior learning. Students are not eligible to apply for PLAR credit for courses in which they are currently registered. PLAR at Douglas College is identified as:
Challenge Examination
A written, oral or performance test, as determined appropriate by the department/program, which may include a laboratory experience.
Students must wait one year from the date of their last registration in a course before challenging it and must demonstrate that additional applicable learning has occurred since registering in the course.
Workplace-based Assessment
Assessment of a student's learning (knowledge, skills, abilities and/ or values) in a simulated or real setting. Learning is demonstrated in a naturalistic and comprehensive way, showing learning connections and levels of competence.
Portfolio Assisted Assessment
Assessment of a file or folder of information that systematically documents and provides evidence of an individual's learning experiences and accomplishments in relation to the outcomes for a course, program or graduate profile. Before applying for prior learning assessment, students will find it useful to complete an evidence development course to learn how to document or demonstrate their prior learning.
Students seeking credit for prior learning must make formal application to the Office of the Registrar, the PLAR Service or the relevant department or program by using the Request for Credit Form. Eligibility to proceed with PLAR is determined by the department/program coordinator, chair or designee. Fees for PLAR are based on the number of credits requested and not upon the number of credits awarded.
Normally, credits awarded through prior learning assessment are limited to 75 percent of the total credits required to meet the graduation requirements for the credential to which the credit is applied. Exceptions to this limit may be considered by departments or programs. Students are encouraged to consult with the PLAR Service and with the relevant department program.
Students who intend to transfer credit obtained through prior learning assessment must check with the appropriate receiving institution to ensure that the credit is acceptable for transfer purposes.
Additional Information
Please review the Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment Policy and note the following:
- PLAR is only available to students admitted to a Douglas College program
- Not all courses are PLAR eligible (check the individual course guideline in the course catalog to see if eligible)
- PLAR opportunities are subject to the availability of a qualified faculty assessor
Contact Information
Students interested should contact the Program Chair/Coordinator to see if PLAR opportunities are available for the course they would like to PLAR.