Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Policy

To ensure previous relevant academic and life experiences are counted toward students’ credentials, creating a seamless experience for students, while providing academic credit for those who return to Seneca Polytechnic to continue their education.

To establish an accessible framework for assessing, recognizing and granting credit for students’ prior learning and experience so that all potential credits are made available.

This policy applies to all Seneca students and prospective students.

A student or prospective student who attempts to have prior learning assessed for credit toward their credential.

A method of assessment developed by faculty subject matter experts to measure an individual’s previous learning achievements and/or knowledge against the subject learning outcomes of a specific course.

Learning acquired outside of Seneca, typically through professional, work or life experiences.

The process of evaluating the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through non-formal learning for the purpose of recognizing it for academic credit.

A collection of documents, objects and other materials compiled by the PLAR applicant that identifies learning achievements and documents work and life experiences.

An individual possessing the knowledge and expertise in a specific area of specialization.

1. Seneca recognizes that in many instances the learning outcomes defined for an individual course can be achieved through alternative means, including relevant work/life experiences, and provides the opportunity for these to be recognized at Seneca through PLAR.
2. Seneca’s academic and service areas are committed to guiding and supporting candidates seeking prior learning credit opportunities.
   
3. Seneca continually monitors, reviews and evaluates PLAR-related processes to ensure that decisions are fair, reasonable and consistent.
   

1. Candidates are responsible for:
   • initiating the self-assessment process and submitting required documentation and materials (e.g., portfolios)
   • familiarizing themselves with all requirements and policies related to PLAR
2. The Transfer Credit and PLAR team, within the Seneca’s Office of the Registrar, is responsible for:
   
   • supporting candidates and SMEs in all matters related to PLAR
   • determining candidates’ PLAR preliminary eligibility
   • noting the appropriate designation awarded for PLAR on candidates’ transcripts
3. Faculties and schools are responsible for:
   
   • supporting candidates and SMEs in all matters related to PLAR
   • determining candidates’ PLAR assessment eligibility
   • providing candidates with appropriate PLAR assessment options
   • identifying SMEs to assess PLAR challenges
   • ensuring grades and PLAR assessment results are submitted to the Office of the Registrar within designated timeframes

1. A candidate may apply for PLAR at Seneca where learning outcomes of a course can clearly be met through the assessment of a portfolio and/or through a challenge process. 
2. To apply for PLAR, candidates should meet Ontario college general admission requirements and do not need to be enrolled in a college program of instruction.
   
3. Not all courses and programs are eligible for PLAR consideration (e.g., courses or programs with specific industry requirements).
   
4. Up to 75 per cent of courses in certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and graduate certificate programs can be earned through prior learning credits.
5. Up to 50 per cent of courses in degree-level programs can be earned through prior learning credits.
   
6. Co-op or work placement course(s) are eligible for PLAR when the work experience acquired is completed before the term in which the work experience is scheduled in the program of study.
   
7. Candidates who have been unsuccessful in a PLAR challenge are eligible to enrol in the course without providing evidence of additional relevant learning. 
   

1. PLAR applications and fees are submitted in accordance with the enrolment and refund deadlines noted on Seneca’s academic calendar.
2. Candidates submit all applicable documents to the Registrar’s Office. 
   
3. Candidates who meet the preliminary eligibility requirements for PLAR will have their documentation reviewed by a SME within their academic area.
   
4. Candidates who qualify for a PLAR assessment will be registered in the course and will pay the required the non-refundable PLAR assessment fee.
   
5. For the assessment, the candidate will demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and achievements through a portfolio and/or by means of a challenge process.
   
6. Granting prior learning credits does not guarantee entrance into a program of study, and candidates are required to follow the normal admission process. 

1. A SME will administer and/or evaluate the PLAR challenge to determine whether the required learning outcomes have been met.
2. Credit earned through PLAR shall be recorded on the student’s transcript using the standard grading mode for the applicable course and included in the candidate’s grade point average.
   
3. Unsuccessful PLAR challenge attempts will not be recorded on the candidate’s transcript.
   

1. A student has the right to appeal the decision, consistent with Seneca’s Academic Appeals Policy.

• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Guide for Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology
• PEQAB Manual for Ontario Colleges: Four Year Degrees

• Academic Appeal Policy
• Student Progression and Promotion Policy
• Transfer Credit Policy

• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition application form
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition at Seneca MySeneca space
• Seneca Important Academic Dates

Approval Date: February 2018

Last Revision:  August 2024