Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
- TRU Open Learning is one of the biggest online educator in Canada
- TRU Open Learning for international students
- Thompson Rivers University Financial Aid
- TRU-OL Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
- Thompson Rivers University services for disabile students
- TRU Williams Lake Learning Centre
Earn Academic Credits for Learning from Life and Work Experience
Many learners have acquired valuable training, skills and knowledge through life and work experience. PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) provides students with the opportunity to have such learning assessed and recognized in the form of academic credit toward the requirements of a Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning program.
Benefits of PLAR
- Accelerate the completion of your TRU-OL program
- Save money by taking fewer classes
- Gain confidence and self-esteem from having your previous accomplishments recognized
- Strengthen the links between your formal studies and your work and life experience
Video produced by Firefly Digital Media Inc. with support from the Canadian Council on Learning's Adult Learning Knowledge Centre. Used with permission.
Three PLAR Options
- Credit Bank
- Receive credit for pre-assessed training from selected employers, private training organizations and/or Continuing Studies programs
- Portfolio-based PLAR Assessment. Click here to see a Sample portfolio.
- Create a portfolio documenting your previous learning, which will be reviewed by academic experts
- Competency-based portfolios
show how your learning matches general competencies required for your chosen field of study - Course-based portfolios show how your learning matches the expected learning outcomes for the course
- Course Challenge exams
- Complete the equivalent of a final exam
For more information about PLAR options go to PLAR FAQs.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) Fees
PLAR fees vary with the method of assessment chosen such as portfolio, challenge exam or credit bank. The cost of PLAR is based on the services performed in the assessment process as well as the number of credits awarded. For PLAR assessment of an individual course, the cost will not be more than the course fee as defined by the tuition fee schedule.
PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT
- Competency-based portfolio
$750 flat fee - Course-based portfolio
$520 (initial) flat fee + $36 per credit awarded (after assessment is completed)
EXAMPLE:
John Smith applies for PLAR and gets credit for two courses (6 credits)
Initial flat fee = $520
Per credit fee = $36x6=$216
TOTAL Amount Paid = $520 + $216=$736.00 - Combination portfolio (competency-based and course-based)
$750 flat fee (competency-based portfolio) + $36 per credit awarded (course-based portfolios)
CHALLENGE EXAM
Fee=$100 per credit. Most courses have three credits so the cost per course is generally $300.
CREDIT BANK
Fees vary. Please contact the PLAR Advisor for more information.
Students are responsible for all associated costs involved with PLAR. These costs will vary and may include long-distance phone calls to an assessor, travel to an assessment site and/or mailing a portfolio to an assessor. All fees are non-refundable.
PLAR Forms
For more information on PLAR and advice on how to apply, contact:
Toll Free: 1.800.663.9711
Kamloops & International: 250.852.7000
email: student@tru.ca