Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process used to identify, document, assess and recognize skills and knowledge. During the PLAR process, it is necessary to identify and gather information on past experiences and accomplishments. That learning will then need to be assessed, proven and recognized by the Apprenticeship Branch Prior Learning Assessment & Credential Recognition Coordinator. The PLAR process is used to assess the following:

Transfer Credits from Other Provinces

Technical and practical training completed as an apprentice in another Canadian jurisdiction can be assessed for credit. When submitting the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, it is necessary to include the following:

a) Proof of education-official transcript of marks or equivalent including the number of levels and/or part levels of technical training received (successful and unsuccessful attempts)
b) The calendar time and number of hours of work experience that were credited during the course of the apprenticeship training (i.e. Record of Hours or equivalent)
c) Course outline or equivalent of each level of technical training successfully completed
d) Apprenticeship Application/Agreement fee

Credit for Practical Training

If you have a work history of a minimum amount of years and hours in a trade over a specified length of time, you may qualify for Trades Qualification (TQ).

See the section on Requirements for Trades Qualification, for more information.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements for TQ, your practical experience obtained thus far, may be assessed for credit towards apprenticeship training.

When submitting the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, it is necessary to include the following:

a) the calendar time and number of hours of work experience that were credited during the course of the apprenticeship training using the Work Experience Application
b) PLAR fee for placement level testing
c) Apprenticeship Application/Agreement fee

Credit for Technical Training

Completion of a trade program from an institution with an accredited trade program (i.e. pre-apprenticeship/pre-employment, high school) can be applied towards an apprenticeship program. When submitting the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, it is necessary to include the following:

a) Proof of education- official transcript or equivalent
b) Program accreditation number
b) Apprenticeship Application/Agreement fee

Trade experience in a course from an institution with an accredited or non-accredited program, or, completion of a program from an institution with a non-accredited program, may be assessed and challenged for credit towards an apprenticeship program.

When submitting the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, it is necessary to include the following:

a) Proof of education-official transcript or equivalent
b) Level placement exam fee
c) Apprenticeship/Application Agreement fee

Trades Qualifiers

Includes a recognition process for those with extensive prior work experience (Trades Qualification), or qualifications already obtained (i.e. Provincial Certificate Holder for Interprovincial Certification or Mutual Recognition (AIT)). See section on Trades Qualifiers for more information about how PLAR is used.