P L  A  R

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is PLAR for Mature Students?

• PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. It is the process by which you can earn credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, for education, training and/or work experience that you have acquired outside of the Ontario secondary school system.

Who is a Mature Student?

A Mature Student is a student who:

• is at least 18 years old on or before December 31 of the school year;

• is enrolled in a secondary school credit program for the purpose of obtaining an OSSD

• has been out of school for a period of at least one academic school year before returning as a mature student

How can I earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with PLAR?

• You must have a minimum of 30 credits including 18 compulsory credits.

• You must earn a minimum of 4 credits at the grade 11/12 level after returning to school as a mature student.

• You must successfully complete all compulsory course requirements as determined by your equivalency evaluation. One of these should be Grade 12 English. 

• You must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4O1). 

How many credits can I obtain through PLAR?

• up to a maximum of 16 grade 9/10 equivalent credits, and

• up to a maximum of 10 grade 11/12 credits through the equivalency process.

How are credits granted through PLAR?

• Your previous education, training, work experience, and volunteer experience will be compared to Ontario curriculum expectations of related courses for equivalency purposes, based on the information you submit in your application.

• Grade 9 and 10 Geography and History credits may be granted with proof of educational documentation OR through assessment OR through courses in Canadian Geography and Canadian History.

Where do I get information on curriculum expectations?

• Curriculum expectations are available at www.edu.gov.on.ca and www.curriculum.org.