PLAR FAQs

What is PLAR for Mature Students?

• PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. 

• It is the process by which you can obtain credits toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma for education, training and/or life and work experience that you have acquired OUTSIDE of the Ontario secondary school system

How do I complete the PLAR Process @ BALC?

• At BALC we offer students the opportunity to take a course (GLS4O) once they have completed ENG2D and are about to enter ENG3C/3U or higher.  Prior to beginning ENG3C/3U PLAR is not an option.

• Within the GLS4O course students complete booklets to earn their History & Geography credits and create a package that includes: resume, cover letter, autobiography, and supporting documentation (which could include transcripts, letters of employment, reference letters and more). Students will be given  more information while completing the process.

Who is a Mature Student?

A Mature Student is a student who:

• is at least 18 years old on or after January 1st of the current year;

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

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 life, 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 package.

• Grade 9 and 10 Geography and History credits may be granted through completing the booklets assigned in the GLN (PLAR) course OR through completing 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.

Is there a fee?

• No, there is no fee to process PLAR packages.

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

• 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 must be Grade 12 English. The other courses include: Grade 11 English, Grade 11 Math and a Grade 11 or 12 Science, Math, Computer Studies or Tech Ed course.

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