Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit granting process whereby students may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills that you have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside of secondary school. You may have your knowledge and skills evaluated against the expectations outlined in provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the secondary school diploma. All credits granted through the PLAR process must represent the same standards of achievement as credits granted to students who have taken the courses.

Request for a PLAR Assessment

  • You may ask for an assessment of your diploma requirements after you have successfully completed one course with Kanata Academy Online and submitted an original student transcript.
  • If you have completed the eligibility requirements outlined on the PLAR Fact Sheet, you will be asked to complete the PLAR Application Package.

Equivalency Process Fact Sheet

I. What is PLAR for Mature Students?

  • PLAR is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby mature students may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills that mature students have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school.
  • Mature students may have their knowledge and skills evaluated against the expectations outlined in the provincial curriculum documents published in 2000 and later in order to be granted up to ten senior “equivalency” credits towards the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma). All credits granted through the PLAR process must represent the same standards of achievement as credits granted to students who have taken the courses.
  • The process for obtaining equivalency credits involves an evaluation of a mature student’s education and/or training credentials and/or other appropriate documentation of learning gained from other programs, courses, or work experiences. These credentials and documents must show evidence of learning that relates directly to the Ontario curriculum expectations for a specific course.
  • Students may review the Ontario Curriculum expectations for Grade 11 and 12 courses at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/index.html
  • The Ontario Ministry of Education Policy Program Memoranda No. 132 outlines in detail the PLAR Policy and requirements for mature students. We strongly recommend that you review this document: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/132.html
  • The cost for the PLAR assessment is $100, no matter how many equivalency credits you are requesting. The fee for this service must be paid by certified cheque, money order, or credit card. It is a non-refundable fee charged at the time the application is received.

II. Who can Apply?

Students must meet all five criteria:

1. Mature student status: is at least 18 years old and has not attended a day school for at least one year; is enrolled in Kanata Academy Online for the purpose of obtaining an OSSD.
2. Started secondary school in Ontario after September 1, 1999 or first enrolled in a secondary course or program in Ontario after February 1, 2004.
3. Previously completed fewer than 26 credits; students who have acquired 26 or more credits must complete the required number of courses to bring their total to the 30 credits required for the OSSD.
4. Is an active student with Kanata Academy Online and has completed at least one credit.
5. Requested and received an official assessment of diploma requirements from the Kanata Academy Online Guidance Counselor showing completion of the following four Gr. 11-12 compulsory credits:

  • Grade 11 English at any level: student can complete the course or provide a formal transcript for an equivalency assessment.
  • Grade 12 English at any level: student must complete the course; no substitution is permitted. Completion of the Gr. 12 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC40-A) satisfies the Gr. 12 English credit requirement and can be used to meet the OSSLT – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test – graduation requirement.
  • Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics at any level: student can complete the course; provide a formal transcript for an equivalency evaluation; or ask to substitute any course that meets a compulsory credit requirement for the OSSD.
  • Grade 11 or 12 Science at any level: student can complete the course; provide a formal transcript for an equivalency evaluation; or ask to substitute any Grade 9-12 course that meets a compulsory credit requirement for the OSSD.

III. What Does the PLAR Process Involve?

There are 2 parts to the process:

  • Submission of the completed PLAR Application Package.
  • Assessment and Recordkeeping by the Kanata Academy Online PLAR committee.