Your Rapid PLAR Journey
The Rapid PLAR process allows eligible students to gain academic credit for prior learning. The workflow below provides a step-by-step overview of how to get started, submit your portfolio, and receive your assessment results.
Rapid PLAR FAQs
1. What is KPU Flex?
KPU Flex is an initiative designed to create flexible learning pathways for non-traditional learners by expanding access to post-secondary education, recognizing prior learning, and fostering new agreements for institutional recognition and advanced standing.
2. What is Rapid PLAR?
Rapid Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (Rapid PLAR) is a portfolio-based assessment process that allows students to receive academic credit for prior learning gained through work experience, professional training, volunteer work, or other life experiences. It is designed for mid-career professionals whose knowledge aligns with the overall outcomes of an entire program rather than individual courses.
3. How is Rapid PLAR different from Standard PLAR?
Standard PLAR assesses prior learning for a specific course, while Rapid PLAR evaluates learning that may align with the overall outcomes of an entire program.
Standard PLAR is coordinated through the Office of the Registrar, while Rapid PLAR is managed by the Flexible Learning Office.
More information about Standard PLAR
More information about Rapid PLAR
4. Who can apply for Rapid PLAR?
Rapid PLAR is available to students who have been admitted to KPU. However, not all programs are set up for Rapid PLAR. Please refer to the program options here, www.kpu.ca/flex/PLAR.
5. Can my application fee be waived?
Yes, a voucher code can be provided to prospective students to waive the application fee through EducationPlannerBC, allowing you to apply without cost. To receive the voucher code, please contact us at flex@kpu.ca
6. Do I have to accept my admissions offer and pay the confirmation deposit before beginning Rapid PLAR?
Yes. The confirmation deposit is required to accept an offer of admission at KPU. This applies to all new students, regardless of whether they plan to pursue PLAR. The Flexible Learning Office may discuss PLAR options with prospective students during the triage stage; however, no PLAR assessments can begin until a student is officially admitted and any applicable transfer credits have been evaluated. PLAR is entirely optional and separate from the admission deposit. The positive side is that this deposit secures your seat and is applied toward your tuition. Once admission is finalized, students can proceed with the free Rapid PLAR assessment.
7. How do I start the Rapid PLAR process?
You must be officially admitted to KPU before beginning the Rapid PLAR assessment. Once your program of choice and eligibility are confirmed, the Flex team will provide a workbook where you can build your portfolio, including evidence demonstrating how your prior learning meets program outcomes.
8. Can I do transfer credit at the same time as Rapid PLAR?
No, these two processes cannot happen simultaneously. If a student chooses to undergo a transfer credit evaluation, this process should be completed before any PLAR. To proceed with Rapid PLAR after a transfer credit evaluation, contact the Flex team and they will guide you through the assessment process.
9. What kind of evidence should I be prepared to submit?
Students submit documents that reflect the knowledge, skills, and competencies gained through work, volunteer experiences, training, or other relevant activities. Examples include:
- Performance evaluations or letters of recommendation
- Certificates from professional development or training sessions
- Work samples, reports, or presentations
- Job descriptions outlining roles and responsibilities
- Project summaries or outcomes contributed to
- Any other documentation demonstrating alignment with program learning outcomes
A combination of evidence is encouraged. Workbook prompts help guide reflection.
10. How do I protect confidentiality in my evidence?
- Avoid including confidential or sensitive information about employers, colleagues, or clients.
- If documents cannot be shared, describe the project context, your role, key tasks, and outcomes.
- Adapt or generalize content to remove identifying details before uploading.
11. How long does each phase take?
The timeline for Phase 1 varies depending on the student's actions and the university’s processing times. This includes the time it takes for the student to explore PLAR, apply to KPU, accept the offer, pay the confirmation deposit, and for the university to process admissions and review transfer credits. The duration of this phase depends on both the student's readiness and the university’s timelines for admissions and transfer credit reviews. Once a completed portfolio is submitted, the assessment and decision process typically takes about 8 eight weeks.
12. Is there a fee for Rapid PLAR?
There is currently no assessment fee, as the Flexible Learning Office covers the cost.
13. Is the Rapid PLAR assessment fee taxable for students?
Yes. Even though the fee is covered by KPU, it is considered a monetary benefit to the student and will be reported on a T4A for tax purposes.