KPU recognizes that students attain significant learning at a post-secondary level from formal academic learning, as well as work, training, and other experiences outside the formal post-secondary education system. Through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), KPU will award credit for learning that is directly applicable to the student's declared program of study. Should a student change programs, all or some of the PLAR credit previously awarded may no longer apply to the new area of study, but the student may be able to apply for additional PLAR credit that was not appropriate under the previous program of study.
Although PLAR credit may be granted, a further decision on the applicability of the credits toward program admission or graduation requirements may be required. Students are advised to first review the requirements of their program in the academic calendar, and meet with an Academic Advisor if questions arise as to how PLAR may satisfy program requirements for graduation.
Any student planning to transfer to a university or other post-secondary institution should be aware that PLAR credit granted by KPU is not binding at another post-secondary institution.
How to Request PLAR
- Determine the body of work for which you wish to request PLAR credit, and the comparable course it may equate to as part of your program requirements. Course descriptions are available in the University Calendar: kpu.ca/courses
- Contact the designated PLAR Department Consultant for the course in which you are seeking PLAR credit, as per the chart below. The PLAR Department Consultant will conduct a pre-assessment to determine if your request will be evaluated by a PLAR Assessor. If approved, the PLAR Department Consultant will complete and sign an Application for Prior Learning Credit form.
- Submit your signed Application for Prior Learning Credit form to Student Enrolment Services at studentinfo@kpu.ca and they will contact you with the amount and instructions on how to pay your PLAR assessment fee.
- Your request will be forwarded to your designated PLA Assessor who will contact you to select an appropriate assessment method, date and deadline. Acceptable assessment methods for each course are indicated on the official course outline. Descriptions of assessment methods are provided below.
- Your PLA Assessor will submit the results of your assessment to the Registrar’s Office, and your final grade will be recorded on your academic record and will appear on your academic transcript.
PLAR Department Consultants Contact Information:
|
Faculty of ACA |
PLAR Department Consultant |
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ACP Mathematics |
Tanya Boboricken |
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ACP English |
Sherry Schoenberger |
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ACP English |
Mark Diotte |
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|
ELST |
Martyn Williams Lynette Manton |
|
Faculty of Arts |
PLAR Department Consultant |
|
|
Anthropology |
Larissa Petrillo |
larissa.petrillo@kpu.ca |
|
Asian Studies |
Robert Menzies |
robert.menzies@kpu.ca |
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Creative Writing |
Aislinn Hunter Billeh Nickerson |
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Criminology |
Shereen Hassan |
|
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Education Assistant |
Allan Williams | allan.williams@kpu.ca |
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Educational Studies |
Ann-Marie McLellan | ann-marie.mclellan@kpu.ca |
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English |
John Rupert |
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Fine Arts |
Ying-Yueh Chuang |
|
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Geography |
Parthi Krishnan |
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History |
Tom Thorner |
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Journalism and Communication Studies |
Chad Skelton |
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Language and Cultures |
Olivier Clarinval |
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Music |
Zdenek Skoumal |
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Philosophy/ Humanities |
Brian Garrett |
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Policy Studies |
Ellen Pond |
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Political Science |
Ross Pink |
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Psychology |
Susana Phillips |
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Sociology |
Annette Reynolds |
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School of Business |
PLAR Department Consultant |
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Accounting |
Valerie Warren |
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Bachelor of Technology |
Chris Leung Chinmaya Mahapatra |
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Computer Business Systems |
Landon Kleis | |
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Business & Quantitative Methods |
Bernie Neuhold |
bernie.neuhold@kpu.ca |
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Business Management |
Lyndsay Passmore |
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Entrepreneurial Leadership |
Amanda Bickell |
|
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Economics |
Don Reddick |
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Human Resource Management |
Judy Benevides |
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Legal Administrative Studies |
Colleen Formisano |
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Marketing |
Richard Simon |
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Applied Communications |
Deirdre Maultsaid | |
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Public Relations |
Andrew Frank |
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Faculty of Health |
PLAR Department Consultant |
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Psychiatric Nursing |
Donna Malyon | donna.malyon@kpu.ca |
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Donna Malyon |
|
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advanced Entry |
Donna Malyon | donna.malyon@kpu.ca |
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Graduate Nurse Intl Educated Re-Entry |
Herraj Sandhu |
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Health Care Assistant |
Nirmal Dhaliwal |
|
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Health Foundations |
Joyce MacKenzie |
joyce.mackenzie@kpu.ca |
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Health Unit Coordinator |
Radhika Kumar |
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Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture |
Dr. John Yang | john.yang@kpu.ca |
|
Wilson School of Design |
PLAR Department Consultant |
|
|
Fashion & Technology |
Heather Clark |
heather.clark@kpu.ca |
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Fashion Marketing |
Jimmy Choi |
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Graphic Design for Marketing |
Carley Hodgkinson |
|
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Foundations in Design |
Natasha Campbell |
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Interior Design |
Brenda Snaith Lucie Gagne |
|
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Product Design |
Lindsay Norris |
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Technical Apparel Design |
Jessica Bayntun |
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Faculty of Science & Horticulture |
PLAR Department Consultant |
|
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Biology |
Sherry Wilson |
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Health Science |
Jane Hobson |
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Chemistry |
Xin Liu |
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Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) |
Christina Heinrick |
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Environmental Protection Tech |
Paul Richard |
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Mathematics |
Judy Bicep |
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Physics, Astronomy, Applied Science |
Takashi Sato |
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Brewing and Brewery Operations |
Alek Egi |
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Horticulture |
Cameron Lait Jamie Lamont |
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Agriculture |
Mike Bomford |
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Sustainable Agriculture |
Rebecca Harbut |
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Faculty of Trades & Technology |
PLAR Department Consultant |
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Appliance Servicing |
David Fengstad |
|
|
Farrier |
Gerard Laverty |
|
|
Millwright |
Brian Myette |
brian.myette@kpu.ca |
Methods of Prior Learning Assessment
The following methods of assessment may be used, independently or in combination, to determine if the PLA applicant has met the required standards:
Challenge Exam
A test or exam (written or oral) that is designed to validate the knowledge of the candidate as it relates to course requirements. A challenge exam may be the same test or exam given to students who formally attend the course. It is limited to questions that are directly related to the learning objectives/outcomes of the course, not to information that would be available only by regular attendance in the classroom.
Standardized Test
Similar to a Challenge Exam. However, this test or exam is usually developed by someone other than the PLAR assessor. It is focused around widely recognized standards (as set by a department or professional/sectoral organization) that are equivalent to the course objectives.
Products/Portfolio
Documents or objects that have been produced by the candidate and demonstrate tangible proof of accomplishment. These may include, but are not limited to, reports, videos, illustrations, prototype models, or an artist’s portfolio. Students may be asked to demonstrate abilities or answer questions about the portfolio by the PLAR assessor.
Demonstration
Simulation or actual presentation of candidate’s abilities, which may be live, recorded, or videotaped. The demonstration may include, but is not limited to, such activities as presenting a speech, role-playing a situation, creating a document on computer, giving a musical performance, performing a lab experiment, interviewing a client, operating equipment, or completing a procedure.
Interview
Oral questioning. The PLAR interview is focused around course objectives and may include techniques such as open-ended questions, case studies, and prepared analyses. The interview is used to clarify areas of learning, and may be used in parallel with other methods, as a sole method of assessment, and/or as a means to ensure authenticity of products.
Worksite Assessment
Similar to a demonstration. The candidate is observed performing tasks as a part of normal work routine, or as specifically assigned, in the place of work. Assessment is normally done by faculty assigned to a candidate, but may also be made by a work supervisor or field expert. If performed by an external assessor, may be followed up by a self-assessment and/or interview with a PLAR assessor.
Industry-Based Evaluation
Recognition of pre-assessed training based on established agreements with select employers, training organizations, Continuing Studies programs, recognized Credit Banks or Red Seal certifications.
Self-assessment
Assessment performed by the candidate, usually with the aid of an established form or questionnaire. Normally requires a parallel assessment by a field expert and/or PLAR assessor.
External Evaluation
Assessment provided by an expert other than KPU faculty. Assessment method may include, but is not limited to, performance evaluation, letter of validation, or worksite assessment, and may require follow-up by faculty.
Policy AC6 is the university’s policy on Credit for Previous Learning and can be viewed at the library or online at www.kpu.ca/policies for further details.
For updates to this web page, please contact registrar@kpu.ca