Skills Development and Assessments During Our PLAR Process in Calgary
The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition or the commonly known as PLAR process in Calgary’s Cambrooks College is designed for individuals who have completed similar courses in recognized post-secondary institutions or have had job experiences relating to the candidate’s desired program. Such students must satisfy the minimum admission requirements for the program of choice.
The PLAR process recognizes prior learning and experience. Students can get PLAR credit, subject to a maximum of 50% credit for both learning and experience.
Detailed PLAR Process
International or Out-of-Province Learning and Experience
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Self-assessment and analysis conducted by Cambrooks faculty
In addition to the candidate’s skills assessment completed by the college, the applicant is required to complete a self-assessment interview. This self-assessment lists the course learning outcomes and requires applicants to determine their level of proficiency in each one. If they are internationally trained, they must submit evidence of training acceptable to the Cambrooks College.
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Creation of an individual study plan
From this self-assessment, Cambrooks College identifies knowledge and skill gaps (if any) and creates an individualized study/training plan for the candidate.
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Challenge of the course’s written exam
If the self-assessment indicates thorough competency and knowledge of the subject, the student may be expected to challenge the course exam in a proctored environment at Cambrooks College. An 80% grade is required to pass.
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Self-study/online study (or site-based workshops)
Should a student not be successful in the challenge exam or if a student and/or Cambrooks College assessor indicate they require training in a particular course, the student will be provided with a self-study/online module to take the appropriate training. This would only be in a case where the student scores 70-79% in the initial test.
Alberta-based Learning and Experience
If a student underwent post-secondary training or had work experience in Alberta, then such as student would be granted credit only on the basis of:
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Transcripts and course outlines (courses for which credit is applied)
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Two reference letters from previous employers (for applications based on experience)
For a more detailed explanation of the PLAR process, give us a call today.
Important note: Some specific programs such as HCA have program specific PLAR policies. Such policies are posted on the information pages of such programs.
