PLAR for Mature Students - Where Your Life Experiences Count! Are you missing credits to complete your high school diploma? PLAR for Mature Students can help you get on the fast track to high school graduation.
View the video below!
PLAR for Mature Students Video
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, and it may provide a quicker way for adults to earn credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students may earn up to 16 junior (grades 9 and 10) credits and/or 10 senior (grades 11 and 12) credits through an assessment of transcripts and/or the completion of assessments. The number of credits that may be earned is determined by several factors including the number and type of courses previously taken in Ontario or elsewhere.
PLAR has two components:
- equivalency process (assessment of documents)
- challenge process (completion of assessments)
Students may take part in one or both of these processes.
PLAR requirements:
- An appointment with a counsellor is mandatory to determine eligibility.
- Although counsellors may be able to determine eligibility for all those interested, PLAR credits can only be awarded to students currently enrolled at the Adult Education Centre.
- You may be eligible to earn credits through PLAR if any one of the following applies:
- You started Grade 9 in Ontario in 1999 or later, but you did not earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- You have earned senior credits (grades 11 and 12) in English and Math but are missing junior credits (grades 9 and 10) in compulsory subject areas.
- You completed some or all of your high school education outside Ontario or Canada and you have academic documents to indicate what educational level you completed.
- You attended high school outside Ontario or Canada but you do not have any documents to show what educational level you have completed.
Through PLAR, it may be possible for an adult student to earn credits towards an OSSD faster than you think!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who started high school in Ontario before 1999 are not eligible for PLAR, but may be eligible for Maturity Credits - see below
What is PLAR for Mature Students?
PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) for Mature Students provides a quicker way for adults to acquire credits towards a high school diploma. Through PLAR, you may get credits towards your high school diploma through a formal evaluation and assessments. PLAR Assessment process looks at your life and work experiences since leaving high school and can award you credit for that experience, as well as grant equivalent credits for successful completion of assessments.
Who is it for?
For Adults who: - are at least 18 years old on or before December 31 of this school year - have been out of school for at least 10 months - wish to complete their high school diploma.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge.
How do I get started?
Step 1
Book an appointment with a PLAR assessor by calling 905.270.6000, press 1 or e-mail [email protected].
Step 2
When you connect with the Guidance Counsellor, be sure to have the following documents ready:
1. Official high school transcript (contact your former school if you don't have it)
2. Photo ID
3. Proof of Ontario residency
4. Immigration Documentation (for landed immigrants or newcomers)
For further information, please contact us.