Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) is a process that identifies, assesses and recognizes prior skills, competencies and knowledge. These may have been acquired through formal, informal, nonformal, or experiential learning via post-secondary education, work/industry experience, training, independent study, or volunteer activities. PLAR is assessed on an individual basis by your academic department and has a non-refundable fee.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition for Health Care Aides is available to students applying towards the Practical Nurse program.
You will have the opportunity to apply for PLAR once you are accepted into your program. We recommend that you begin your application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
PLAR requests have different deadlines and can take more then a month to process. Ensure you submit your request early to allow enough time to complete the process.
Review the course description and course learning outcomes you would like to PLAR in your program. Compare your previous education, work experience, skills and knowledge with that of the course to ensure it is equivalent.
Please note: Not all courses are eligible for PLAR. You can check if a course is eligible for PLAR by checking the Course outlines under the course description.
Review the course description and course learning outcomes you would like to PLAR in your program. Compare your previous education, work experience, skills and knowledge with that of the course to ensure it is equivalent.
Please note: Not all courses are eligible for PLAR. You can check if a course is eligible for PLAR by checking the Course outlines under the course description.
Once you have everything ready and received your acceptance into your career program you will need to submit a PLAR request form available through BVC Central. The Transfer Credit & PLAR team will go through your request and all your supporting documents. They may be in touch with you if your claim is insufficient or you are required to submit more supporting documents.
Once your package is complete it will be sent and reviewed by the Academic department. The program chair will set up a meeting with you to go over your request and determine if you are eligible to take the PLAR assessment.
All eligible PLAR courses have a non-refundable fee. This fee must be paid prior to taking the PLAR assessment. The program Chair will provide details about the PLAR fee, and you will be required to make the payment within two weeks through Registrar's Office.
Domestic: $200 plus $50 per credit
International: Determined by the International Tuition Fee Modifier
(International tuition cost (course) divided by Domestic tuition cost (course) multiplied by the total domestic PLAR cost of the course)
The method used to assess your PLAR will vary on which course/s you are requesting. The assessment will ensure you meet the learning outcomes for the course and may include:
If you successfully pass your PLAR assessment you will receive a grade of “PL” on your Bow Valley College transcript.
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
+1 403-410-1400
1-866-428-2669 (toll free)
