Prior Learning and Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for mature students is a way to recognize lived experience with high school-equivalent credits. This learning may include the knowledge and skills obtained from work and elsewhere.
Students’ academic records and life experiences are reviewed against Ontario curriculum expectations or through subject-based assessments. This process may grant credits towards earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
There is no charge for students who wish to participate in the Mature PLAR process.
Mature PLAR
Eligibility
Eligibility
There are a few requirements to be considered eligible for the MPLAR process:
You are a mature student
A mature student is someone who is at least 18 years of age on or after January 1 of the current school year (which begins August 31st) and is enrolled in a program for the purpose of obtaining an OSSD.
You are taking a TVO ILC course
Students must be actively enrolled in a course to participate in the Mature PLAR process.
Have fewer than 26 high school credits.
The Mature PLAR process can only grant up to 26 out of the 30 required credits to earn an OSSD.
The remaining four credits must be earned by taking the necessary courses.
The MPLAR Process at TVO ILC
The MPLAR Process at TVO ILC
Students who are actively enrolled in a course can start the Mature PLAR process:
1
Request a Mature PLAR assessment
Request a Mature PLAR assessment
Email us at ilc@tvo.org indicating that you wish to participate in the Mature PLAR process.
2
Eligibility review
Eligibility review
We will review your academic profile to confirm your eligibility.
3
Review of academic records
Review of academic records
If you are eligible, you will be asked to provide a copy of your most recent academic transcript.
4
Your Mature PLAR Pathway Plan
Your Mature PLAR Pathway Plan
After your transcript has been reviewed, you will receive an Mature PLAR Pathway Plan which will determine the equivalent credits that may be granted through either subject-based assessments or a review of your work or life experience.
5
Complete your Mature PLAR Pathway Plan requirements
Complete your Mature PLAR Pathway Plan requirements
You must fulfill the assessments outlined in your Mature PLAR Pathway Plan while actively enrolled in a course. You have 10 months to complete a course from the date of enrollment.
6
Complete your course
Complete your course
Upon completion of your enrolled course, credits granted through the Mature PLAR process will be added to your Ontario Student Transcript (OST).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn my OSSD just through Mature PLAR?
No. The Mature PLAR process can only grant up to 26 out of the 30 credits required to earn an OSSD. The last four credits must be earned through taking the necessary courses.
What if I have a diploma or degree from a Canadian postsecondary institution?
You may be eligible to up to 29 high school-equivalent credits.
What sort of work or life experiences does Mature PLAR recognize ?
A wide variety of experiences are eligible, from parenting and caregiving to working in skilled trades, or regularly volunteering at your place of worship. As long as you can provide documentation that shows evidence of learning, your experiences may be recognized with high school-equivalent credits.
What kind of documentation do you accept for Mature PLAR?
If eligible, you will be asked to provide a copy of your most recent academic transcript. After receiving your Mature PLAR Pathway Plan, you may be asked to provide additional documents showing evidence and details of your work experience.
Where can I learn more about Mature PLAR?
The policies and procedures for Mature PLAR are outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy/Memorandum 132
