Am I PLAR ready?

PLAR can be an incredibly rewarding opportunity if it fits into your AU program and you can commit to the process, which is both intensive and reflexive. It requires you to invest time and thought to “select, reflect, and project” evidence of your field-related learning in a portfolio format.

Please complete the following steps to consider if you may be a candidate for PLAR. This must be completed before contacting Centre for Learning Accreditation (CLA) to begin PLAR discussion, as we cannot determine if PLAR would fit within your program until this information is confirmed.

  • Apply for and be admitted to the undergraduate AU degree or certificate program you plan to pursue.
  • If you have completed post-secondary education elsewhere, any eligible transfer credits must first be assessed and applied to your program where able.
  • If you have military experience or training, any eligible military credits must first be assessed and applied to your program through transfer credit evaluation where able.
  • Contact the academic advisors for your program once any applicable transfer credit is assessed to confirm what you have remaining to complete your program. You will need room in your remaining credits for the following, to allow any potential PLAR credit to fit:
    • A minimum of 12-15 credits in options or electives at the level your learning could align, preferably below the 400 level. Credit may sometimes be granted at the 400-level if students adequately demonstrate high-level learning.
    • A minimum of 12-15 credits outside of your “residency requirements” (which must be completed through AU coursework).
    • Note: We cannot guarantee how many credits, if any, you may gain through PLAR. That can only be determined through the portfolio assessment process, once you have completed portfolio development under the guidance of a PLAR mentor.

Once the above has been completed, with relevant room and fit for potential PLAR confirmed, complete the PLAR self-assessment below to determine your suitability for PLAR.

PLAR self-assessment

The PLAR process is both intensive and reflexive. It requires you to invest time and thought to “select, reflect, and project” evidence of your program-related learning in a portfolio format.

Take a few moments to self-reflect on your PLAR potential by considering the following questions:

I have 5 or more years of current experience in my field (gained through work, volunteer/leisure activities) that is related to remaining requirements within my AU program.

I have a broad range of life experiences that I can relate to my core or professional work and AU program. I maintain currency in my profession through professional activities, reading, training and growth opportunities.

I have access to a wide range of documents to prove/support my learning and supervisors or managers that would be in a position to provide a letter of attestation when the time comes. *

*Letters of attestation are not to be requested until the end of the PLAR process. Your PLAR mentor will confirm when your learning statements are suitable for attestor feedback.

PLAR is a rigorous process that requires a significant investment in time and effort. I am aware that PLAR will not contribute to an accelerated AU program completion rate.

If you have answered NO to any of the above, perhaps this is not the time in your life to consider PLAR as a way to obtain university credit. Or, perhaps you might want to:

Updated December 23, 2025 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)