Unlocking Your Potential: Get Credit for What You Already Know with Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): A Guide to Getting Credit for What You Already Know

Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced world, education is not limited to traditional classrooms. Many individuals acquire knowledge and skills through various means outside of formal education settings. Whether it’s through work experience, self-study, volunteering, or other non-traditional avenues, this acquired knowledge can be just as valuable as what is learned in a classroom.

Recognizing the importance of prior learning, many educational institutions now offer Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) programs. PLAR allows individuals to get credit for their existing knowledge and skills by assessing their learning achievements against specific academic standards.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of PLAR in detail. We will discuss how it works, why it is beneficial, who can benefit from it, and how to navigate the PLAR process successfully.

Understanding PLAR:

1. What is Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)?

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process that evaluates an individual’s prior learning experiences to determine if they meet the required academic standards for earning college credits or professional certifications. It recognizes that learning occurs in various contexts beyond formal education settings.

2. How does PLAR work?

The PLAR process typically involves three steps: assessment, documentation/portfolio development, and evaluation:

a) Assessment: The learner’s prior learning experiences are assessed against established criteria or benchmarks set by educational institutions or certification bodies.

b) Documentation/Portfolio Development: The learner gathers evidence that demonstrates their knowledge and skills related to specific subject areas or competencies. This may include work samples, certificates/licenses earned outside of formal education systems, reference letters from employers or supervisors validating expertise gained through work experience.

c) Evaluation: Trained assessors review the portfolio/documentation provided by the learner to determine whether they have met the required standards for earning credits/certifications. This may involve interviews, examinations, or performance assessments.

Benefits of PLAR:

1. Recognition of Experience: PLAR acknowledges that learning can happen outside the traditional classroom setting and values the knowledge and skills gained through diverse experiences.

2. Time-Saving: By receiving credit for prior learning, individuals can save time by eliminating the need to repeat courses or training programs they have already mastered.

3. Cost-Effective: PLAR can significantly reduce education costs since learners only pay for assessing their current knowledge rather than attending full courses.

4. Accelerated Career Advancement: Earning credits through PLAR allows individuals to expedite their career growth by building on existing skills and qualifications without starting from scratch.

Who Can Benefit from PLAR?

1. Adult Learners: Adults who have gained substantial knowledge and skills through work experience or other non-formal educational activities can benefit greatly from PLAR as it enables them to obtain recognition for their expertise in a specific field.

2. Returning Students: Individuals who are returning to education after a break, such as parents re-entering the workforce or professionals seeking career changes, can use PLAR to fast-track their degree completion process.

3. Military Personnel/Veterans: Service members with specialized military training often possess valuable skills applicable to civilian careers. Through PLAR, these individuals can receive academic credit for their military experience, facilitating smoother transitions into post-military life.

4. Immigrants/Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs): Immigrants with professional backgrounds often face challenges having their foreign credentials recognized in a new country’s job market. PLAR offers an opportunity for IEPs to showcase their competencies and bridge any gaps between international education standards and local requirements.

Navigating the PLAR Process:

1. Research Requirements: Before pursuing PLAR options at an institution or certification body, research thoroughly about what types of prior learning they recognize and how they assess it.

2. Self-Assessment: Evaluate your own knowledge, skills, and experiences against the required standards to determine if PLAR is a viable option for you.

3. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documentation that supports your prior learning achievements. This may include work samples, certifications/licenses earned outside of formal education systems, job descriptions, performance evaluations, or reference letters.

4. Consult an Advisor: Seek guidance from an academic advisor or PLAR coordinator who can provide more information about the specific requirements and processes at your chosen institution or certification body.

5. Submit Portfolio/Documentation: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio/documentation showcasing your prior learning achievements and submit it as per the guidelines provided by the institution/certification body.

6. Assessment/Evaluation Process: Be prepared for interviews, examinations, or other forms of assessment to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in line with established standards.

7. Review Results: Once evaluated, review the results provided by the assessors/evaluators and understand how much credit you have been granted based on your prior learning achievements.

Conclusion:

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) provides opportunities for individuals to gain recognition for their existing knowledge and skills regardless of how they acquired them. By understanding how PLAR works and effectively navigating through the process, learners can save time and money while accelerating their educational pursuits or career advancements.

PLAR empowers adult learners returning students, military personnel/veterans, immigrants/internationally educated professionals (IEPs), among others to bridge gaps between their existing expertise and academic qualifications/certifications desired in various fields. Embracing PLAR not only benefits individuals but also contributes to fostering inclusive education systems that value experiential learning alongside traditional classroom instruction.