Canadian Council on Learning | Conseil Canadien sur l'Apprentissage

Achieving our Potential: An Action Plan for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in Canada

October 2008

By Mary Morrissey, Douglas Myers, Paul Bélanger and Magali Robitaille, Phil Davison, Joy Van Kleef, Rick Williams

Overview

CCL has identified the need for more effective mechanisms to serve non-traditional adult learners in the community and in the workplace. To address this need, CCL commissioned the PLA Centre to develop a comprehensive picture of the state of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in Canada .

The major elements of the report include:

• A review of the research and policy literature;
• An analysis of learner demand for PLAR services and of the socio-economic trends that shape that demand;
• A situational analysis of the state of development of PLAR in Canada and internationally; and
• Presentation of a strategy for moving forward with PLAR in Canada.

Appendices to the report provide in-depth descriptions of PLAR policies, services and programs at the federal and provincial levels in Canada and in eight other developed nations, and additional information on PLAR principles and standards of practice and other topics.