Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Policy

Vancouver Community College (VCC; the College) recognizes that knowledge and skills are acquired in a variety of ways, such as informal and non-credit education, work experiences, training, self-study, travel, recreation, community involvement, Indigenous knowledge and ways of being and other life experiences, outside the formal post-secondary education system.

This policy establishes the guidelines regarding the systematic and consistent approach to the assessment, recognition and equivalencies of prior learning experiences for formal credit.

This policy applies to all current or prospective VCC students requesting formal assessment of their prior learning experiences for VCC credit.

This policy may not apply or may be superseded by regulatory body or transfer agreement requirements.

1. VCC will follow best practices established for PLAR within acceptable standards in the British Columbia Post-Secondary context.


2. VCC supports PLAR initiatives by providing information and assistance to students through the Registrar's Office.


3. PLAR is conducted through valid and reliable assessment methods according to best practice and in alignment with assessment methods as set out by the College.


4. PLAR will be assessed by individuals qualified in the appropriate area of expertise, discipline and/or Indigenous knowledge. The standards applied will be equivalent but not necessarily identical to those applied to students enrolled in the course for which credit is requested.


5. Approved PLAR results in credit (assigned or unassigned).

Course Outline

The essential features of a course as outlined in an approved template. Such a template generally includes the course name and number, credits, course description, admission requirements, course learning outcomes, grading standard, and information regarding student evaluation methods.

Credit Bank

A collection of pre-assessed learning and training opportunities from non-credit coursework that has been predetermined to be eligible for credit (assigned or unassigned).

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition(PLAR)

A structured method of assessing an individual's prior learning or experience to award formal credit.

Program Content Guide (PCG)

A curriculum document that contains the essential features of a program of study, such as: program name, purpose, number of credits, duration, program learning outcomes, admission requirements, grading system, course list, instructional strategies, evaluation of student learning, and the credential received upon completion.

Transfer Credit

The granting of credit for a course successfully completed at another formally recognized educational institution and/or by recognized foreign credential assessment and/or by formal recognition of course equivalency in a VCC approved course outside the program area. Credit for such learning will be formally acknowledged and noted on a student's formal transcript. Refer to policy D.3.11 Transfer Credit.

• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Form

• Admissions (301)
• Appeal of Final Grade (322)
• Flexible Admissions (302)
• Grading, Progression and Withdrawal (411)
• Granting of Credentials (412)
• Transfer Credit (317)

• College and Institute Act, RSBC 1996, c 52