Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Policy

Secondary credits  |  2026–2027

PLAR recognizes demonstrated learning against Ontario curriculum requirements. The principal approves eligibility, assessment and credit decisions. Approving this policy adopts the challenge and mature-student pathways below; implementation requires trained assessors, secure records, and publication in the School Course Calendar.

1 Select the correct pathway

Pathway	USCA procedure
Adolescent challenge  PPM 129	Assess eligible Grade 10–12 courses. Maximum 4 challenge credits overall, including 2 in one discipline. No Grade 9 challenge. Prior evidence must show likely success.
Transfer equivalency  Ontario Schools	For eligible transfers from outside Ontario, home schooling or non-inspected schools, evaluate previous learning and credentials. The principal determines total equivalent credits and outstanding compulsory and optional credits under current transfer rules.
Mature student  PPM 132	Verify the Ministry definition: at least 18 on or after January 1 of the current school year and enrolled to obtain an OSSD. Use the revised PPM 132 pathway, not adolescent limits.

2 Application and assessment

Students submit the USCA application and relevant evidence. For transfer equivalency, request transcripts, translations as needed, and school/course information; do not require a portfolio when credentials suffice. For a challenge, attach evidence mapped to expectations and a 100–200 word statement of goals and relevant skills. Review the curriculum and achievement levels with a designated subject teacher.

The principal checks prior Ontario records, previous PLAR awards, and course overlaps and exclusions before authorizing assessment. No duplicate credit is granted. Under PPM 129, a challenge cannot recover a previously failed course or improve an earned mark. Exclusions include transfer, locally developed, and cooperative education courses; restrictions apply to earlier-grade courses and ESL/ELD; and any later Ministry exclusions. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course cannot be challenged.

A principal-designated subject assessor develops secure, accessible assessments covering all strands and achievement categories. A challenge uses 70% formal testing/examination and 30% other appropriate assessment, with a written/practical balance suited to the course. These are PLAR-specific weights; do not substitute ordinary course attendance or coursework weights. Retain instruments, rubrics, dated evidence, calculations and identity-verification records.

3 Mature student decisions

PPM 132 permits up to 16 Grade 9–10 equivalent credits after transcript review and, as needed, individual assessments in English, mathematics, science, and Canadian history/geography combined. There is no Grade 9–10 mature challenge. Review senior credentials and evidence separately; the ordinary senior challenge/equivalency allowance is up to 10 credits combined, without the adolescent discipline cap.

Normally, students must earn at least 4 senior credits through courses. The principal checks senior English and mathematics requirements and any permitted substitutions. PPM 132 allows a documented exception for specified completed Canadian postsecondary credentials or Ontario apprenticeship/qualification certificates, potentially up to 30 credits; this is not automatic diploma approval. Apply all remaining graduation requirements.

4 Decisions and student review

Give the student written eligibility and final decisions, reasons, credits/marks where applicable and remaining requirements. A successful challenge requires at least 50%. Arrange accommodations without lowering curriculum standards. Students may submit additional evidence or request principal review; the principal may obtain an independent subject review and record the outcome. Apply the relevant PPM rules to repeat challenges and withdrawals.

5 Records and graduation clearance

Record	Required control
Challenge results	Use the required cumulative tracking record and interim record when another school holds the OSR. Record passing Grade 10 challenges on the OST; unsuccessful/withdrawn Grade 10 challenges remain in PLAR records. Grade 11–12 challenge results follow full disclosure, including failed completed challenges. Apply the specific withdrawal rules.
Equivalency results	Keep the principal’s signed rationale, verified source documents and compulsory/optional allocation. Enter block equivalencies or course-specific mature equivalencies according to the OST Manual and PPM 132; use EQV where prescribed, not an invented percentage mark.
Mature records	Maintain the prescribed Grade 9–10 individual-assessment and Grade 11–12 equivalency/challenge cumulative records, with interim records as applicable. The USCA assessment tracking form is a supporting worksheet, not a replacement.
Completion review	Reconcile the OST, required PLAR forms and graduation plan before approval. Check the applicable credit cohort, literacy, community hours, online learning and financial literacy requirements and any documented exceptions. PLAR alone does not waive them.

6 Responsibilities and implementation

The principal verifies assessors’ subject expertise and applicable qualification requirements, authorizes credit awards and resolves disputed decisions. Staff maintain confidential records, communicate supports and forward verified results to the OSR-holding school. The school office records updates only after authorization and retains records under applicable OSR/OST requirements.

Before offering PLAR, publish available challenge opportunities, dates, application procedures, review route and any disclosed private-school fees in the School Course Calendar. Review this policy annually and after Ministry changes. Do not treat the older private-school inspection manual as overriding revised PPM 132 or current Ontario Schools requirements.

Principal approval __________________________ Effective date __________  Review date __________

Ministry sources checked October 17, 2026: PPM 129  |  PPM 132 revised 2023  |  Ontario Schools section 7  |  OST Manual  |  PPM 129 sample forms