Explore the Pathways
Photographer: Simone Paul
Four PLAR pathways that can lead to credit for life learning:
Choose a pathway: Please click on each pathway you would like to know more about.
Competency-Based Portfolio
Applies to Open Learning students only
At the heart of the Competency-Based Portfolio is the evaluation of eight competencies (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving) that reflect TRU's institutional learning outcomes.
The Competency-Based Portfolio requires students to demonstrate their broader life-based prior learning according to these competencies. Credits that come from this are applied to your unspecified electives.
Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design students: You would complete a portfolio focused on your fine arts or design skills and knowledge. Credits from this are applied to the Studio Credits in your program.
Get StartedCourse-Based Portfolios
Applies to both Open Learning and Campus students
Course-Based Portfolios provide the opportunity to earn credit for certain TRU courses by demonstrating how your skills and knowledge align with the course learning outcomes.
Get StartedChallenge Exams
Applies to both Open Learning and Campus students
If you feel you already have a strong understanding of a course's content, you may be able to challenge it with an exam.
We'll let you know if the course is available for challenge, and help ensure the course fits your program requirements.
Get StartedCredit Bank
Applies to both Open Learning and Campus students
TRU has agreements with institutions across Canada where we have assessed their programs or courses for credits to be applied at TRU.
Look through the Credit Bank, and see if there is an agreement that might be relevant for you.
Then, get in touch with us, and we'll let you know the next steps.
This way to the Credit BankIn most instances, you must be enrolled in a TRU program (certificate, diploma, or degree) to access PLAR. Your PLAR advisor can let you know.
There are two exceptions:
- Non-TRU students can take our Challenge Exams.
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University Arts students can complete the Competency-Based Portfolio.
Either way, you first need approval through PLAR.
Questions?
Feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions!
What students have to say
I burst into happy tears when I saw that I had been awarded the maximum number of credits. Creating this PLAR portfolio was an amazing experience, and I truly attribute much of my success to your patience and guidance.
2023 PLAR alumni Jameison Lee, Open Learning BA Psych undergraduate studies
I have such great aspirations and not as much time as I would like to put towards course work. These credits will allow me to move towards my goal of environmental law within the next two years, and for that, I am truly grateful.
2023 PLAR alumni Tahirih Rockafella, Open Learning, Bachelor of General Studies
I am just floored that I got the full amount of credits and that the assessors felt it was a really strong portfolio — much of that credit has to go to the PLAR advisor who helped shape this by patiently guiding me along the process.
2023 PLAR alumni Michael, Open Learning, Bachelor of General Studies
I want to speak to the support and help that the PLAR advisor provided. They were always friendly and prompt in responding to my queries, and I feel that they are an asset to the PLAR team and a reason I was able to be successful.
2024 PLAR alumni N.E. TRU BSW
Was very excited to read the report and so over the moon all my hard work and experience paid off, wow the best possible outcome! I really appreciate the time you and your team invested to evaluate me, to give me a good push towards my future.
Competency-Based Portfolio alumni, 2023 Jenna Pearce, Open Learning, Bachelor of Psychology
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your team. I have had the pleasure to work with a few members, primarily with Kristen. Kristen is second to none. Her expertise and guidance is absolutely responsible in assisting me and my success in the PLAR process.
2022 PLAR alumni Terri Leslie, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
