Get Certified: Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

Benefits of Certification — "Certified" rubber stamp

Are you familiar with the acronym PLAR? It stands for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and is Career Professionals of Canada’s formal evaluation process whereby applicants may be granted credit for their prior learning and experience.

Prior learning can be obtained through several avenues. As a career professional, you have acquired knowledge and skills in formal and informal ways. You may have completed a course related to career development at an accredited institution. Alternatively, you may have achieved your competence in another way, such as self-study, on-the-job learning, or through volunteer work.

CPCs PLAR process allows you to be granted “equivalency” credit for CPC certifications. There is no teaching component to this process, and you are responsible for submitting your own request for PLAR.

What certifications can I get if I have prior learning?

CPC certifications are professional credentials that validate and recognize your expertise. If you have already acquired the experience and/or education related to these areas, you may apply for the associated certification:

How does CPC’s PLAR process work?

You must have more than one year of experience in the certification subject matter area to be eligible for certification. There are two ways to provide proof of your prior learning in a subject area:

  • You may submit a certificate or transcript of completion for a course.
  • You may submit work product that shows your competence in an area.

You can obtain your CPC certification in one of two ways:

  • Course-based process – Complete an approved course. Your transcript and/or certificate of completion will be assessed by the CPC Certification Registrar.
  • Competency-based process – Submit work product to CPC for evaluation and credit. Your work product will be evaluated by an assessor on the CPC Certification Team.

How do I determine my eligibility for recognition through the PLAR process?

You are responsible for initiating the PLAR process, and for independently satisfying all of the prior learning requirements associated with the specific certification being sought. This self-assessment document will help you determine your eligibility.

Once you have determined that you may be eligible for credit through CPC’s PLAR process, you must submit reasonable evidence of your prior learning, along with your application:

  • You may submit a certificate or transcript of completion for a course.
  • You may submit work product that shows your competence in an area. CPC’s certification eGuides provide an outline of the work product you need to submit for each area.

How do I start the PLAR process?

First, you need to be a member of CPC in order to be certified. There is a one-time certification application fee. When you register for a specific certification, you’ll receive a comprehensive textbook (eGuide). Your eGuide is updated regularly and, if you remain a member with CPC, you’ll receive free access to the newest edition each year.

Not a CPC member yet?

  1. If you have determined that you may be eligible for a certification, join membership and apply for your certification.
  2. After you have paid, e-mail a copy of your course transcript, certificate of completion, or work product, along with a copy of your current résumé, directly to Certification@CareerProCanada.ca.

Already a CPC member?

  1. If you have determined that you may be eligible for a certification, apply for it now.
  2. After you have paid, e-mail a copy of your course transcript, certificate of completion, or work product, along with a copy of your résumé directly to Certification@CareerProCanada.ca.

Need pre-approval?

After completing your self-assessment, if you have determined that you may be eligible for certification, you may request pre-approval of your eligibility for the course-based process. Email a copy of your course transcript and/or certificate of completion, along with a copy of your résumé directly to Certification@CareerProCanada.ca. In the subject-line of your email, indicate which certification (CCS, CWS, CIS, CES, CRS) you would like pre-approved.

Once you become certified, there are no recertification or renewal fees. All you need to do to keep your professional designation is to maintain your membership with CPC.

You can use CPC’s certifications to enhance your visibility and credibility as a subject matter expert. When you receive these certifications, you can use the letters after your name. You can also use the logo on your résumé, business card, and website.

Sharon Graham is founder and interim executive director of Career Professionals of Canada. Committed to setting the standard for excellence in the career development profession, Sharon has authored top selling paperback publications and textbooks, and has established a range of certificationprofessional developmentcommunity developmentmentoring, and award programs. As chair of the board of CPC, she provides foresight and leadership within the sector and ensures that the mandate of this national organization is upheld with integrity.

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