HÂþ»­

Skip to main content
Dal.ca Home
Dal.ca Home

Assessing prior learning

Earn advanced standing through experience or certified learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) — also known as Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) — is a process that awards learners access to formal study and advanced standing* through the assessment of certified, non-formal and informal learning.

This includes work and life experience, training, independent study, volunteer work, travel, and hobbies. RPL assesses the knowledge you've gained from your experiences, not how much experience you have.

*The RPL program is only available for certificate programs within HÂþ»­â€™s Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development and not available for degree programs in other faculties.

There are two RPL pathways you can apply for: recognition of certified learning or recognition of experiential learning

Adult learners who have completed training courses may be eligible for advanced standing. To be considered, you’ll need to provide details about the course content such as:

  • Syllabus/learning outcomes

  • Length of the course,

  • How the course matches that which the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development offers 

  • How long ago the learning took place

  • Performance/final grade in the certified learning

    Ready to get your application started? Contact us at rpl@dal.ca to begin your application.

Adult learners with substantial work or life experience that aligns with the university course or certificate’s learning outcomes can apply for advanced standing. This requires submitting a learning portfolio – a collection of documents and written reflections demonstrating your prior learning and experience relevant to the certificate.Ìý

Ready to get your application started? Contact rpl@dal.ca to begin your application.

Benefits of applying to the RPL program

  • Save time and money by getting advanced standing in our certificates 
  • Turn your experience or international qualifications into recognized credentials
  • Accelerate your career advancement potential
  • Tailor your learning to your needs and career goals
A close-up image of two women smiling giving the impression that they are energetically listening to a person speaking.

The assessment process

To begin the RPL process, contact us at rpl@dal.ca. During this initial consultation, we'll discuss your eligibility and provide detailed information and guidance on the application process. This includes assistance with completing your learning portfolio.

The RPL assessment fee is a non-refundable charge of $350 per course. Please note that applications are limited to one course each. The assessment process will take a maximum of four weeks to complete. You’ll receive your results and feedback through our student information system.

If your RPL application is successful, you can enroll in the certificate program of your choice and begin your fast-tracked journey to certification.

Limits on RPL use for certificates and diplomas

A limit of 50% of courses awarded through the RPL program may be used for any certificate or diploma.

Students may also wish to take multiple certificates which share the same courses, including RPL-awarded courses. For additional certificates that use cross-over courses from those the student has completed/will complete, at least 50% NEW courses must be taken. If the student has no option to meet the 50% new course threshold with those posted on the certificate plan, administration will recommend elective courses closely related to the certificate objectives. For more information, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.Ìý

For learners in our Fire Leadership program

For Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants seeking NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III and IV credits within the Fire Leadership program, specific conditions apply. Please contact rpl@dal.ca for more information.Ìý