What is PLAR?
A Complete Guide for OSSD Students
Learn how the Ontario Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process works, who qualifies, and how your previous education may count toward earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
If you’ve already completed part of your secondary education, you may not need to start over when working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Ontario’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process helps eligible students receive recognition for previous learning and academic achievement. Depending on your educational background, this may reduce the number of courses you need to complete to earn an OSSD.
Whether you’re transferring from another country, another Canadian province, or a different education system, understanding how PLAR works is an important first step in planning your academic pathway.
At Ontario International School (OIS), our Academic Advising Team provides a Free Transcript Assessment to help students understand how their previous studies may align with Ontario graduation requirements before they enroll.
Quick Answer
What Is PLAR?
PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) is an Ontario Ministry of Education process that allows eligible students to receive recognition for previous learning and academic achievement. By evaluating official transcripts and educational records, schools can determine which previous studies may count toward the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Every assessment is completed individually according to Ontario Ministry of Education policies.
Key Takeaways
✔ PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.
✔ Eligible previous studies may count toward your OSSD.
✔ Every transcript is reviewed individually.
✔ A Free Transcript Assessment helps determine your eligible credits.
✔ Ontario International School provides personalized academic guidance.
On This Page
- What Is PLAR?
- Why Is PLAR Important?
- How Does PLAR Work?
- Who Can Benefit from PLAR?
- Does PLAR Guarantee Credit Transfer?
- Benefits of PLAR
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is PLAR?
PLAR, or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, is a process established by the Ontario Ministry of Educationthat recognizes learning students have already completed before entering an Ontario secondary school.
Rather than requiring students to repeat equivalent coursework, PLAR allows schools to evaluate previous academic achievement and determine whether eligible credits may count toward the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
This process helps create a personalized pathway based on a student’s educational history while ensuring that all Ontario graduation requirements continue to be met.
PLAR may apply to students who have previously studied in:
- International secondary schools
- Another Canadian province or territory
- Accredited private schools
- Other recognized educational systems
Every student’s academic history is different, which is why PLAR assessments are completed individually using official transcripts and supporting academic documentation.
Learn more about OSSD requirements:
OSSD Graduation Requirements Explained
Why Is PLAR Important?
Changing schools—or even changing countries—can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest concerns students and parents have is whether years of previous study will still count toward graduation.
PLAR helps answer that question.
Instead of assuming every student must begin the Ontario curriculum from the beginning, the PLAR process evaluates previous learning to determine how it aligns with Ontario’s academic requirements. This creates a more personalized educational pathway while maintaining the standards of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
For many students, PLAR provides several important advantages:
- Recognizes previous academic achievement instead of requiring unnecessary repetition.
- Reduces the number of remaining courses needed to graduate when eligible credits are recognized.
- Creates a personalized graduation plan based on each student’s educational background.
- Supports a smoother transition into Ontario’s education system.
- Helps students focus on university preparation rather than repeating coursework they have already mastered.
For international students, this process can make the transition into an Ontario high school significantly more efficient while providing a clear understanding of the remaining graduation requirements.
At Ontario International School, our Academic Advising Team works closely with students to explain the results of each transcript assessment and recommend the most appropriate academic pathway.
Planning to earn your OSSD online? Explore our guide to Online OSSD for International Students.
Official Ontario Guidance
PLAR is governed by policies established by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Schools that offer the Ontario curriculum follow these provincial requirements when evaluating previous learning and determining eligible credits.
For official information, visit:
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) (External Link)
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements (External Link)
How Does PLAR Work?
Although every student’s educational background is unique, the PLAR process generally follows the same steps.
At Ontario International School, we guide students through each stage to ensure they understand how their previous education may apply toward earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Step 1: Submit Your Official Transcripts
The process begins by providing your official academic records.
Depending on your educational background, this may include:
- High school transcripts
- Report cards
- Credit summaries
- Graduation records (if applicable)
- Other supporting academic documents
Providing complete and accurate documentation helps ensure your assessment is as accurate as possible.
Step 2: Receive a Personalized Transcript Assessment
Our Academic Advising Team carefully reviews your educational history to determine how your previous studies align with Ontario curriculum expectations.
During this assessment, we evaluate:
- Completed grades
- Courses successfully completed
- Academic credits earned
- Previous curriculum
- Graduation progress
Every assessment is completed individually because no two students have the same educational pathway.
Step 3: Meet with an Academic Advisor
After your transcript has been reviewed, one of our Academic Advisors will explain your results and answer your questions.
During this consultation, you’ll receive guidance on:
- Your recognized credits
- Remaining graduation requirements
- Recommended Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses
- University prerequisites
- Your estimated pathway to graduation
This personalized support helps students make informed academic decisions before enrolling.
Step 4: Enroll in Your Recommended Courses
Based on your transcript assessment, you’ll enroll in the Ontario courses required to complete your OSSD.
Rather than repeating courses you’ve already completed successfully, your learning plan focuses on the credits you still need to graduate.
This personalized approach helps students move forward with confidence.
Step 5: Start Learning and Work Toward Your OSSD
Once enrolled, you’ll begin studying through Ontario International School’s flexible online learning environment.
Students benefit from:
- Flexible scheduling
- Self-paced learning
- Experienced teachers
- Personalized academic support
- University pathway planning
Throughout your studies, our Academic Advising Team continues to support you as you work toward earning your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Who Can Benefit from PLAR?
PLAR is designed for students who have already completed part of their secondary education and want their previous learning to be considered toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
You may benefit from PLAR if you are:
🌍 International Students
Students who have completed secondary school courses outside Canada and are transferring to an Ontario curriculum.
🇨🇦 Students Moving to Ontario
Students relocating from another Canadian province or territory who wish to continue their education within Ontario’s education system.
🏫 Students Changing Schools
Students transferring between schools who want eligible previous credits recognized toward graduation requirements.
🎓 Students Returning to Complete High School
Students who previously paused their education and now wish to finish earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
📚 Students with Previous Secondary School Credits
Students who have already earned high school credits through recognized educational systems and want to continue progressing toward graduation.
Not sure whether you qualify?
Every educational background is different. Our Academic Advising Team can review your transcripts and explain your options through a Free Transcript Assessment.
Does PLAR Guarantee Credit Transfer?
No.
One of the most common misconceptions is that submitting transcripts automatically guarantees transfer credits.
In reality, PLAR is an evaluation process—not an automatic credit transfer.
The number of credits recognized depends on several factors, including:
- Your previous curriculum
- Successfully completed courses
- Official academic transcripts
- Course content and learning outcomes
- Ontario Ministry of Education graduation requirements
Because every student’s educational background is unique, credit recognition varies from one student to another.
For this reason, the most accurate way to determine your academic standing is through an individual transcript assessment.
Important: Never assume that another student’s results will be the same as yours. Every transcript is reviewed individually.
Benefits of PLAR
For eligible students, PLAR offers more than credit recognition—it provides a clearer and more efficient pathway toward graduation.
(This section works beautifully as six icon cards.)
🎓 Recognize Previous Learning
Receive recognition for eligible academic achievement completed before entering an Ontario secondary school.
⏳ Save Time
Avoid repeating equivalent coursework and focus on the courses still required for graduation.
🗺️ Personalized Graduation Plan
Receive an individualized academic pathway based on your educational background and future goals.
📚 Focus on Remaining Requirements
Concentrate on completing only the Ontario graduation requirements that still apply to you.
🎯 Prepare for University
Work with Academic Advisors to select the courses needed for your intended university or college program.
🤝 Personalized Academic Support
Receive ongoing guidance from our Academic Advising Team throughout your OSSD journey.
Ready to Find Out How Many Credits You Can Transfer?
Every student's educational journey is unique.
Our Academic Advising Team will review your transcripts, explain your options, and create a personalized pathway toward earning your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Get a Free Transcript AssessmentSpeak with an Academic AdvisorFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. International students who have completed part of their secondary education outside Ontario may be eligible for recognition of previous learning through the PLAR process. Eligibility depends on your educational background, official transcripts, and how your previous studies align with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements.
There is no fixed number. The number of recognized credits varies for each student based on their previous education, completed courses, and official academic records. A personalized transcript assessment is the most accurate way to determine your eligible credits.
Yes. Official transcripts or equivalent academic records are required to accurately evaluate your previous studies. In some cases, additional supporting documents may also be requested.
No. PLAR does not change the requirements for earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Instead, it determines whether previous learning satisfies some of those requirements. Students must still meet all applicable Ontario Ministry of Education graduation requirements.
The timeline depends on the completeness of your documentation and the complexity of your educational background. Once your transcripts have been submitted, Ontario International School will review your records and provide guidance as quickly as possible.
PLAR itself does not negatively affect university applications. Recognized credits become part of your academic pathway toward earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Universities evaluate applicants based on their admission requirements, completed Ontario courses, and overall academic performance.
Every student’s situation is different. If fewer credits are recognized than expected, our Academic Advising Team will help you create a personalized graduation plan that outlines the remaining courses needed to earn your OSSD.
The easiest way to find out is to request a Free Transcript Assessment. Our Academic Advising Team will review your educational background, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate pathway toward graduation.
Ready to Discover Your OSSD Pathway?
Every student’s educational journey is unique—and so is their pathway to earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Whether you’re transferring from another country, another province, or another school, Ontario International School is here to help you understand your options and plan your next steps with confidence.
Our Academic Advising Team will:
- Review your official transcripts
- Explain your eligible transfer credits
- Recommend the appropriate Ontario courses
- Create a personalized graduation pathway
- Answer your questions before you enroll
Get Started Today
Related Resources
Online OSSD for International Students
OSSD Graduation Requirements
OSSD Compulsory & Elective Courses
Applying to Ontario Universities Through OUAC
How to Research Universities Using OUInfo
University Prerequisites
References
To ensure the information in this guide is accurate and up to date, we recommend consulting the following official resources:
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements
- Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) – https://www.ouac.on.ca/
- Ontario Universities’ Information (OUInfo) – https://www.ouinfo.ca/