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Mature Prior Learning Assessments

OSSD PLAR for Mature Students

PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) is a formal evaluation and accreditation process for secondary school adult learners to achieve recognition for their prior learning - the knowledge and skills that adults have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary schoool - towards completion of diploma requirements. The PLAR process for mature students involves three procedures: 'individual assessment/equivalency' (Gr. 9/10), 'equivalency' (Gr. 11/12), and 'challenge" (Gr. 11/12). There is no charge for mature students to participate in the PLAR process.

Mature students may have their out of school experiences evaluated for equivalency credits. If you are a mature student who is looking at registering with GELA, please contact us for the needed forms.

It is important to include as much detail and supporting documents as you can.

Who is a Mature Student?

A mature student is a student who is:

  • at least 18 years old on or before December 31 of the school year;
  • is enrolled in a secondary school credit program for the purpose of obtaining an OSSD;
  • has been out of school for a period of at least one year before returning as an adult.

Who participates in PLAR?

Mature students who are new to the Ontario secondary school system as of February 1, 2004, and who are working towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) under OSS diploma requirements.

Mature students who were enrolled as students in the Ontario secondary school system, and were placed in Grade 9 in 1999-2000 or later, Grade 10 in 2000-2001 or later, Grade 11 in 2001-2002 or later, or Grade 12 in 2002-2003 or later; and who return to school as mature students on February 1, 2004, or later to work towards the OSSD under OSS diploma requirements.

NOTE: Mature students who were enrolled in the Ontario secondary school system prior to 1999 and who continue to work towards their OSSD under OSIS or HS1 diploma requirements do not have to participate in the PLAR process.

NOTE: Mature students working towards OSS diploma requirements must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test process and the community involvement activities process in order to graduate.