3. Credit for prior learning

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3.1 Transfer credit/course exemption eligibility
3.2 Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) exemptions
- 3.2.1 PLAR assesment methods
3.3 Articulation and transfer agreements
- 3.3.1 Transfer-Out articulation agreements
- 3.3.2 Transfer-In Pathway Agreements
3.4 CPL exemption deadlines

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) provides an opportunity for you to use relevant postsecondary credits from recognized and accredited institutions and/or relevant work, life, and other educational experience toward comparable courses in your Georgian program.

CPL includes assessment of advanced standing, transfer pathway agreements, transfer credits and prior learning assessment recognition (PLAR). Courses and experiences are evaluated fairly and equitably, and assessments will determine whether a particular course is or is not eligible for exemption. Our regulations adhere to the general principles of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

Advanced standing applies when your relevant prior learning is confirmed and awarded as course exemptions toward your Georgian program and places you in a semester beyond ﬁrst semester. This status is determined during the admissions application process, following assessment of your eligibility and space available in the program.

Before applying for exemptions and changing your course workload you should consider impacts to ﬁnancial assistance, program progression, registration, program completion timing, and immigration status.

If you decide to utilize your approved exemption(s), you're responsible for withdrawing from courses for which a transfer credit or

PLAR is granted by the scheduled withdrawal deadlines (Important dates). Failure to do so will result in a failing grade and/or additional fees charged to your record (Section 4.4.1 Program withdrawal process). If you fail to pay full fees you're not permitted to register for courses in the following term (Section 4.1 Tuition and fees). Regardless of the number of eligible exemptions, you must ensure graduation and residency requirements are met (Section 6.1 Graduation residency requirements).

The result of a transfer credit evaluation or PLAR assessment is ﬁnal. However, you may appeal the decision under the conditions outlined in Section 9.1 Circumstances for appeal.

There is no fee associated with the application for transfer credit, however, PLAR equivalences are subject to a fee. Please see the Credit for Prior Learning webpage for fee information.

3.1 Transfer credit/course exemption eligibility

Transfer credits are the recognition of academic credit between accredited postsecondary institutions.

Transfer credit exemptions are granted on an individual basis and are evaluated and approved by faculty.
Transfer equivalency is based on matching a minimum of 80 per cent of learning outcomes.
Transfer credits subject to credential, grade, and program requirements, if deemed equivalent.
Acceptance of transfer credits shall be based on the recognition that, while learning experiences may differ in a variety of ways, their substance may be equivalent in terms of their content and rigor. As often as possible, assessment of transfer credits shall allow for the maximum recognition of previous learning.
Transfer credit cannot be used for additional transfer credit towards a second credential.

If a transfer credit exemption is granted, your record shows the grade code EX, and no numeric grade is recorded at Georgian. EX grades have no numerical value and are not included in your program/ graduation GPA. In addition, unsuccessful transfer credit evaluations are not recorded on your record.

3.1.1 Credit currency limitations

Course content is often subject to change over time. To meet current curriculum, accreditation and learning outcomes, courses completed 10 or more years ago will not be recognized for transfer credit exemption. Some programs may require particular courses to be taken less than 10 years ago. For example, courses in nursing programs have a shorter period of currency. You should consult with the program coordinator to determine program specific requirements.

3.1.2 Grade requirements

Prior to requesting transfer credit, you should review the specific graduation eligibility on your program outline webpage.
Transfer credit exemptions are only granted for course(s) taken at accredited and recognized institutions (including general education courses) with an earned grade of 60 per cent or greater; some programs require higher grades earned (minimum of 65 per cent) exceptions apply. You should review your program outline.

3.1.2.1 Diploma to Degree grade requirements

For transfer of your course credits from diploma to degree programs, you must have graduated from a two-year or three-year diploma program. For most programs you must have obtained a graduating average of 70 per cent or greater and obtained a grade of 60 per cent or greater in the course. Please refer to the program outline for specific requirements.

3.1.2.2 Degree to Degree grade requirements

For transfer of your course credits from most degree-to-degree programs, you must have obtained a grade of 60 per cent or greater in the course. The graduation requirement on the program outline will indicate if there is a minimum grade exception.

3.1.3 Micro-credentials

A course or combination of courses that match at least 80 per cent of the learning outcomes of a Georgian course can be considered as comparable and used as an exemption toward your current Georgian program.

3.1.4 Co-op transfer credit exemption

An exemption may be granted for a successfully completed co-op semester from another accredited and recognized postsecondary institution. A learning outcome must match at least 80 per cent of the outcomes of Georgian’s co-op semester. For all co-op programs, you must complete at least one co-op semester while at Georgian to ensure you meet residency requirements (Section 6.1.1.1 Co-op residency requirement).

3.1.5 Communications credit (COMM)

Most program areas require two communications courses as a graduation requirement. You may receive an exemption for COMM 1016 if you have ﬁve or more courses (or one semester of study) at the degree level, with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 60 per cent. The courses must be from an accredited and recognized institution where the language of instruction is English, in a country where English is the primary language, meeting at least 80 per cent of the learning outcomes.

You may receive two communication courses exemptions if you have completed a degree from an accredited institution within Canada or from an accredited and recognized institution where the language of instruction is English, in a country where English is the primary language, and you have achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of 60 per cent.

3.1.6 Georgian to Georgian transfer credits

If you have completed a course at Georgian in one program that's identical to a course required in another program, it will automatically be applied to the new program on your MyPath graduation worksheet if currency parameters are adhered to (3.1.1 Current currency limitations). No action is required.

3.1.7 Transfer credit exemption petition process

If you wish to be evaluated for transfer credit exemptions, you must submit a petition through the Transfer Credit System. To ensure decisions are made prior to registration, the petition and any supporting documents should be received (3.4 CPL exemption deadlines).

3.1.8 Letter of permission

A letter of permission (LOP) is issued by Georgian granting you permission to take a speciﬁc (equivalent) course at another recognized and accredited postsecondary institution. It guarantees recognition of that credit in your program of study upon successful completion of the course. Upon request of the LOP a processing fee will apply (Section 3.1.8 Letters of permission).

3.1.9 Advanced standing

Advanced standing applies when your relevant prior learning is confirmed and awarded as a block transfer of a group of course exemptions toward your Georgian program and places you in a semester beyond ﬁrst semester. This status is determined during the admissions application process, following assessment of your eligibility and space available in the program.

3.2 Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) exemptions

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) is an academic credit option if you have signiﬁcant work, learning, and/or life experience that may be equivalent to a credit course in your Georgian program. It involves the assessment and evaluation of acquired relevant knowledge and skills that match at least 80 per cent of the learning outcomes of a Georgian course. PLAR assessments will vary depending on the program.

You may have gained college-level knowledge and skills through learning or life experiences such as:

work experience,
community involvement,
activities within professional associations,
volunteer experience,
self-directed study, and
military training and experiences including professional development, occupational training, specialist training.
Prior learning is not considered eligible for transfer credit (i.e., micro-credentials).

If a PLAR exemption is granted, your record shows the grade code P, and no numerical grade is recorded at Georgian. P grades have no numerical value and are not included in your program/graduation GPA. In addition, unsuccessful PLAR assessments are not recorded on your record.

PLAR exemptions are granted on an individual basis and are evaluated and approved by faculty. You must follow the PLAR exemption petition process to be considered for all exemptions (Section 3.2.4 PLAR exemption petition process). You may also refer to the Academic policies for Prior Learning and Recognition for further information.

3.2.1 PLAR assesment methods

PLAR is assessed in several ways by faculty to determine that your work, learning, or life experiences match at least 80 per cent of the learning outcomes. Assessment methods include, but are not limited to:

challenge exams,

performance observation,

skills demonstration,

Interview, and/or

e-portfolio evaluation,

Supporting documents are required for ofﬁcial evaluation, such as:

portfolio of experiences,

course/workshop outlines and syllabi,

job descriptions outlining duties and activities,

letters from previous/current employer(s),

proof of current or previous employment in the requested ﬁeld of study,

credentials (certiﬁcation, accreditation, licence, etc.), and/or

results of oral/written/practical challenge examination.

3.3 Articulation and transfer agreements

Articulation and pathway agreements provide opportunities for students to receive credit for previously completed studies at other institutions or to continue their education beyond Georgian. These agreements outline how completed courses or credentials transfer between institutions, helping you avoid repeating learning.

3.3.1 Transfer-Out articulation agreements

Articulation and transfer agreements allow our graduates to enter programs at other institutions with transfer credit exemptions so that you don't have to repeat courses that you previously completed in an Articulation.

Changes and updates to articulation/transfer opportunities occur throughout the year. Changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements and transfer credit exemptions granted by participating institutions. You must check directly with the articulating/transfer institution for any related current information and status.

3.3.2 Transfer-In Pathway Agreements

If you're entering Georgian from another educational institution that has an articulation agreement with us, you must identify this at the point of your admission application so that appropriate transfer credits can be assigned.

3.4 CPL exemption deadlines

The deadline to submit a completed petition for transfer credit or PLAR exemptions is due by the academic term deadlines below. A completed petition includes all required supporting documents such as ofﬁcial transcripts, course outlines, and/or PLAR requirements.
The academic term deadlines for CPL exemption petitions are:

Fall semester – June 1
Winter semester – Oct. 1
Summer semester – March 1
Petitions submitted after these deadlines are not guaranteed to be completed in time for your course registration or withdrawal deadlines (Section 4.4.1 Program withdrawal process).