3. Credit for prior learning

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 learning experience toward comparable courses in your Georgian College program. 

CPL includes assessment of advanced standing, articulation, 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).  

Before applying for exemptions and changing your course work load you should consider possible impacts to financial assistance, program progression, registration, program completion timing, and immigration status. You are advised to consult with your program co-ordinator regarding program progression, Financial Aid and Awards for OSAP or other financial support impacts, and an immigration advisor (if you are an international student). 

If you decide to utilize your approved exemption(s), you are responsible for withdrawing from courses for which a transfer credit or PLAR is granted. 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 are 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, but you can appeal the decision based on unacceptable conditions outlined in Section 9.1 Circumstances for appeal.  

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

3.1 Transfer credit/course exemptions

Transfer credit is the recognition of academic credit between accredited postsecondary institutions. Subject to credential, grade and program requirements, 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 essentially equivalent in terms of their content and rigour. As often as possible, acceptance of transfer credits shall allow for the maximum recognition of previous learning. 

If a transfer credit exemption is granted, your record shows the grade code EX, and no numeric grade is recorded at Georgian College. 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. 

Transfer credit exemptions are granted on an individual basis and are evaluated and approved by faculty. Transfer credits cannot be used for additional transfer credit towards a second credential. Unless otherwise noted, you must follow the transfer credit exemption petition process to be considered for all exemptions (Section 3.1.8 Transfer credit petition process). 

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 courses to be taken less than 10 years ago. You should consult with the program co-ordinator.    

3.1.2 Grade requirements

Transfer credit exemptions are only granted for course(s) taken at accredited and recognized institutions with an earned grade of 60 per cent (C) or greater; some program exceptions apply. You should review the program outline. 

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 College course can be considered as comparable and used as an exemption toward your current Georgian College 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 College’s co-op semester. For all co-op programs, you must complete at least one co-op semester while at Georgian College to ensure you meet residency requirements (Section 6.1.1 Co-op residency requirement). 

3.1.5 Communications credit (COMM)

You may receive an exemption for COMM1016 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 (C). 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 (C).   

3.1.6 General education credits (GNED)

If you have general education credits (GNED) from other accredited and recognized postsecondary institutions, you are eligible for transfer credit exemptions  

For transfer of your GNED credits to certificate and diploma programs, you must have obtained a grade of 60 per cent (C) or greater in the course. For transfer of your GNED course credits from diploma to degree programs, you must have graduated from a two-year or three-year diploma program and have obtained a graduating average of 70 per cent (B) or greater and obtained a grade of 70 per cent or greater in the course. 

3.1.7 Georgian to Georgian transfer credits 

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

3.1.8 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 (see 3.5 CPL exemption deadlines).

3.1.9 Letter of permission 

A letter of permission (LOP) is issued by Georgian College 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 4.3.3 Letters of permission). 

3.1.10 Micro-credentials and transfer credit

Micro-credentials are non-credit learning, and you cannot use them for transfer credit exemptions toward a credit program. If you have completed a micro-credential or micro-credential course(s), they may be considered for exemption through the PLAR process. (Section 3.2 Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) exemptions).

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 College 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 

  • military training and experiences including professional development, occupational training, specialist training. 

  • Micro-credentials 

If a PLAR exemption is granted, your record shows the grade code P, and no numerical grade is recorded at Georgian College. 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. Unless otherwise noted, you must follow the PLAR exemption petition process to be considered for all exemptions (Section 3.2.4 PLAR exemption petition process). 

3.2.1 PLAR assessment 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 

  • 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 within the past two years  

  • credentials (certification, accreditation, license, etc.)  

  • results of oral/written/practical challenge examination 

3.2.2 Co-op PLAR exemption

An exemption may be granted for a co-op semester from a successful PLAR assessment. The learning outcome must match at least 80 per cent of the outcomes of Georgian College’s co-op semester. For all co-op programs, you must complete at least one co-op semester while at Georgian College to ensure you meet residency requirements (Section 6.1.1 Co-op residency requirement). 

3.2.3 Micro-credentials and the PLAR process

Micro-credentials are non-credit learning, and you cannot use them for transfer credit exemptions toward a credit program. If you have completed a micro-credential or micro-credential course(s), they may be considered for exemption through the PLAR process. 

3.2.4 PLAR exemption petition process

If you wish to be assessed for PLAR to receive an exemption, you must submit a petition through the Transfer Experience System. To ensure decisions are made prior to registration, the petition and any supporting documents should be received (see 3.5 CPL exemption deadlines). For each PLAR assessment that is completed, a non-refundable fee is applied to your student account; even if the assessment is not successful. 

3.3 Advanced standing

Advanced standing applies when you can use relevant prior learning toward course exemptions in your Georgian College program to place you in a semester beyond first semester. 
You must apply through the standard admissions application process whereby admission to a program is based on meeting admission requirements and program seat availability (Section 2. Admissions). 

Below are the requirements, by credential type, that you must meet to be considered for advanced standing. Most courses are evaluated on an individual basis. 

3.3.1 Certificate to diploma 

If you are a graduate of a certificate program presenting an overall grade point average (GPA) of 60 per cent (C) or greater, you will be considered for advanced standing. 

3.3.2 Diploma to graduate certificate 

If you are a graduate of either a two-year or three-year diploma program, presenting an overall grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent (C) or greater, you will be considered for advanced standing, depending on the program match, with your current Georgian graduate certificate program. Credit may only be granted for courses with a grade of 60 per cent (C) or better; some program exceptions apply (see the program outline). 

3.3.3 Diploma to degree 

If you are a graduate of either a two-year or three-year diploma program, presenting an overall grade point average (GPA) of 70 per cent (B) or greater, you will be considered for advanced standing, depending on the program match, with your current Georgian College degree program. Credit may only be granted for courses with a grade of 60 per cent (C) or better; some program exceptions apply (see the program outline). 

3.3.4 Degree to diploma, graduate certificate, or certificate 

If you are a graduate of a degree program, presenting an overall grade point average (GPA) of 60 per cent (C) or greater, you will be considered for advanced standing, depending on the program match, with your current Georgian College program; some program exceptions apply (see program outline). 

3.3.5 Degree to degree 

If you are a graduate of either a three-year or four-year degree program, and are applying to a degree program, you may be considered for advanced standing. Credit may only be granted for courses with a grade of 65 per cent (C) or better. Some program exceptions apply (see program outline). 

3.4 Articulation and pathway agreements

3.4.1 Transfer-Out Articulation Agreements

Articulation and transfer agreements allow our graduates to enter programs at other institutions with transfer credit exemptions so that you do not 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. 

3.4.2 Transfer-In Pathway Agreements 

If you are entering Georgian College 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. Failure to disclose prior education is considered an act of academic dishonesty (Section 8. Academic integrity).

3.4.3 Pathways through partnerships

Georgian College works with university partners to develop joint degree-diploma programs to offer seamless and effective pathways for you. We are proud to partner with the following innovative postsecondary institutions: 

Unless otherwise noted, in most instances the admission, registration, awards, financial aid and graduation processes for our joint programs occur at the partner institution. Please refer to their specific websites for more information. 

Georgian College has a partnership with the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), providing select Georgian diploma programs at their Toronto Campus. This partnership combines Georgian’s experience and excellent reputation in postsecondary education, with ILAC’s solid reputation as a leading language school. 

3.5 CPL exemption deadlines

The deadline for you to make a petition for transfer credit or PLAR exemptions is at minimum two months (60 days) before the start of your program, in which the course exemptions may be granted. The petition must be complete, which includes submission for all supporting documents such as official transcripts, course outlines, resumés or other.  

General term deadlines for CPL exemption petitions are: 

Fall semester – June 1 
Winter semester – Oct. 1 
Summer semester – March 1 

Late Credit for Prior Learning exemption petitions are not guaranteed to be completed in time for your course registration or withdrawal deadlines.  (Section 4.4.1 Program withdrawal process). 

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