(This page is part of the official Academic Calendar)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the assessment processes that are used to evaluate and provide recognition for the knowledge, skills and attitudes that people have acquired in their lives which includes formal learning, non-formal learning and informal learning. Credit obtained through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, acknowledges learning that may have taken place in a venue other than a traditional post-secondary classroom.
RPL can take various forms, Advanced Placement (AP), Challenge Exam (A-F or WD), Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PL), or Transfer Credit (TR), and the associated outcomes can be used for different purposes relevant to the individual's educational program at RDC.
High school students who took courses designated as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Tech Prep can apply for a prior learning assessment.
To qualify for a Red Deer College program credential, students must complete at least 50 per cent of the credit requirements for the credential through enrolment in RDC courses unless a formal agreement for alternate pathways has been approved by the Vice President Academic.
PLAR applicants must complete an RPL application form, and must provide the College Assessors with any and all transcripts, course outlines/descriptions, or other documentation necessary to support their PLAR application.
RDC uses a “Course Credit” model of granting PLAR credit. Therefore, any credit awards using this process will be based on the applicant meeting the requisite course outcomes and/or demonstrated competencies specific to current College course curricula. RDC does not grant PLAR credit on a program level, nor will the College grant unspecified PLAR credit.
It is the responsibility of the applicant or student to provide the assessors of Red Deer College with any transcripts, course outlines, or descriptions, or any other documentation necessary to support the prior learning application.
If a PLAR process is approved, assessment may take the form of:
If credit is granted via this process, the information will appear on the College transcript as "PL", with the appropriate credit weight attached, but no grade is assigned.
Many universities will not recognize a grade of "PL" on an official transcript, students should check with the receiving institution before initiating a PLAR process.
Recognition of prior learning applications that are not approved may be appealed to the Registrar. The Registrar’s decision is final.
A Recognition of Prior Learning fee may be levied to support the assessment process. The RDC Assessor will determine if a fee is applicable and will notify the applicant after submission of the initial application. All RPL fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. Refer to Other Fees.
In order to receive recognition of prior learning by the College, the individual requesting the prior learning assessment must have applied and/or been admitted to a credit program at Red Deer College. Students do not have to be registered in a course to apply for RPL.
To apply for RPL, compete the RPL Application form and email it to rpl [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca.
Please submit RPL applications at least eight weeks prior to the commencement of courses. Applications received after April 15 may not be completed prior to the beginning of the Fall term. Students registering for programs and courses commencing in the Fall term must file completed Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application forms before the Add/Drop date in the Fall term for courses in which they are registered, in order for credit to be applied to that term.
Students seeking RPL for courses commencing in the Winter Term, must file RPL applications before the Add/Drop date in the Winter term for courses in which they are registered, in order for credit to be applied to that term - before December is recommended. The same provisions are in effect for the Spring term.
If students apply for a Prior Learning Assessment for a course in which they are currently registered, they will be expected to produce the relevant documentation, and/or complete the requisite assessment within the first two weeks of the term in which they are registered in the course.
RPL applications for transfer credit assessment require official transcripts (required for admission to RDC, as well). Other supporting documentation, academic course outlines or descriptions, may be attached to the RPL application.
For more information email: rpl [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca.
Not all RDC courses are eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, Transfer Credit, Challenge or Advanced Placement. Restricted courses are identified in the Course Descriptions.
Credit granted via RPL may affect the status of funded students, and eligibility for scholarships. Students who are eligible for scholarships and/or bursaries should check with the Student Funding & Awards office at RDC, to ascertain if an RPL credit award will affect their eligibility.