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Credit Transfers and PLAR

Have you completed courses before or gained relevant work or life experience? You may be eligible to receive credit toward your program at Holland College.

This page will guide you through how to apply, what to expect, and important policies to know before you begin.

Questions? 

Email Rebeca
Student Services Advisor
Academic Pathways

Credit Transfer vs PLAR

Credit Transfer applies to previously completed academic courses at another recognized institution.

PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) applies to skills and knowledge gained through work or life experience.

Both options are assessed individually to determine if they meet Holland College course requirements.

How to Apply for Credit Transfer

  • Step 1: Identify courses you have previously completed that are similar to Holland College courses.
  • Step 2: Complete the Credit Transfer Application Form.
  • Step 3: Attach your transcript and detailed course syllabi.
  • Step 4: Email your documents to transfercredits@hollandcollege.com.
  • Step 5: Continue attending your classes until you receive a decision.

Required Documents

  • Official or unofficial transcript
    • Course outlines or syllabi for each course
    • Certified English translations (if documents are not in English)

Key Policies

  • You can get credit for up to 70% of your program requirements through transfer credit and PLAR.
    • Courses completed more than 10 years ago are not eligible.
    • Each course is assessed individually.
    • You may apply for multiple courses at once.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is for students who have significant work and life experience and learning which may be equivalent to college courses. You should be able to identify learning acquired in different situations and places of work. The learning should be current, relevant to the course for which PLAR is requested and of sufficient breadth and depth to ensure college level learning.

You may be eligible to PLAR a course if:

  • You have several years of experience working in the specific field that encompasses the content of the course.
  • You have taken a similar course or workshop that cannot be transferred from another institution.
  • You have attended several seminars or workshops, or volunteered in an area relevant to the course you wish to PLAR;
  • You score above the indicated mark on the self-assessment found in the Resource Guide for the course.

Your prior learning may be assessed by one or both of the following methods:

Challenge for Credit
The skills, knowledge, and abilities contained in a course are assessed by an exam, an interview, project completion, demonstrations and/or simulations.

Portfolio
A detailed collection of documents and proof of learning that is assembled by the student to demonstrate appropriate prior learning.

Regular course fees will be charged for PLAR.

The PLAR process should be completed during the same semester as the regular course offering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if my credits are denied?

If your credit transfer request is not approved, you will need to complete the course at Holland College as part of your program requirements. You will be notified of the decision, and you can reach out for clarification if needed.

 

When is the deadline to apply for credit transfers?

The deadline for credit transfer applications is outlined in the Academic Calendar on the Holland College website. Be sure to review it carefully to ensure you submit within the appropriate timeframe.

 

Is there a fee to apply?

No. There is no fee to submit a credit transfer application at Holland College.

While there is no fee for the application itself, students are responsible for any costs related to obtaining official transcripts or certified document translations.

 

My documents are not in English, what is the process?

If your transcripts or course syllabi are in another language, you must submit official translated copies along with the original documents.

 

When should I hear back?

Credit transfer requests are typically reviewed on a semester basis. This allows students to compare their current courses with previously completed ones. Credit transfer requests are reviewed on a semester basis. Most students receive a decision within 1–4 weeks after the review period, depending on application volume and completeness.

 

How many courses can I transfer?

Students can get credit for up to 70% of their program requirements through transfer credit and PLAR. Each course is assessed individually to ensure it meets Holland College standards and each program requirements.

 

Can I submit multiple courses at once?

Yes, you can submit multiple courses in a single application. This is recommended if you have several potential transfer credits.

 

Are there any restrictions on how old my credits can be?

Yes. Courses completed more than 10 years ago will not be considered for credit transfer.

 

I’ve failed or withdrawn from a course that’s required for graduation. What can I do to make up the credit?

You should first seek academic advisement from your program to determine if you are eligible for pre-approval of credit. Pre-approval may allow you to complete an equivalent course at another recognized post-secondary institution. You must submit a credit transfer or prior learning application and receive approval before enrolling in the external course.

 

What is pre-approval and when should I request it?

Pre-approval allows you to confirm in advance whether a course taken at another institution will be accepted for credit. This is strongly recommended before enrolling in an external course.