Sault College Prior Learning Assessment Challenge Exams

Sault CollegePrior Learning AssessmentChallenge ExamsWhat is the Challenge Exam ProcessThe Challenge Exam process refers to special tests candidates may undertake to earncredit for a specific college course without actually completing the course. It measuresan individual‟s learning achievements against course learning outcomes. Grades areawarded based on student performance on the exam and applied directly to their SaultCollege transcript.Challenge Exams have been developed for many Sault College courses.Questions to Determine Eligibility to Write a Challenge Exam Are you currently registered in the course you wish to challenge? Have you taken this course or equivalent previously? If yes, when? Do you have a failing grade on your Sault College transcript for this course?Registering for a Challenge Exam Obtain a course outline for the course from the faculty, the Chair‟s office,program coordinator or the Library. Complete a PLAR: Application for Challenge Exams in Student Services, E1101. Obtain available advance instruction from Student Services advising of any workrequired prior to writing the exam i.e. videotape of an oral presentation, writtenversion of oral presentation, computer generated resume, etc. Pay the $25 non-refundable fee in the Registrar‟s Office. On the day of the exam, bring a copy of the registration form, a receipt for theChallenge Exam fee, and any advanced material that is required.Assessing a Challenge Exam When a Challenge Exam is completed, Student Services will arrange for themarking of the exam by an appropriate faculty member. The marked exam will be returned to Student Services with a completed andsigned „Grade Change‟ form by the faculty member. Student Services will then notify the student of their grade. If the grade is accepted, the Registrar‟s Office receives the „Grade Change‟ formfor processing. The grade will then be added to the student‟s transcript and willbe included in the final GPA. “R” grades will be reported to the student but not transcripted. All grades for Challenge Exams are final and cannot be appealed.For more information please visit Student Services in Room E1101, or call 759-2554, ext. 2703.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)What is PLAR?Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition is a process that uses a variety oftools to help learners reflect on, identify, articulate and demonstrate pastlearning, which has been acquired through study, work and other lifeexperiences, and is NOT recognized through the advance credit transfer process(i.e. credit for a course completed at an established college or university).In Ontario‟s colleges, the PLAR system currently evaluates prior learning andrelates it to existing courses through challenge evaluation and portfolioassessment, for the purpose of granting college credit.Who is Eligible?To be eligible for prior learning assessment and recognition a candidate must beat least 19 years of age or a secondary school graduate.What is the Cost?Challenge Exam - $25 per examPortfolio Assessment - $100 per courseThe fees may be paid by cash, cheque, or credit card at the Registrar’s Office.What are the Assessment Methods?There are a variety of methods used to evaluate prior learning and translate itinto college level credit. They can be combined into two major categories.The Challenge Evaluation Process includes a variety of evaluation activitiesundertaken to demonstrate learning for credit in specific courses.The Portfolio Development Process is a collection of materials in whichdocumented prior learning is used to request college credit.