Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process by which individuals can gain credit towards recognizable professional TVET Council qualifications, based on the evidence from past experiences, work, and formal and non-formal learning experiences gained in a skill over a period of time. These experiences may be a result of a formal learning environment such as training institutions, workshops, seminars, conferences, and workplace experiences be it paid or voluntary, or in an informal environment such as self-directed study and research. The process involves the identification, documentation, and assessment of prior learning to determine competency against industry-established occupational standards.

A candidate for PLAR must provide evidence of competence to prove he/she successfully met the specified criteria, and if so then he/she will be awarded a recognized professional certification. This process involves the assessment of a full range of an individual’s knowledge, skills and attitudes as they relate to an occupational area and the acknowledgement of these according to the level of performance as determined by the industry.   

The goal of PLAR is to assist in the development of individuals within the workforce by recognizing and awarding certification for learning acquired through formal and informal study.