Recognition of Prior Learning
There are several ways you may obtain Centennial College credit for prior learning.
Transfer Credit
You may be granted transfer credit at Centennial for courses you have taken at an accredited post-secondary college or university. Pass/Fail courses are not eligible for transfer credit. For the transfer credit application process and deadlines, visit the Transfer Credit webpage.
It is strongly suggested that you keep a copy of your course outlines/syllabi from previous courses at other institutions. These will be needed to apply for transfer credit. You should also keep your Centennial course outlines for future use in the event you would like to apply for transfer credit at other institutions.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR helps you demonstrate learning acquired through past study, work, or other experiences that are not recognized through formal transfer of credit mechanisms.
You may obtain PLAR credit by going through a challenge process, which may include an exam, interview, portfolio, or other mechanism. For the PLAR application process, visit the PLAR webpage.
Articulation Agreement/Advanced Standing
An academic partnership agreement between Centennial and another institution may recognize prior learning at that institution by way of granting admission to a Centennial program at an entry point beyond the first semester (block transfer credit) or individual Centennial course transfer credit. Students who have been granted admission to Centennial College under articulation agreements should contact their Success Advisor if they are not sure that advanced standing or transfer credit eligible under the agreement has been applied to their academic record. Permission to obtain additional transfer credits beyond the articulation agreement will depend on the terms of the agreement.
Equivalent/Substitute Credit
You will receive credit towards completion of your program for previous completion of the same or an equivalent Centennial College course. If the course codes are identical or if an equivalency has been established, the credit will automatically be granted toward the completion of your current program.
Key Policies
SSW Field Placement
The Centennial College SSW program is governed by the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (1998); therefore, we must adhere to the criteria set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Scope of Practice criteria set by the regulations of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers where SSW students must complete 500—700 hours of fieldwork.
Hence, the Centennial College Social Service Worker Program must be able to attest that a student has successfully completed the above requirements and the SSW Program Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes to graduate; therefore, field placement is a mandatory part of the SSW program requirements for students to graduate from the program.
Note: Students CANNOT PLAR both Field Placement Courses and must complete a minimum of one Centennial College Field Placement Course to be eligible to graduate from the SSW program. Students can only PLAR Field Placement 1 if they meet all requirements.
Important Notice: SSWR 401-Field Seminar and SSWR 402-Field Placement 2 are NOT available for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in the Social Service Worker Program.
In addition, if a student registers in the SSW and is a graduate from another program and wishes to PLAR Field Placement 1, they must compare their previous field placement learning outcomes with the SSW field placement learning outcomes to ensure they match 80% of the SSW Field Placement 1 before considering PLAR. All incoming students must complete Field Placement 2, with no exceptions.
