DAOD 5031-1, Canadian Armed Forces Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Date of Issue: 1999-07-05
Date of Last Modification: 2025-12-17
Date of Last Review: 2025-12-17
Application: This DAOD is an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).
Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)
Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)
2. Definitions
civilian trade-qualified applicant (candidat possédant une qualification professionnelle civile)
In relation to the Military Occupation List, a semi-skilled civilian applicant who possesses technical, vocational or professional civilian credentials that qualifies them to an advanced occupational level. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697249)
equivalency (équivalence)
The recognition by the CAF of training, education or experience.
Note – An equivalency to a national qualification may be partial or full. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 43063)
military occupation list (liste des groupes professionnels militaires)
The document in which CAF occupation authorities identify incentives for individuals applying for an eligible occupation. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697272)
military occupation qualified applicant (candidat qualifié dans un groupe professionnel militaire)
In relation to the Military Occupation List, a skilled applicant who has attained the occupational functional point for a specific occupation, qualifying them for immediate employment.
Note – A skilled applicant includes CAF members undergoing a component transfer or former military members. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697273)
performance objective (objectif de rendement)
In individual training and education, a statement of the job performance standards to be met and the conditions under which they are performed.
Note – POs are defined in the qualification standard. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 23089)
post-secondary diploma/certificate applicant (candidat possédant un diplôme/certificat d’études postsecondaires)
In relation to the Military Occupation List, a semi-skilled civilian applicant who possesses a diploma or certificate issued by a Canadian post-secondary institution in an area that closely corresponds to a majority of the initial military occupation training. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697276)
prior learning assessment and recognition (évaluation et reconnaissance des acquis)
The process of evaluating an individual’s prior training, education and experience to grant a certification or a full or partial national qualification. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 695076)
national qualification (qualification nationale)
A qualification linked to Military Employment Structure specification requirements.
Note: Under the authority of Chief of Military Personnel, each NQual is assigned a four-letter code. (Defense Terminology Bank number 47862)
qualification standard (norme de qualification)
An individual training and education control document that describes the standard of performance, for national qualification recognition, as derived from Military Employment Structure requirements.
Note – One or more national qualifications may be linked to a qualification standard. (Defence Terminology Bank number 43207)
recognition of prior learning and experience (reconnaissance des acquis)
A CAF framework for the management of equivalencies. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697278)
semi-skilled applicant (candidat semi-qualifié)
A CAF member or civilian applicant who has prior recognized education, training or experience that aligns with a majority of initial or advanced military occupation training. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697282)
skilled applicant (candidat qualifié)
A CAF member or civilian applicant who attained the occupational functional point for a Regular Force or Reserve Force occupation. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697284)
3. Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Complete word or phrase |
|---|---|
| BPSO (OSPB) | Base Personnel Selection Officer |
| CAF 3E (FAC 3E) | Canadian Armed Forces Education-Experience-Equivalency |
| CBI (DRAS) | Compensation and Benefits Instructions |
| CFRC (CRFC) | Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre |
| CFRG (GRFC) | Canadian Forces Recruiting Group |
| CFRIMS (SGIRFC) | Canadian Forces Recruiting Information Management System |
| CMOT (TOGPM) | compulsory military occupation transfer |
| CMP (CPM) | Chief of Military Personnel |
| CT (MEC) | component transfer |
| DMCPG (DPGCM) | Director Military Career Policy and Grievances |
| DTA (RDF) | Designated Training Authority |
| HQ (QG) | headquarters |
| IT&E FCoE (CEF en II et E) | functional centre of expertise in individual instruction and education |
| IT&E (II et E) | individual training & education |
| MOL (LGPM) | Military Occupation List |
| MOT (TGPM) | military occupation transfer |
| NCM (MR) | non-commissioned member |
| NCMSTEP (PIES-MR) | Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan |
| NQUAL (Qual N) | National qualification |
| OA (AGPM) | occupation authority |
| OFP (NPC) | occupational functional point |
| PIRA (ÉSIR) | pay increment and recruitment allowances |
| PLAR (ÉRA) | prior learning assessment and recognition |
| PO (OREN) | performance objective |
| PSI (ÉEPS) | post-secondary institution |
| QS (NORQUAL) | qualification standard |
| Reg F (F rég) | Regular Force |
| RPL&E (RA) | recognition of prior learning and experience |
| TA (RF) | training authority |
| TASM (GSRF) | training authority system management |
| TCP (ACA) | Time Credit for Promotion |
| TE (ÉF) | training establishment |
| VMOT (TVGPM) | voluntary military occupation transfer |
4. Overview
Context
4.1 For personnel to be effective in the performance of their duties and tasks, they require a range of organizational and functional (occupation specific) competencies that are most often gained via formal CAF training and education. CAF training and education assures that personnel are provided with the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform their assigned tasks and missions. As training and education requires significant expenditure of resources, if possible and appropriate, formal recognition of prior learning that aligns with organizational needs must be leveraged when recruiting and retaining personnel.
4.2 In a complex and competitive labour market, leveraging and recognizing prior learning to its fullest extent is a fundamental aspect of attracting and retaining CAF members. As such, the Canadian Armed Forces Professional Development System guiding principles support the RPL&E in seeking alternative pathways to attaining the skills, knowledge and attitudes articulated in each Developmental Period.
4.3 The CAF must leverage RPL&E to:
- reduce the amount of time required for CAF training and education;
- reduce the cost to the CAF associated with obtaining NQuals;
- encourage the personal and professional development of CAF members; and
- contribute to the achievement of institutional goals by diversifying CAF members’ educational experience, supporting openness and enhancing inclusivity.
Recognition of Prior Learning Experience
4.4 The aim of CAF RPL&E is to recognize non-CAF or CAF prior learning and experience to facilitate the recruitment of skilled and semi-skilled personnel, enable personnel to bypass unnecessary and redundant training, optimize the expenditure of CAF resources and increase attraction and retention. RPL&E can result in:
- granting a partial or full equivalency for a military qualification against a prescribed standard; and
- on enrolment, incentivizing the acquisition of a degree, post-secondary certificate or diploma, or civilian trade qualification to bypass some or all of military training in order to obtain a qualification.
4.5 RPL&E is available to both applicants on enrolment to the CAF and serving CAF members. The mechanism used to apply the RPL&E framework to obtain an equivalency is the PLAR. There are two groups who may seek an equivalency:
- for persons seeking enrolment in the CAF (PLAR-in), an equivalency may be offered for applicants with:
- non-CAF previous education, experience or both;
- foreign military service;
- foreign education, credentials or both; and
- prior CAF service;
- for CAF members (PLAR-serving), an equivalency may be offered:
- for various courses taken outside Canada acquired while in service (e.g., North Atlantic Treaty Organization courses);
- for education undertaken by service members or experience acquired using their own means (e.g., specialized training, bachelor’s or master’s degrees, etc.); or
- when undergoing a CT or MOT, in recognition of previously acquired military qualifications, experience, specialized education or training related to the targeted occupation for CT or MOT.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
4.6 The PLAR process is used by the CAF to assess an individual’s prior learning and experience. This assessment may result in the awarding of a partial or full equivalency of NQuals.
4.7 The following are the two types of assessment methodologies:
- challenge process is a method of assessment that:
- is developed and evaluated by subject matter experts, to measure learning achievements of an individual against the POs from the QS or against the performance requirements within the applicable specification if there is no QS for a NQual; and
- measures demonstrated learning through a variety of evaluation methods that may include practical evaluations, interviews or other evaluation tools for the purpose of awarding a partial or full equivalency and enabling the individual to bypass some or all of the training; and
- portfolio assessment is a method of assessment that:
- involves the evaluation of an organized collection of documents developed by a PLAR applicant;
- records learning achievements and documented experience; and
- aligns learning achievements and documented experience to the POs of the targeted NQual.
Note – Both types of PLAR methodologies can be used in combination in a PLAR request as determined by the TA or DTA.
4.8 The following general principles should be adhered to when conducting PLARs:
- the assessments must be performed without discrimination because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered;
- the assessors must be free from conflicts of interest, and recuse themselves from cases if there is a possible appearance of conflict of interest;
- the assessors must undertake bias training to mitigate potential personal and institutional biases in order to support inclusion and diversity;
- the PLARs should be completed as expeditiously as possible;
- holders of international academic credentials must be made aware of the Canadian academic credential assessment services;
- the PLAR procedures must be consistent, clear, rational and reliable to ensure that all applicants and CAF members receive fair treatment;
- the procedures used for PLAR must be periodically reviewed to improve clarity and streamline the process when possible;
- the process digitization should be maximized to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of PLAR processing; and
- the assessment methodologies must be equally accessible by all individuals and must be implemented to ensure accommodation as required and in accordance with applicable Canadian law.
PLAR Process
4.9 The following describes the major components of the PLAR process:
- Initiation, when:
- an applicant recognizes there are possible qualifications for which they may be eligible for an equivalency; and
- the parent unit provides assistance to the applicant in submitting a PLAR request and supporting documentation;
- self-assessment, when an applicant evaluates achievements in relation to the qualification being sought;
- assessment, when the PLAR file is submitted to the appropriate level of authority for each qualification sought and the authority:
- liaises with the applicable agency to assist with the assessment; and
- decides to grant the equivalency or not in accordance with their PLAR process;
- CAF IT&E System Integration, when:
- the decisions must be communicated to the applicant, the CFRG, the parent unit, the career manager or any other relevant organization;
- the CAF member qualifications are recorded in the official system of record; and
- the TA or DTA must have a plan to address training gaps and integrate CAF members that are considered semi-skilled.
Equivalency
4.10 The result of the PLAR process is the decision on whether an equivalency for a full or partial NQual is granted or not. This is the formal acknowledgment that prior learning is equivalent to the current NQual.
5. Process for Granting an Equivalency on Enrolment
Requesting a PLAR on enrolment (PLAR-in)
5.1 A PLAR is conducted when the prior learning of an applicant seeking enrolment in the CAF, including applicants with previous foreign service or foreign education credentials, could result in the granting of a CAF equivalency.
5.2 A PLAR for a CAF applicant will be requested by a CFRC on their behalf. Incentive options are available through the MOL.
MOL Management
5.3 On enrolment, incentives are offered for granting an equivalency to CAF applicants as follows:
- with a view to enable graduates of post-secondary institutions to bypass the majority of the initial or advanced training needed to reach OFP; and that have previously attained OFP in the target occupation.
5.4 The MOL outlines the list of incentives offered to CAF applicants on enrolment or CAF members on transfer, and contains the following sections:
- PIRA MOL which contains the following lists:
- Pay increments and other incentives including rank and pay increment on enrolment, TCP and military training that will be bypassed for CAF applicants or members deemed to be skilled or semi-skilled; and
- recruitment allowances, which are amounts paid in one or more lump sums to eligible individuals enrolling in understrength military occupations. Applicant categories, associated with different recruitment allowances, include:
- Post-Secondary Diploma/Certificate,
- Civilian Trade Qualified; or
- Military Occupation Qualified; and
- NCMSTEP MOL which contains the following lists:
- NCM military occupations for subsidized training or education;
- applicable post-secondary training and educational institutions and authorized courses of study, through which NCMs may receive subsidized training or education; and
- career profiles which outline the early career progression for those military occupations.
5.5 The MOL is reviewed annually to assess its continuing relevance and adherence to policy. MOL-related information is stored in the CAF 3E Portal.
Note: The MOL contains an extensive list of pre-approved incentives, thereby enabling CFRG HQ and DMCPG in the provision of enrolment or transfer offers. The MOL is to be consulted prior to the initiation of a PLAR to determine whether a full or partial equivalency can be automatically granted to the applicant. Cases may arise where an applicant’s prior learning and experience do not fully align with what is included on the MOL but appears to be of potential military value. For cases not explicitly stated on the MOL, the PLAR process detailed at para 5.6 applies.
5.6 The following table outlines the PLAR request process for an applicant seeking enrolment in the CAF:
| Step | Who does it? | What happens? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CFRC |
|
| 2 | CFRG HQ |
|
| 3 | Applicant |
|
| 4 | TA, DTA or OA (if required) |
|
| 5a | TE or IT&E FCoE |
|
| 5b | TA, DTA or OA (if required) |
|
| 6 | TA, DTA, OA (if required), TE or IT&E FCoE |
|
| 7 | CFRG HQ |
|
| 8 | TA, DTA or OA (if required) |
|
6. Process for Granting an Equivalency for CAF Members
6.1 A PLAR may be requested by a CAF member:
- seeking an equivalency; or
- with assistance from DMCPG in the case of a CT or VMOT and CMOT.
6.2 A PLAR is normally conducted if the prior learning of a CAF member, including those on CT or VMOT and CMOT, could result in:
- a reduction or elimination of future training and education time for progression in the military occupation of a CAF member or in a military occupation to which the member is in the process of transferring; or
- a recognition of a qualification that is useful to future CAF activities, for example, non-occupation specialty skills.
PLAR Process (PLAR-serving)
6.3 The following table outlines the PLAR request process for a CAF member. There are three situations when CAF members might request a PLAR:
| Step | Who is Responsible with Associated Task | A CAF Member Seeking an Equivalency | A CAF Member Requesting a CT | CAF Member Undergoing a VMOT or CMOT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CAF member
|
X | X | X |
| 2 | Parent unit:
|
X | X | X |
| 3 | BPSO:
|
|
X | |
| 4 | TA, DTA or OA (if required):
|
X | X If DMCPG is not authorized to conduct PLAR |
X |
| 5 | DMCPG:
|
X | ||
| 6 | TA, DTA, OA (if required) or TE or IT&E FCoE:
|
X | X If DMCPG is not authorized to conduct PLAR |
X |
| 7 | Appropriate level of authority for the sought qualification (TA, DTA, OA (if required) or TE or IT&E FCoE):
|
X | X | |
| 8a | Appropriate level of authority for the sought qualification (TA, DTA, OA (if required) or TE or IT&E FCoE): If requested PLAR is supported, and equivalency granted:
|
X | ||
| 8b | Appropriate level of authority for the sought qualification (TA, DTA, OA (if required) or TE or IT&E FcoE): If requested PLAR is supported, and equivalency granted:
|
X | X | |
| 8c | Appropriate level of authority for the sought qualification (TA, DTA, OA (if required) or TE or IT&E FCoE): If requested PLAR is not supported, and equivalency not granted:
|
X | X | X |
| 9 | DMCPG:
|
X | X |
7. Compliance and Consequences
Compliance
7.1 CAF members must comply with this DAOD. Should clarification of the policies or instructions set out in this DAOD be required, CAF members may seek direction through their chain of command. Military supervisors have the primary responsibility for and means of ensuring the compliance of CAF members with this DAOD.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
7.2 CAF members are accountable to their military supervisors for any failure to comply with the direction set out in this DAOD. Non-compliance with this DAOD may result in administrative or disciplinary action, or both, for a CAF member. Non-compliance may also result in the imposition of liability on the part of Her Majesty in right of Canada and CAF members.
8. Responsibilities
Responsibility Table
8.1 The following table identifies the responsibilities associated with this DAOD:
| The, a or an … | is or are responsible for… |
|---|---|
| Director General Military Personnel Generation |
|
| Director General Professional Development Strategic |
|
| DPGR |
|
TA and DTA |
|
| OA |
|
| CFRG HQ (for CAF applicants) |
|
| CFRC (for CAF applicants) |
|
| DMCPG (for CT applicants from the Reserve Force to the Reg F, and VMOT or CMOT within the Reg F) |
|
| TE |
|
| IT&E FCoE |
|
| CAF Member parent unit |
|
| BPSO |
|
| PLAR assessor |
|
| CAF members |
|
9. References
Acts, Reguations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD
- Canadian Human Rights Act
- Accessible Canada Act
- Employment Equity Act
- Official Languages Act
- Veteran Well-being Act
- CBI 204.015, Pay Increments
- CBI 204.511, Pay Increments – Reserve Force
- CBI 205.525, Recruitment Allowance (RA)
- DAOD 1000-7, Policy Framework for Military Personnel Management
- DAOD 5031-0, Learning and Professional Development
Other References
- DAOD 5002-1, Enrolment
- DAOD 5002-3, Component and Sub-Component Transfer
- DAOD 5002-7, Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan – Regular Force
- DAOD 5031-2, Canadian Armed Forces Individual Training and Education System
- DAOD 5031-5, Canadian Forces Continuing Education Program
- DAOD 5031-6, Military Civilian Training Accreditation Program
- DAOD 5031-8, Canadian armed Forces Professional Development
- DAOD 5046-0, Alternative Dispute Resolution
- DAOD 5047-1, Office of the Ombudsman
- DAOD 5516-1, Human Rights Complaints
- DAOD 5516-5, Learning Disability Accommodation during Recruiting, Training and Education
- CFAO 11-12, Occupation Transfer of Non-Commissioned Members - Regular Force
- CFAO 49-4, Career Policy Non-commissioned Members Regular Force
- CFAO 49-5, Career Policy Non-commissioned Member Primary Reserve
- CFAO 49-10, Terms of Service - Officers - Primary Reserve
- CFAO 49-11, Terms of Service Non-commissioned Members Primary Reserve
- CFAO 49-12, Promotion Policy - Officers - Primary Reserve
- CANFORGEN 002/11, CF Retention Strategy Improved Procedures to Return to Regular Force Service
- A-P9-050-000/PT-Z01, Vol 1 (1), Manual of Individual Training and Education, Glossary
- A-P9-050-000/PT-012, Volume 12, Manual of Individual Training, Canadian Forces Military Equivalencies Programme, Prior Learning Assessment
- CAF Mil Pers Instr 01/21, Canadian Armed Forces Self Development Program (CAFSDP)
- CAF Mil Pers Instr 03/08, CF Component Transfer
- Joint CDS/DM Directive - Operation Generation, dated 28 May 2018
- Pan-Canadian Quality Assurance Framework for the assessment of International Academic Credentials website.
- Director Personnel Generation Requirements website
- CAF ACE Portal website
- Request for Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR) Form DND 2963-E