5031-3 Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Process

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Order (CJCR Gp O)

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2017-08-22

Date of Verification: n/a

Application: This is an order that applies to COATS applicants and Canadian Armed Forces members who provide support to the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers.

Supersession: CATO 23-03, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Process

Approval Authority: This order is issued under the authority of the DComd CJCR Gp.

Office of Primary Interest (OPI): CJCR Gp HQ J1

2. Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Complete Word or Phrase
PLAR	prior learning assessment and recognition

3. Definitions

Equivalency.

An equivalency is the recognition and acceptance of training or educational qualifications and/or experiential knowledge by the CAF.

Prior learning
assessment and recognition.

PLAR is the formal process used to evaluate, accept, and recognize prior learning. An evaluation is conducted to establish to what extent the prior learning equates to the learning outcomes and standards of current CAF training and education.

Skill decay.

Skill decay is a loss of learned skills over a period of time.

4. Policy

Context

• 4.1 A PLAR is conducted to save the CAF future training resources by granting individuals with the qualifications associated with CIC training and/or granting a rank higher than the one normally given upon enrolment based on their prior academic and/or experiential knowledge.

Policy

• 4.2 The CJCR Gp shall recognize training/education by granting the qualifications associated with CIC training where such knowledge and skills are judged by the CJCR Gp as being equivalent to knowledge and skills that would be acquired as a result of CIC training.
• 4.3 Applicants who have not practiced/performed a learned skill(s) for an extended period of time may be required to take the training again due to skill decay.
• 4.4 A PLAR submission is not required for CIC occupational qualifications if the member has been inactive for less than five years.

Requirements

• 4.5 A PLAR shall be requested when:
  1. a former CAF member enrols into the CIC;
  2. a CAF member requests a component/sub-component transfer to CIC;
  3. a CAF member requests a sub-component transfer as a COATS General Service Officer or NCM and is seeking a CIC specialty qualification;
  4. a former CIC officer re-enrols into the CIC five years or more since their release date from the CAF or transfer to Supp Res;
  5. a former CIC officer re-enrols into the CIC and is requesting speciality qualifications; or
  6. a CIC applicant or an active CIC officer obtains training, education qualifications, skills and/or experiential knowledge outside of the CAF.

5. Assessment Factors

Factors Considered

• 5.1 PLARs are assessed on a case-by-case basis. When a PLAR is assessed, the following three main factors will be considered:
  1. military knowledge, skills, experience, and qualifications;
  2. youth-related (civilian or military) knowledge, skills, experience, and qualifications; and
  3. knowledge and understanding of the Cadet Program in general, including its structure, policies and procedures.
• 5.2 To be granted a qualification associated with CIC training, the applicant must be able to perform required tasks in the same manner and to the same standards as someone who successfully completed the equivalent training.

6. Process

• 6.1 The applicant will complete DND 4297 and send the form and copies of supporting documentation to the RCSU J1 section.
• 6.2 The RCSU J1 HRO will verify the content of the application and the supporting documentation and will forward the package electronically to CJCR Gp HQ J1 Employment.
• 6.3 The decision of the PLAR will be communicated to the RCSU by electronic message. The RCSU will inform the applicant of the results and a copy of the decision message shall be placed in the applicant’s personnel file.

Granting of Rank

• 6.4 If a rank has been authorized, the RCSU may promote the member to the indicated rank IAW CJCR Gp Order 5511-1, Promotions – Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service Members.

COATS General Service Officers

• 6.5 COATS General Service Officers are transferred in their substantive rank. No further training is required unless the member is considered for promotion. A PLAR submission is not required.

CAF NCM Transferring to CIC Officer

• 6.6 CAF NCMs who are transferring as a CIC officer are commissioned to the appropriate rank IAW CJCR Gp Order 5511-1, Promotions – Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service Members. No further training is required unless the member is considered for promotion. A PLAR submission is not required.

Granting Qualifications Associated with CIC Training

• 6.7 The CJCR Gp HQ Military Individual Training and Education Training Authority System Manager will record the equivalency by inputting the qualification. The qualification will appear on the Member’s Personnel Record Resume, however the course will not.

Completing Portions of a Course

• 6.8 When the member has been granted portions of a course, the RCSU J35 CIC Training Program Training Officer will contact the member to arrange for completion of the outstanding portions of the course(s). Portions of training awarded as a result of a PLAR will be clearly designated as such on course reports.
• 6.9 An applicant will be paid only for the portions of courses they attend.

Appeal of the Decision

• 6.10 If the member is not satisfied with the decision, the member shall provide additional information and the PLAR will be re-assessed.

7. Publication

Frequency of Publication

• 7.1 Annual or more frequent review and updates, as required.

Errors/Omissions or Suggestions

• 7.1 Users of CJCR Gp Orders are encouraged to bring any errors, omissions or suggested orders to the attention of CJCR Gp HQ J1 Policy.

8. References

Source References

• DAOD 5031-1, Canadian Forces Military Equivalencies Program
• DAOD 5031-2, Individual Training and Education Strategic Framework

Related References

• A-P9-050-000/PT-012, CF Manual of Individual Training and Education, Volume 12, CF Military Equivalencies Program (Prior Learning Assessment)
• CATO 24-01, Cadet Instructors Cadre Professional Development System
• CF Equivalency Database
• CJCR Gp Order 5511-1, Promotions – Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service Members

9. Form

• DND 4297 COATS – PLAR