What is P.L.A.R.? 
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (P.L.A.R.) recognizes an individuals acquired skills and  knowledge; no matter how, when or where the learning occurred.
The persons skills and knowledge are assessed against approved occupational standards. Full or partial qualification can be achieved, where necessary further training in specific areas are identified and addressed.

 

 Why P.L.A.R.?
 
Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing a demand for trained,
 competent and certified workers.
 The use of the PLAR system will make available to industries
 certified workers who meet required occupational standards.
 Participants will be awarded the CVQ (Caribbean
 Vocational Qualification) upon successful completion.

 

 Role Of The Assessor
 The Assessors will work with the National Training Agency to conduct the assessment of candidates.
 The P.L.A.R. Assessors will: 

  •  Screen and orient candidates
  •  Assess candidates competence against required standards
  •  Make recommendations for certification


Links
 

       Click here for the P.L.A.R Application Form


     

Q.What is PLAR?
A.Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition
PLAR is defined as the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired by experience or exposure to a particular field of knowledge or occupation.

Q.What does PLAR Do?
A.PLAR recognizes a persons skills and knowledge no matter how, when or where the learning took place, including:
- Work Experience
- On the Job Training
- Courses from private organizations
- Seminars and Workshops
- Independent Study
- Volunteers work and Community activities

Q.What are the tools of the assessment?

-Competency standards
-Application / Interview
-Portfolio Evidence
-Reporting Forms
-External Assessors

Q.What are the benefits of PLAR?

Formal paper certification

Better job opportunities

Job classification/ Promotion

Reduced certification time

Accommodates for working people

Employment opportunities under CME


Q.What is the Process for acquiring PLAR Certification?

- Application
- Orientation
- Interview
- Skills Test
- Knowledge Test

Q.What are the entry requirements for participation in PLAR?

- Two (2) years experience in skill area
- Availability of evidence
- Literacy and numeracy at the level of certification applied for

Q.What are the Occupational areas offered in PLAR?

- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Electrical Installation
- Welding

Q.Would PLAR train persons?
A. No. PLAR is an assessment programme that assesses skills a person has acquired through some informal means.

Q. Can a person apply for more that one skill/occupational area?
A. Yes. Once that person can prove that he/she is competent and skilled in the occupational area.

Q. Can we use the TTNVQ/CVQ Level 2 to entry into Level 3?
A. Presently the NTA is devising a strategy that will allow a person to use the TTNVQ/CVQ to gain entry in the Level 3 Programmes offered by Tertiary providers.