Exemptions and Prior Learning Assessments

It is recognized that some people who wish to build or enhance their skills and knowledge in the area of return to work may have been involved in previous study and learning that covers aspects of this interdisciplinary field. There are two ways to obtain recognition for existing skills and knowledge in the Return to Work Coordinator Program. These are:

Exemptions
Prior Learning Assessments

Exemptions and Prior Learning Assessments are only available to be applied when an individual intends to enroll in and receive a certificate of completion for the entire 25-module program, and that individual has had previous education in a particular module subject area. No more than six of the 25 modules may be replaced with Exemptions and/or Prior Learning Assessment credits.

Exemptions

Participants who have completed a university or college course on the same topic as one of the online module topics within the last five years may request an exemption by providing a copy of their transcript.

Formal courses from other organizations or institutions may be accepted if a transcript can be provided along with a description of how the learning was evaluated and an indication that the course was equivalent in content, level and length to the Return to Work Coordinator online module.

Participants who have taught a course with the same subject matter at a university or college level within the last three years should send proof of their appointment and a syllabus or outline of the course content. (This need not be a credit course but the level of skills and knowledge should be similar to what would be provided at a college or university.)

In addition, currently licensed nurses, occupational therapists or physical therapists can gain an exemption from Module C, Physical Impairments, Rehabilitation and Return to Work; currently registered psychologists or psychiatrists can gain an exemption from Module D, Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation and Return to Work; and people currently employed by workers' compensation boards can receive an exemption from Module J, Workers' Compensation.

There is a $20.00 fee for each exemption, which covers examination of a transcript, notification of the exemption and processing.

Prior Learning Assessments (PLA)

Participants may be eligible for prior learning assessment credits based on their previous learning and experience and completion of a short essay question. Such previous learning might include non-credit workshops and conferences, credit activities that occurred more than five years ago (which are not eligible for exemptions), on-the-job training, and other informal learning activities. The prior learning assessment application is expected to demonstrate that the individual has a good grasp of both theory and practice (for example, that they understand not only that early intervention is important, but also why it is important).

Those who wish to apply for PLA credits will be provided with a one-page outline of the module content and asked to:

Provide a one- to two-page report outlining prior learning activities (university or college level courses taken outside the five-year period in which an exemption would be allowed, workshops, books read as part of personal study, on-site training and on-the-job coaching) and experience.
Prepare a two- to three-page response to a scenario that requires applicants to describe how they would respond to a situation that is relevant to the module topic and to demonstrate that they understand the content and could fulfill the outcomes of that module.

The processing fee for a Prior Learning Assessment is $100.00 for each module.

Prior Learning Assessment submissions will be adjudicated by instructors in the online training program who have expertise in those topic areas. Decisions cannot be appealed. If a PLA submission is denied credit, the individual may not re-submit.

For further information on Exemptions and Prior Learning Assessment please click here