Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

What is PLAR?

Graduates from accredited opticianry programs learn the skills outlined in the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians as part of their curriculum. These graduates become eligible to write the national examinations upon completion of their programs. 

Internationally educated applicants or graduates of unaccredited Canadian opticianry programs may possess some of the required skills, based on their education and experience. These applicants may not need to complete a full education program but can focus on enhancing their skills in specific knowledge areas. 

To assess their skills and knowledge, applicants undergo a Competency Gap Analysis (CGA), a supervised online multiple-choice assessment that is conducted virtually and can be completed by applicants online from their home country if they are not currently residing in Canada. If any gaps are identified, applicants must complete "bridging" courses designed to address those specific areas. These targeted courses ensure that PLAR applicants acquire the same knowledge as the graduates from accredited opticianry programs.

How to apply for the PLAR process

PLAR is administered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). To find out more about the required documents and the application process, please visit the NACOR website.

The cost for the CGA is $350.00 plus applicable taxes for each assessment section.  For more information on the competencies assessed in each section of the CGA and the time limits for each section, please refer to the assessment blueprint.

If you have any questions about the PLAR process, feel free to contact the NACOR team at [email protected].

Upon successful completion of PLAR, you become eligible to challenge the National Eyeglass and the National Contact Lens Examinations, following the requirements of the province where you intend to work as an optician. Ontario applicants must register as intern opticians to be eligible to sit the national examinations.

More information about the national examinations is available here.

Applying for registration in Ontario

To apply for a certificate of registration as an Intern Optician or a Registered Optician, you must complete the online application, pay the application and registration fees, and submit the following documents:

•    A passport photo taken within 6 months of the application date. The photo may be sent as a hard copy or in a high-resolution digital format.
•    Proof of completion of the NACOR PLAR program.
•    Course-by-course evaluation of your opticianry-related education conducted by World Education Services (WES).
•    Proof of language proficiency if your program of study was not conducted in English or French. 
•    Notarized copies of your employment eligibility documents.
•    If applicable, a Certificate of Standing from any licensing body with which you are registered in any jurisdiction.
•    If applicable, proof of graduation from any post-secondary program you may have completed outside of opticianry.

Fair Credential and Qualification Assessment

PLAR was developed to ensure that all applications from unaccredited institutions are treated fairly. The following are the PLAR process objectives:

• Accessibility – All applicants will have reasonable access to PLAR.
• Fairness – PLAR procedures and practices are clear, consistent, objective, timely and equitable to all applicants.
• Consistency – Procedures, practices and fees for similar cases are consistent.
• Transparency – PLAR procedures and processes are readily available, comprehensive and clear.
• Accountability – The College of Opticians of Ontario is responsible for maintaining high quality and integrity of PLAR practices.