Quebec Provincial Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) System

Quebec's policy is to grant credits for recognized practical training and recognized work experience, in accordance with the regulations under the Act Respecting Manpower Vocational Training and Qualification and the related regulations for the construction industry.

Determination of maximum credits granted:

1. For regulated occupations controlled by the ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité Sociale:

   Hourly credits are granted for recognized practical training activities which are relevant to the occupation. Moreover, the applicant could be obliged to pursue the compulsory training activities if the practical training received is equivalent. If the applicant has already gone through relevant practical training, he or she may be able to complete his or her apprenticeship guide under the supervision of a trainer who holds a relevant industry certificate and then complete the qualification exam, given that the applicant has reached the minimum number of apprenticeship hours required. Regarding work experience, all hours considered relevant to the occupation may be granted. Relevant practical training and work experience activities are those related to the occupation tasks as defined by the Act. 4 or more apprenticeship periods 1,800 hours.

   Private trainers can also have their theory (in-class) or practical training recognized by sending their teaching materials to Emploi-Québec, who will perform an analysis of said materials.

2. For regulated occupations in construction controlled by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ):

   The maximum credit hours granted for recognized training are established according to the number of apprenticeship periods the trade includes. Thus, credit hours are granted according to the following rule:

   • 4 or more apprenticeship periods 1,800 hours
   • 3 apprenticeship periods 1,500 hours
   • 2 apprenticeship periods 1,200 hours
   • 1 apprenticeship period 900 hours

   1 apprenticeship period 900 hours. Three occupations are exceptions to this rule. A maximum of 1800 hours are credited for a Sheet Metal Worker and the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and 2,400 hours for a Construction Electrician, of which 1,800 hours should be at the secondary level and 600 at the college level in as much as they are relevant to the occupation.

Methods of attributing credit hours to training:

The number of hours of credit allocated is applied as the candidates wish, either at the beginning of their apprenticeship or at a future period. If necessary, candidates may switch around the credits set aside.

Recognized Educational Institutions:

The Quebec Department of Education recognizes educational institutions for vocational programs. This involves primarily School Boards at the secondary level and, at the college level, vocational and general education colleges (CEGEPS) authorized to provide training.

The Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles (MICC) will determine the credits that can be given for courses taken outside Quebec, if the educational institutions concerned are recognized by the appropriate authorities.

When there are doubts concerning the recognition of the training taken, the documents must be submitted either to Emploi-Québec for occupations they control or to the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) for occupations in the construction sector.