Focus: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Mature Students (MPLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby students may obtain up to 26 secondary credits as recognition for prior learning (i.e. knowledge and skills that students have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school) (Ministry of Education, 2013). Students may have their knowledge and skills evaluated against the expectations outlined in provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the secondary school diploma.

The MPLAR process for mature students involves two components: "equivalency" and "challenge". The "equivalency" process for mature students involves (1) individual assessment for the purpose of granting Grade 9 or 10 credits, and/or (2) assessment of credentials and other appropriate documentation from jurisdictions within and outside Ontario for the purpose of granting credit for a Grade 11 or 12 course developed from an Ontario curriculum policy document published in 2000 or later (Ministry of Education, 2013). The equivalency process for Grade 9/10 credits involves completion of a series of task based assignments covering the following topics: English, math, geography, history, and science. Such assessments follow the expectations outlined in the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum (OSSC) documents for junior compulsory credits (i.e. grade 9/10 English, math, geography, history, and science). Successful completion of such assessments can lead to achievement of up to 16 credits. Assessment for Grade 11/12 credits can potentially lead to achievement of 10 additional senior credits, depending on prior learning experience of a learner. This process is not standardized and may vary between school boards.

The "challenge" process for mature students is the process whereby students' prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for one Grade 11 or 12 course developed from an Ontario curriculum policy document published in 2000 or later. Students cannot challenge more than 4 courses, 2 in the same discipline. Details of the challenge process are also not standardized and vary between school boards.