CIRL conducts introductory training sessions on what PLAR and Credential Assessment involve and how they can be used by organizations to maximize the skills and knowledge of newcomers to Canada and other human resources. This service can be used by many kinds of organizations such as school boards, postsecondary educational institutions, professional regulatory bodies or employers.

Training and Professional Development in PLAR

CIRL conducts customized training in PLAR for organizations interested in learning to recognize the untapped skills and knowledge of their applicants, members, learners, and workers.

Training Needs Assessment

CIRL conducts on-site assessments of training needs for workplaces interested in responding to changing human resource demands with greater efficiency.

Traditional and Action Research Projects

CIRL conducts research into local, national and international PLAR programs and develops pilots to address specific organizational needs. CIRL also helps governments and employers to integrate PLAR and Credential Assessment into new and existing training programs.

Stakeholder Consultations

CIRL carries out client-requested stakeholder consultations. CIRL has strong links to governments, occupational bodies and educational institutions across Canada. It has extensive experience in conducting local, provincial and pan-Canadian stakeholder consultations in the areas of both PLAR and Credential Assessment.

Learning and Skills Outcomes Development

CIRL assists educational institutions and occupational bodies to develop standards for learning and practice, based on outcomes. These standards are foundational to excellence in individual performance and organizational credibility in accreditation.

Portfolio Development

CIRL provides training and support to groups interested in developing portfolios that document individuals' knowledge and skills acquired in the workplace and other settings. Portfolios can be used to obtain academic credit, employment, promotions, wage increases as well as to help individuals to develop their own personal or career development plans.

Assessment Tool Development

CIRL works with educational institutions, workplaces and occupational bodies to develop effective and affordable assessment tools to evaluate individuals' prior learning for work or educational purposes

Program Evaluation

CIRL conducts audits and evaluations on the efficiency and effectiveness of current PLAR and Credential Assessment programs and makes recommendations for improvement.

Marketing Strategy Development

CIRL engages in strategy development for organizations interested in marketing the availability of PLAR and Credential Assessment more effectively.

To learn more about the Institute’s activities in PLAR and QR, contact the Institute at inquiries@cirl.org.