Prior Learning Assessment for OHS

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At the University of New Brunswick, we value the diverse educational backgrounds of students like you. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows you to potentially receive course credits towards the Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (COHS) by evaluating your previous educational and professional training.

During our assessments, we carefully review learning obtained from past post-secondary courses, industry-specific certifications, or specialized training programs to ensure it meets the expected outcomes of our OHS courses. This process allows us to recognize and integrate your prior achievements into your future educational journey.

Eligible prior learning includes:

Relevant courses completed at other universities and colleges within the last 10 years with a grade of C+ (70%), OR;
Industry certifications or training programs that align with our COHS curriculum, completed in the last five years, and involve at least 35 hours of study and assessment.

Please note: We are unable to assess workplace learning or any courses, training programs or certificates that involve fewer than 35 hours of study and assessment. One or two-day seminars/workshops do not provide the depth and assessment necessary to be considered equivalent to our COHS courses.

How to apply

To apply for a prior learning assessment, the applicant will be required to:

Complete and submit the online PLA application:
- Identify the courses in which they are seeking credit.
- Upload copies of all documentation to be assessed. This may include the items below for all courses being assessed for credit.
  - Transcripts
  - Certificates
  - Syllabi or Course Descriptions
  - Learning Outcomes
  - Any related documentation you may deem as important to your assessment
Submit the assessment fee of $195.

Once your PLA is complete it will be considered closed. If you wish in the future to have another PLA assessment completed, you will have to reapply and will be required to submit a second application and fee.

To apply for PLA, you will need to create an account in our registration system.

Apply now

Previously assessed course equivalents

Review the Previously Assessed Course Equivalents before applying. A maximum of FIVE courses in the COHS can be acquired through PLA, but the balance of the COHS (SIX courses) must be completed through UNB. The Advanced Diploma in OHS is not eligible for PLA.

Algonquin College

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Canadian Association Designations

Red River College

Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

University of Alberta

University of Calgary

University of Fredericton

Institutions not currently shown in this list will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for PLA.

Note: If you have used your NCSO designation or some other program of study for PLA credit towards COHS 3110 or some other UNB COHS course, some organizations such as BCRSP^® may not allow you to also get credit for it as an independent study in your application towards your CRSP^® (Canadian Registered Safety Professional).