Our Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) program has recently been updated. We are currently in the process of revising our documents (including application forms), resources, and related webpages to reflect these changes. During the transition, we acknowledge that applicants may find inconsistent information regarding the process. We appreciate your patience while these updates are being completed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@nacor.ca.

I am an internationally trained optician or optometrist. Can I complete PLAR to become licensed as an optician in Canada?

Question: I am an internationally trained optician or optometrist. Can I complete PLAR to become licensed as an optician in Canada?

Yes, internationally trained eyecare professionals can apply for PLAR. You must still take the CGA and complete any assigned bridging.

How can I study for PLAR?

Question: How can I study for PLAR

PLAR is not something that you pass or fail; the purpose of PLAR is to evaluate your current level of skills and knowledge to help determine any areas that you need to improve on. 

If there are gaps in your knowledge and skills, you will be assigned bridging modules to upgrade. The bridging modules are available on the NACOR website and can be used as study material for PLAR.

Visit the Evaluating Your Skills page on the Become an Optician website to estimate your current level.

What happens if I fail PLAR?

Question: What happens if I fail PLAR?

PLAR is not something that you pass or fail; instead, PLAR determines if your skills and knowledge meet or exceed a recent Canadian graduate for the competencies required to be an optician in Canada. If you are At on all of these competency areas, you are eligible to challenge the national examination(s). If you are Below on any of the competency areas, you would be assigned bridging that you must complete before you would be eligible to sit the national examination(s).

The bridging modules are available to look at on the NACOR website.

How long do I have to complete the bridging modules if I have been assigned some?

Question: How long do I have to complete the bridging modules if I have been assigned some?

You have one year to complete the bridging modules from the date they are assigned to you.

After I complete PLAR, how long do I have to challenge the national examination(s)?

Question: After I complete PLAR, how long do I have to sit the national examination?

PLAR candidates must pass the NACOR Examination and apply for registration within three years of completing any assigned bridging.

Where can I get more information on becoming an optician in Canada?

Question: Where can I get more information on becoming an optician in Canada?

Visit the Become an Optician website for more information.

What do I need to take the CGA?

Question: What do I need to take the CGA?

The CGA is completed online and is a supervised assessment. To complete the CGA you need a computer with a camera and microphone and a good internet connection.

Can I complete any part of the PLAR process from outside Canada?

Question: Can I complete any part of the PLAR process while I am still in my home country?

Yes, you can complete the document review and CGA from outside of Canada.

After I complete PLAR, do I have to take the national examination(s) before I can become licensed?

Question: After I complete PLAR do I have to take the national examinations before I can become licensed?

Yes, passing the national examination(s) is required in all Canadian provinces, except for Quebec.

For information on how to become licensed in Quebec, contact the Ordre des opticiens d’ordonnances du Quebec.

Can I take the national examination(s) from outside Canada?

Question: Can I take the national examinations while I am in my home country?

No, the national examinations are practical exams and candidates are required to attend in person. For more information on the locations of national exams, visit the dates and locations page.