The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process requires you to provide information about your training and work experience. You must complete these four tasks to apply for PLAR:
Task 1. Required Documents
Gather your required documents:
a) Certificate of Completion
Provide an original certificate of completion from your educational institution.
b) Curriculum Details
Provide information that describes the content of your course/education. For example, original course outlines, course descriptions, syllabi. The information must include:
- List of subject areas
- Description of skills taught
- Number of credit hours in theoretical education
- Number of credit hours in practical education
c) Credentials Evaluation Report
You must obtain a credentials evaluation using one of the Canadian services below. These services require you to provide a variety of educational documents. They will verify your documents, indicate the comparable credentials in Manitoba, and send a report directly to OOM. Their contact information is on their websites.
Service | Application Type |
---|---|
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Basic Report |
World Education Services (WES) Canada | Comprehensive Course-by-Course Report |
International Evaluation Service (ICES) | Comprehensive Report |
d) Information Regarding Previous Application for Registration Form (PDF)
You must complete this form if you have applied for registration in any other province or territory in Canada.
e) Examination Marks
If you have successfully completed an Opticianry exam in Canada or any other country, you must provide an original document which includes the:
- Name of the certifying agency
- Date of the exam
- Mark achieved
- Original exam certificate
f) Criminal Reference Search Certificate
Complete a Criminal Record Check and provide the original Criminal Record Search Certificate to OOM. A Vulnerable Sector Screening is NOT required.
Contact the Winnipeg Police Service or your local police station for details on the process and fees.
Task 2. Application Form
Complete the Application for PLAR Form (PDF)
Task 3. Application Fee
Prepare your application fee. You may pay by one of the following methods:
- Money order
- Credit card (To pay by telephone, call OOM at 204.982.6060)
- Certified personal or business cheque (Please make cheques payable to Opticians of Manitoba)
Task 4. Delivery
Mail or hand-deliver all required documents with your application form and application fee to:
Opticians of Manitoba
215-1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3G 3M3

Do NOT send documents by fax or email. Original signatures are required. OOM will return all original documents by registered mail once you complete the Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR) process.