Four-Tiered Admissions Process
Admission to the College is based on a four-tiered process, designed to broaden access to tertiary education for students with varying levels of academic readiness. Practising professionals, secondary school graduates, adult learners and those seeking to strengthen their academic foundations can all access opportunities to pursue their particular educational and career goals.
Tier I Applicants with CAPE (or GCE Advanced
Level qualifications) or equivalent, who may qualify for advanced standing and the award of relevant credits
Tier II Applicants who possess 5 CSEC / CXC (or GCE Ordinary Level qualifications) or equivalent
Tier III Applicants with less than 5 CSEC / CXC (or GCE Ordinary Level qualifications) but who demonstrate the requisite potential to pursue tertiary level education (COMPASS)
Tier IV Applicants who possess considerable work experience relevant to their desired programme of study and who may qualify for award of college credit through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Once admitted to the College, other assessment activities will determine where you may be placed in your programme of study and, where applicable, what credit will be awarded for your knowledge and experience.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the process of awarding educational credits on the basis of assessment of a student’s prior learning, gained in either a formal setting or through experience. COSTAATT has established a PLAR Institute within its School of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning, which focuses on using this alternative method for awarding transfer credits to entry students. Assessors are trained in most academic disciplines within the College, which provides the opportunity for students to access credits for experiential learning in their respective programme areas.
Interested students may apply for the award of PLAR credits by contacting the Admissions Office at Tel: 625 – 5030 ext. 5423, for an appointment to see a PLAR advisor who will assess the student’s request for PLAR eligibility, and provide suitable guidance.