About Unique Learner Numbers (ULN) and Personal Learning Records (PLR)

Learners in the UK aged 14 and over are assigned a Unique Learner Number (ULN) by the Learning Record Service (LRS). This number links to their Personal Learning Record (PLR), which stores details of qualifications and achievements from recognised awarding bodies such as Trinity College London.

Both the ULN and PLR help ensure that a learner’s achievements can be securely accessed, shared, and verified throughout their education and training journey.

What is a Unique Learner Number (ULN)?

A Unique Learner Number (ULN) is a 10-digit reference number allocated by the Learning Record Service to all learners in the UK who are aged 14 and over and in education or training.
This number remains the same throughout a learner’s education and training, regardless of where or what they study.

What is the Personal Learning Record (PLR)?

The Personal Learning Record (PLR) is a compilation of a learner’s current and past achievement records, including awards, certificates and qualifications gained from UK awarding bodies (such as Trinity College London).
The PLR is maintained by the UK Learner Records Service (LRS), a function of the UK Skills Funding Agency.

What is the connection between the ULN and the PLR?

Learners use their ULN to access their Personal Learning Record, where they can view and confirm the details held about them.
The ULN ensures that the information on the PLR is secure and cannot be shared with other organisations (including statutory bodies) without the learner’s consent.
Each learner keeps the same ULN for life, allowing continued access to their PLR regardless of their level of learning or where they choose to study or train.

Why is it important to provide each learner’s ULN when enrolling for Trinity exams?

Awarding bodies are responsible for submitting candidate achievements to the Learner Records Service for inclusion on learners’ PLRs.
They must also validate received ULNs with the LRS and report any discrepancies back to the centre or learning provider for correction.

However, awarding bodies can only upload achievements if a centre provides the learner’s ULN when registering them for an exam.

Where can a learner obtain a ULN?

All learners aged 14 and above should already have been issued with a ULN by their learning or training provider.
If a learner does not know their ULN, they should contact the Learning Record Service (LRS) directly.

Where can a learner obtain a PLR?

Learners can visit the National Careers Service website and create a Lifelong Learning Account.
Doing so will activate their Personal Learning Record (PLR) and allow them to view their history of achievements.

Acronyms at a glance