Credit and Equivalency Guide
Introduction
Adult students in Ontario, who want to obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalency, have many pathways to consider. The following chart provides an overview of several options. Students should explore the options that interest them very carefully to ensure that the pathways they select will assist them to achieve their long-term goals. Students should always confirm that the option they choose will be recognized at the next step on their goal pathway. Colleges provide academic referral services and adult high schools have guidance counselors who are available to help students with information and advice.
| Option | Description | Eligibility | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) For more information in Ottawa contact: Algonquin College ACElinks |
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) offers upgrading for adults who want to:
ACE is an adult upgrading program approved for delivery exclusively by the 24 community colleges in Ontario. Courses are offered through several delivery options: day, evening, weekend, flexible delivery and online; and in supportive environments in the community. |
A student must be:
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An ACE certificate is recognized by:
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| Option | Description | Eligibility | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
Adult High School For more information in Ottawa contact: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Ottawa Catholic School Board http://www.adulths. |
Offers credit courses to adults who want to:
Students register for at least 1 course and up to 4 courses, depending on the school. A student’s program may include a combination of day school, ESL credits, credits for prior learning or mature student equivalency, co-op education, online, etc. |
A student must be:
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An OSSD is recognized by:
|
Night School For more information in Ottawa contact: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board www.ocdsb.ca/
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Offers credit courses to adults who want to:
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A student must be:
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An OSSD is recognized by:
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Co-operative Education For more information in Ottawa contact: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Ottawa Catholic School Board |
Offers hands-on learning with school studies to adults who want to:
Students can earn a maximum of 12 paid or unpaid co-op credits. |
A student must be:
|
An OSSD is recognized by:
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Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR) Mature Student Evaluation (MSE) For more information in Ottawa contact: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Ottawa Catholic School Board |
Offers evaluation and credit-granting processes for adults who want to:
PLAR is for adults who received their education outside of Ontario or entered an Ontario secondary school in September 1999 or later. MSE is for adults who attended a secondary school in Ontario before 1999. PLAR/MSE help adults demonstrate and obtain recognition for learning that they acquired outside formal education settings. Students must always earn their last four credits. |
A student must be:
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An OSSD is recognized by:
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Independent Learning Centre (ILC) For more information contact: 1-800-387-5512 How to Enrol
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Offers credit courses by correspondence to adults who want to:
Students receive feedback and marks from Ontario-certified teachers. There is a cost for taking each course. ILC also offers credit and non-credit courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) |
A student must be:
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An OSSD is recognized by:
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E-Channel Learning For more information in Ottawa contact: Ottawa Catholic School Board
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Offers credit courses online to adults who want to:
Certified Ontario teachers deliver the courses online. Many courses are available. Students have a choice between scheduled or continuous intake classes. Scheduled courses must be complete within 4 months. Students take mid-term and final exams at a school board location. With prior arrangements, exams can be written at other locations. Support from a teacher is available by email, phone, or in person. |
A student must be:
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An OSSD is recognized by:
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GED 1-800-573-7022 For more information in Ottawa contact: GED Preparation http://xweb.
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General Educational Development (GED) Testing is for adults who want to:
GED Testing is for adults who left high school without a diploma. The GED Tests provide adults the opportunity to demonstrate high-school level knowledge and skills. Adults who take and pass the GED earn an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate. Students may need to prepare for the GED Tests by attending classes or studying GED Preparation books. In Ontario several school boards and colleges offer preparation courses. The tests are available in English and French. Special editions and testing accommodations are available to help adults with special needs and physical and/or learning disabilities. There is a fee to write the test. |
To take the GED Test in Ontario, a student must:
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A GED certificate is widely accepted as meeting secondary school graduation requirements for:
Many colleges and universities accept satisfactory GED scores as one factor in their assessment for admission as a mature student. Please note: the Ministry of Education cannot guarantee that the GED certificate will be accepted by all employers or post-secondary institutions or trainers. |
