If you did not graduate from high school but have been considering getting a post-secondary education, you may have thought about completing a GED test. The GED (General Education Development) test has been used as an equivalency for a high school diploma for several decades. Unfortunately, this route is now coming to an end.
The GED test has been administered in Canada by an American company, Pearson Vue, who will no longer be offering services in Canada after May, 2024. A new equivalency assessment, the Canadian Adult Equivalency Credential (CAEC) is in development, but it is not yet completed and it is unknown when it will be offered in Ontario. In the meantime, how can those without their secondary school diploma (OSSD) qualify for post-secondary education? There are two other routes available.
- Through School Boards
Anyone can earn an OSSD by completing 30 secondary school credits, or can simply earn specific credits required for admission to a preferred post-secondary program. Many school boards operate an adult learning centre where students can earn credits, enhance their basic learning skills or improve their English or French language skills. Adults may also earn credits toward an OSSD through PLAR (Previous Learning and Recognition), an assessment process that takes into account their current skills, any previous forms of training, and their work and volunteer experience. Contact a local school board for guidance and further information on their offerings: www.ontario.ca/page/find-school-board-or-school-authority.
Secondary school credit courses that lead to an OSSD are also available through the Independent Learning Centre (ILC), operated online by TVO for the Ontario government. Over 140 courses are offered in an independent and flexible format, and cost only $40/course. The ILC has academic advisors who can assess, guide and support students according to their needs (www.ilc.org/).
- Through Colleges
Adults who want to gain admission to an Ontario college or apprenticeship, or who simply want to boost their skills, can pursue academic upgrading and earn an Academic Career Entrance (ACE) certificate through most Ontario colleges, as well as online at www.acedistancedelivery.ca/. ACE (also called Academic Upgrading or Career Preparation) is a free program that is flexible to your schedule and caters to your personal academic needs. Colleges consider the ACE certificate as equal to a secondary school diploma on students’ applications. Start the process by contacting an Ontario college to assess your needs and the options they can offer you (www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/news/resources-for-college-preparation).
The end of GED testing does not mean the end of the road for those who want to further their education, despite not having graduated from high school. More information about accessing post-secondary and apprenticeship programs is available in Ready to Launch: Navigating the Transition from High School to Post-Secondary Life — A Guide for Ontario Students and Parents.