CAEC vs OSSD:
Which is right for me?
TVO ILC does not issue the diplôme d’études secondaires de l’Ontario (DESO). The institution is only authorized to issue an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). For more information on obtaining the DESO, visit the Ministry of Education's webpage: Obtenir le diplôme d’études secondaires | ontario.ca
Choosing between the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) and an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is an important decision in your education journey.
An OSSD shows the completion of a minimum of 30 credits. It confirms you attended and passed all the required classes in a traditional high school setting, met the literacy requirements, and completed at least 40 community involvement hours.
The CAEC is a credential you can earn in place of a high school diploma. It confirms you passed five high school–level tests: Math, Science, Reading, Writing and Social Studies.
Choosing between an OSSD and a CAEC depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and needs. Here are some things to consider:
Choosing between the CAEC and an OSSD is an important decision point in your educational journey.
The Canadian Adult Equivalency Certificate is a high school equivalency diploma. It shows you passed five high school equivalency tests, demonstrating you have the same knowledge as a traditional high school graduate, even if you did not graduate from a traditional high school.
Choosing between a high school diploma and a CAEC depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Age and time out of school
To be able to register for the CAEC, you must be 18 years or older. If you are exactly 18 years old, you will need to provide a Date of Leaving letter or Homeschool Letter from your local school board.
If you are under 18 years of age, you cannot register for the CAEC. You may continue working toward your OSSD at a traditional high school or online through TVO ILC.
Those earning an OSSD typically need four years to complete all credits to graduate. At TVO ILC you can complete an OSSD online, and at your own pace. To learn more about earning an OSSD at TVO ILC, click here.
The CAEC is a 7.5 hour test covering 5 subjects. Most CAEC candidates take 1 year to prepare for the test.
With an OSSD, you will be able to apply to a university, college, apprenticeship program, or apply directly to a workplace.
With a CAEC, you will be able to apply directly to a workplace.
It is important to check the specific admission requirements of your intended workplace, apprenticeship, college, or university program before you choose between the CAEC and an OSSD.
If you require a MPLAR – Mature Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, please contact your local District School Board. Students’ academic records and life experience are reviewed against Ontario curriculum expectations or through subject-based tests. This process may grant up to 26 credits towards an OSSD. An additional 4 credits would still be required through Adult Day School or the TVO ILC in order to achieve the OSSD.
Choosing between the CAEC and an OSSD is a significant decision that will impact your education and career journey. By carefully considering your goals, learning needs, and the opportunities each path offers, you can select the option that best fits your goals. Remember, both pathways are designed to help you succeed; it’s about finding the one that’s right for you.
- For Frequently Asked Questions about ILC, Click here
- For Frequently Asked Questions about CAEC, Click here
- For additional information on CAEC please email us at caec@tvo.org
- For personalized guidance and more information on OSSD email us at ilc@tvo.org or call 416-484-2704 or 1-800-387-5512 Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) 9:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. ET
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