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.
An Ontario Secondary School Diploma signifies the completion of a minimum of 30 credits. It shows you attended and passed all the required classes in a traditional high school setting.
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:
Key factors to consider
Age and time out of school
To be able to register for the CAEC, you must be 18 years or older and have been out of school for at least 1 year. 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.
Time Commitment
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. You can get the CAEC more quickly than an OSSD, depending on your education history. This can be ideal for individuals who need to enter the workforce or pursue post-secondary education quickly.
Although the CAEC is less of a time commitment than completing an OSSD, this test requires extensive studying.
Postsecondary Admissions
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.
You can still apply to university or college with the CAEC, but you will need to complete a Mature Prior Learning and Assessment and Recognition (MPLAR). This is a way to recognize lived experience with high school–equivalent credits. Students’ academic records and life experiences are reviewed against Ontario curriculum expectations or through subject-based tests. This process may grant credits towards earning an OSSD.
Conclusion
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.
Have more questions?
For Frequently Asked Questions about ILC, Click here
For Frequently Asked Questions about CAEC, Click here
For personalized guidance and more information on both the CAEC and OSSD, please Contact Us
