Admissions and Enrollment​

 

Academic Requirements for Community Support Programs

Shelter Support Worker

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a high school level of academic readiness.
You may apply if you have:

• An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or
• An accepted high school equivalency, or
• Eligibility as a mature student

In Ontario, applicants 19 years of age or older without a high school diploma may be considered for admission as mature students, based on their background and readiness for training.

If you do not have a diploma, our admissions team may guide you toward an appropriate equivalency pathway.

Intensive Case Management

This program is designed for learners who already have an educational foundation in the human services field.

Applicants should have:

• A college diploma or university degree in social services, social work, psychology, community services, or a related area
  or
• Equivalent post-secondary education and relevant experience.

This program is not intended as an entry point for individuals with no high school credential or no prior education in the field.

OSSD Equivalency Pathways (If You Do Not Have a Diploma)

Adults who did not complete high school in Ontario have several recognised options to demonstrate high school–level knowledge and academic readiness. These pathways are commonly used for college admission and employment preparation.

Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)

The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is Canada’s official high school equivalency assessment and has replaced the GED. Successful completion leads to an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate, which is accepted by Ontario colleges and many employers as proof of high school–level achievement.

Key points:

• Five subject tests: writing, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science.
• You must earn at least 55% on each of the five tests to pass and receive the Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.
• Total testing time is approximately 7.5 hours across all five tests (scheduled individually or together, depending on the test centre).
• Cost: $100 to register for all five tests, with possible financial assistance for some Ontario Works recipients.
• Delivered in Ontario by TVO ILC at designated test centres.

This option is appropriate for adults who want a formal, widely recognised high school diploma–equivalent credential.

Academic and Career Entrance (ACE)

The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate is an adult upgrading program delivered by Ontario public colleges. The ACE Certificate is recognised by all Ontario community colleges, and by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, as equivalent to Grade 12/OSSD for college admission and apprenticeship purposes.

• Tuition‑free for eligible Ontario adults through publicly funded college academic upgrading.
• Offered full‑time or part‑time, in‑person, online, or hybrid, depending on the college.
• Typical completion can range from a few months to about a year, depending on course load and starting level.
• Students complete required ACE courses (for example, communications, one math, plus additional electives) to earn the ACE Certificate.

ACE is a structured pathway for learners who prefer guided instruction, and who want a credential that colleges explicitly treat as Grade 12 equivalent.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows mature learners to receive high school credits based on prior learning gained through work, training, and life experience. School boards and colleges may use interviews, assessments, demonstrations, and portfolio review to grant credits without requiring you to repeat content you already know.

This pathway is useful for adults with significant experience who are close to high school completion and want to reduce the number of additional courses they need.

Mature Student Admission

In Ontario, applicants who are 19 years of age or older and do not have an OSSD may be considered for admission as mature students. Colleges and training providers review background, skills, and readiness, and may require placement tests or upgrading before admission to certain programs.

Mature student status does not guarantee admission but can provide an alternative route into training when combined with assessment, CAEC, ACE, or PLAR.

Applicants Educated Outside Canada

If you completed high school or post‑secondary studies outside Ontario, your transcripts can be reviewed for equivalency. Colleges may consider:

• International secondary school completion as equivalent to an OSSD
• Post‑secondary credentials plus experience for advanced or specialised programs
• Mature student assessment or upgrading (CAEC, ACE, PLAR) if your prior education does not meet admission requirements.
  
  

How to Choose

• Significant work or life experience, but incomplete high school → Consider PLAR with a school board, plus mature student routes and any required placement tests.
• Prefer a structured classroom or online program with teacher support → Consider ACE through an Ontario college.
• Want a formal, test‑based diploma‑equivalent credential quickly → Consider the CAEC, which provides an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate recognised by colleges and employers.

If If you are unsure which pathway applies to your situation, you can contact our Admissions Team at academy@konnectingwithumanity.com or academic upgrading office at an Ontario college or a local adult education centre; they can review your background and recommend the most appropriate pathway.