Resource Sheet #7 - Grade 12 & High School

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Finn

Resource Sheet #7 explains Ontario’s Grade 12 pathways through the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and recognized alternatives. It covers what the OSSD requires, why it is preferred by employers and educational institutions, and options for adults who have been out of school. The sheet also details the ACE and GED routes, including eligibility, delivery locations such as the Independent Learning Centre and colleges, testing time expectations, and how these credentials support admissions, jobs, and training.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Grade 12 Diploma (OSSD) - "Gold Choice Option"

What is This?

Why is This Good?

Getting a Grade 12 Diploma (OSSD) - "Gold Choice Option"

Maturity credits and prior learning (PLAR)

Independent Learning Centre (ILC)

Adult Education Centre

Grade 12 Equivalency - "Silver Choice Option"

Academic & Career Entrance Certificate (ACE)

General Educational Development (GED)

Other - "Bronze Choice Option"

Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC)

Certificate of Accomplishment

| Grade 12 Diploma (OSSD) - “Gold Choice Option” | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Ontario Secondary School
Diploma
(OSSD) | What is This? | Why is This Good? | | | 􀁸 Known as a grade 12 diploma, high school diploma, Ontario Secondary School Diploma or OSSD for short. This will give you the most post secondary education & training options if you choose to further your education
􀁸 30 credits are required in English, Mathematics, Science and other subject areas along with 40 hours of community service and a literacy test
􀁸 If you don’t have a diploma already, read on. Options in the Getting a Grade 12 Diploma box below can help you get an OSSD sooner than you think | 􀁸 It is always worth getting your OSSD if possible, you will not regret this. Employers and educational institutions prefer this diploma the most for proof of grade 12 completion
􀁸 An OSSD will satisfy employer grade 12 diploma requirements and allows you to have the most educational options (ie. College, university or trade school)
􀁸 No transcript, no problem. Dropped out of high school in the last five years? Contact the school. Dropped out of school more than five years ago, contact the school board | | Getting a Grade 12 Diploma (OSSD) – “Gold Choice Option” | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | Q: “I’m over 18 and have not been to school for at least a year, how do I get my diploma?”
A: A combination of one or more of these three options will help | | |
| What is This? | Why is This Good? | | | 􀁸 The Ministry of Education may grant up to 12 maturity credits or 10 Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition credits for mature students to get your OSSD
􀁸 If you took a training program , for example hairdresser, electrician or mechanic, you maybe granted credits for this which means you don’t have to take as many courses to graduate | 􀁸 Maybe you left school years ago due to a pregnancy, family reasons or started working. Because you now have work and life experience, you may be eligible for credits
􀁸 A PLAR assessment can be completed at the ILC or at a local school in the city (ie. St Albert’s Adult Learning Centre) earning you credits towards your OSSD | | Getting a Grade 12 Diploma (OSSD) – “Gold Choice Option” | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | What is This? | Why is This Good? | | | 􀁸 The Independent Learning Centre is a Ministry of Education approved high school, in other words, a high school without the building
􀁸 Allows you to complete the required courses you need to earn your OSSD
􀁸 There is a small fee for each course and it is easy to register | 􀁸 Offers courses which can be completed without going to a physical school so you can get your OSSD. This means, you have the choice to do courses online, by mail or a combination of both
􀁸 You can start anytime and work at your own pace. You also have access to a teacher by phone or e-mail. A great option if you are working, have transportation issues or young children at home | | Option 3
Adult Education Centre | 􀁸 If you prefer to take your courses required foryour OSSD in a classroom setting, you may enjoy an adult credit program
􀁸 A number of locations are available with local school boards across the city. You can complete credits in English or French | 􀁸 Great if you have your own way of getting there or access to public transportation
􀁸 In person teacher support is provided along with flexible schedules. Daycare may be available at some locations | | Grade 12 Equivalency – “Silver Choice Option” | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Academic & Career Entrance Certificate
(ACE) | What is This? | Why is This Good? | | | 􀁸 This is recognized as equivalent to Grade 12 for the purpose of admissions to all Ontario Colleges in pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and post-secondary programs
􀁸 ACE is offered at Collège Boréal and Cambrian College in the city and may be recognized by employers for hiring and promotion purposes | 􀁸 This can be a perfect option if you are i

FAQs

What is the OSSD and what does it typically require?

The OSSD is Ontario’s Grade 12 diploma. It requires 30 credits in core subject areas plus 40 hours of community service and a literacy test.

If someone is over 18 and has been out of school, how can they get a diploma?

They may use maturity credits or Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR), complete credits through approved learning options like the Independent Learning Centre, or choose adult education programs.

What are the ACE and GED options and why are they useful?

The Academic & Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) is recognized as equivalent to Grade 12 for Ontario college admissions. The GED is an equivalency option that can support jobs, promotion, and admission to post-secondary training or apprenticeship programs.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Finn