Get Your Ontario High School Equivalency as an Adult

In Ontario, having your high school diploma or high school equivalency, such as a GED (General Education Development) certificate, can be a fundamental stepping stone to success. The credential can open doors to higher education, better jobs and increased earning potential. Lacking your high school equivalency can make landing a job in Ontario even more difficult. Plus, without it, your chances of advancement once you do start a job are limited.

For many adults in Ontario, earning your high school diploma may seem like a distant dream. Unfortunately, the path to success has become more challenging now that GED testing is no longer available in Canada. But don’t worry! There are great alternatives that can help you reach your goal of earning your high school diploma equivalency.

What is replacing the GED in Ontario?

Unfortunately, if you’ve recently looked into earning your GED, you might be stumped. The company that administers GED testing in Canada is no longer offering its services here and, at the time of writing this post, Ontario has yet to roll out the replacement testing service, CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential). When it becomes available, the CAEC, just like the GED test, is only a test, meaning you’ll have to find a way to study the correct course material prior to completing the test. If you’ve already studied the subjects and are just looking to take the test to get the credential, the CAEC might be the way to go. Otherwise, you’ll want to explore options that allow you to study and learn the material before testing your knowledge.

Get your high school equivalency in a post-GED era

If you’re looking to study and earn your high school equivalency, the ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) program might be just what you’re looking for. ACE is free and it’s tailored to adults who are ready to return to learning and complete their high school equivalency. It’s recognized by all Ontario colleges and many employers and it’s accepted for apprenticeship registration.

Need other academic upgrading to prepare for college or the next stage of your life?

Check out all academic upgrading options

What is ACE?

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ACE is a GED alternative that helps you earn your high school equivalency so you can go on to college, register for an apprenticeship or earn credentials to secure employment. It’s available to Ontario residents, age 19 and over, who have been out of high school for a year or more. Students must be proficient in English and must successfully complete the diagnostic assessment prior to starting the program.

Fanshawe offers the ACE program in person at several of our campuses, including London, Simcoe, St. Thomas, Almyer and Woodstock. While the program is also available online through Ontario Learn, you may incur fees depending on the timing. At Fanshawe, you’ll start the program with a one-week orientation which includes a tour of the campus. You’ll then take four courses to complete your certificate. The ACE program’s learning environment is designed to empower adult learners, with small class sizes and personalized learning plans. During the course of the program, you’ll also have access to academic, career and accessibility services at Fanshawe.

Who benefits from ACE?

Whether you’re aiming for college, an apprenticeship or a better career, ACE can help you get there. The ACE program is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their education. Even if you already have your high school equivalency, the ACE program is an opportunity to gain the prerequisites needed to meet your goals. 

GED Course Alternatives

To earn your ACE certificate, you must complete at least four courses consisting of two mandatory courses and two electives. You can take more electives if needed.

• Mandatory courses
  • English/Communications
  • Math Foundations
• Two of the following
  • Self Management/Self Direction
  • Computers
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Apprenticeship Math

Be sure to choose the relevant courses you will need to continue onto the career, education or apprenticeship you want.

Length of the Program

You can complete the ACE program in as little as eight weeks. Before starting the program, you will need to complete a diagnostic assessment. If the assessment determines that you need to complete academic upgrading before starting the ACE program, the total time of the process could take up to eight months, including the completion of the ACE program.

Free

Unlike the former GED test or the upcoming CAEC test, our ACE program is free, providing both the study portion and the testing portion without cost to you. Even textbooks are covered!

How to Apply for ACE

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To apply for the ACE program at Fanshawe, please reach out to us at the email address of your preferred campus location, listed below. We will book a one-on-one intake appointment with you to discuss your goals and how to reach them with ACE. Then we’ll get you started with the free diagnostic assessment for your writing, reading and math skills. 

For our regional campuses, you can contact:

• London: academic_upgrading@fanshawec.ca
• Simcoe: lbs.simcoe@fanshawec.ca 
• St. Thomas: cesstt@fanshawec.ca 
• Aylmer: cesayl@fanshawec.ca 
• Woodstock: cholt@fanshawec.ca 

What to do with ACE?

Once you’ve completed the ACE program, you’ll be able to apply for college programs at Fanshawe or other Ontario colleges, register for an apprenticeship or use your ACE certificate as a portal to better jobs since many employers accept ACE as a high school equivalency. During your intake meeting, we’ll discuss your goals to make sure we’re tailoring your ACE courses to your needs.

Learn more about ACE and other academic upgrading options

View ACE program requirements and information