Diploma Requirements

To obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.), a student needs to earn 30 credits including 16 or 18 compulsory credits (depending on diploma type).  A credit is earned by attending 90 hours of instruction and obtaining a mark of at least 50% on work completed in the course.  PLEASE NOTE:  To be successful in subsequent courses or higher education, a mark of 70% is often needed, so students should work toward grades higher than 50%.

Adults are eligible for equivalency credits which allow them to earn a diploma without completing 30 credit courses.  Equivalency credits are granted for life experience, work experience, studies completed outside Ontario, training courses, volunteer work, etc.  

Students can apply to be awarded these credits after completing the courses indicated below.

A student will need to have met the following criteria to apply for the GLS4O course for PLAR:

• Attend Yorkdale ALC or another TDSB Adult school (CALC, Emery, Burnhamthorpe, or  SCAS) for at least TWO quads.

• Earn the following courses that CANNOT be granted through the PLAR process so MUST be earned by students in Ontario:

1. Ontario Literacy Course: OLC4O

2. Grade 12 English:  ENG4C or ENG4U

3. Any grade 11 Mathematics:  MEL3E, MBF3C, MCF3M, or MCR3U - or have completed a math assessment at the senior Math level

4. Any grade 11 or 12  course in Math, Science, Technology, or Business

NOTE:  As part of the GLS4O course, you will be asked to upload various documents if they apply to you. This includes educational documents, resumes, or other proof of work experience. Supporting documents can be scanned or photographed and MUST be legible and include an English translation if applicable.

There are 2 types of applicants for equivalency credits:

1. Students who were in high school in Ontario before February 1, 2004:

   • Complete the “Application for Mature Student Evaluation” form

   • Ontario Literacy Course is recommended but not required

   • Successful completion of 16 compulsory credits including 5 English and 2 math credits
     
     

2. Students who began high school in Ontario after February 1, 2004:

   • Apply for “PLAR” – Prior Learning Assessment and Review through the GLS4O course

   • Successful completion of Ontario Literacy Course (or Provincial Test) is REQUIRED

   • Successful completion of 18 compulsory credits including 4 English and 3 math credits