In choosing a program of study that will meet your career aspirations, you will need to consider whether your needs are best served by simply taking a few courses or by earning a recognized college credential.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities introduced a new Framework for Program of Instruction for Ontario's Colleges.  This framework provided for new credential's to be awarded effective September 1, 2004.  The credentials that Ontario's colleges may award are as follows:

• Recognition of Achievement (Recognizes successful completion of programs generally less than one full-time term duration where student learning is evaluated.)
• Certificate ** (Recognizes programs of study of less than one year's full-time duration.)
• Ontario College Certificate * (Recognizes programs of approximately one year's full-time duration)
• Ontario College Diploma * (Recognizes programs of study of approximately two year's full-time duration as approved by Ontario.)
• Ontario College Advanced Diploma * (Recognizes programs of study of approximately three year's full-time duration.)
• Ontario College Graduate Certificate * (Recognizes post-diploma programs of study of approximately one year's full-time duration.)
• Applied Degree * (Recognized programs of study of approximately four year's full-time duration.)

* Includes Program Admission Requirements that must be met.

** May include Program Admission Requirements that must be met.

Any Continuing Education students that were completing a program of study, prior to September 1, 2004 will have their courses recognized under the new framework and be awarded the appropriate credential that is in effect as of September 1, 2004.