Are you looking to take the next step towards college or a fulfilling career but need to upgrade your academic qualifications? The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate Program offers a flexible and accessible pathway to achieve your goals. Recognized across Ontario as a Grade 12 equivalency for college admission and by many employers as a minimum employment standard, the ACE certificate can open doors to a brighter future.
What is the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate Program?
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program is designed to help adult learners like you prepare for college programs or enter the workforce with confidence. It allows you to focus on the specific academic skills you need, studying only the courses necessary to meet college admission requirements or to earn the ACE certificate itself. This certificate is officially recognized throughout Ontario colleges as equivalent to a high school diploma for admissions purposes. Furthermore, numerous employers across various sectors acknowledge the ACE certificate as meeting their fundamental hiring criteria. This makes the ACE program a valuable asset for both academic and career advancement.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The ACE program at Algonquin College offers a continuous intake system, allowing you to begin your studies in any month of the year. This flexible start schedule is designed to accommodate your individual circumstances and readiness. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, and a variety of timetable options are available to suit your life.
To ensure you begin at the right level, placement tests are used to assess your current English and mathematics skills. Based on these results, and taking your personal preferences and goals into account, the college’s Orientation team will work with you to create a personalized learning plan. This tailored approach ensures that your studies are focused and efficient, helping you progress at your own pace. The time required to complete your ACE certificate will depend on your starting skill level, the courses needed to reach your objectives, and your individual learning speed.
To earn the ACE Certificate, you must successfully complete the core communication and mathematics courses: ENL5958 College Preparation Communication or ENL0076 Communications: Preparation for Degree Programs, and MAT5951 Intermediate Mathematics. In addition to these mandatory courses, you will also choose two elective courses, subject to departmental approval, allowing for some specialization and tailoring of your learning experience. Examples of available courses include:
- DAT0110 Computer Skills
- ENL5952 Communication 5
- MAT0001 College Preparation Mathematics – Technical
- SCI5952 College Preparation Biology
- SSC5727 Success Strategies
Success Factors in the ACE Program
The Academic and Career Entrance program is designed to support motivated learners. You will thrive in this program if you:
- Are committed to setting and achieving future goals.
- Are prepared to dedicate effort and demonstrate consistent progress.
- Are ready to attend classes regularly, whether on campus or in a remote learning environment.
- Possess the ability to work independently and manage your studies effectively.
Careers and Pathways After ACE
Earning your ACE certificate opens up a wide range of pathways. It directly qualifies you for admission to many college programs across Ontario. Furthermore, it enhances your employability, meeting the Grade 12 (or equivalent) requirement for numerous entry-level positions in various industries. Algonquin College’s Pathways tool can provide further information on specific program pathways available to ACE graduates.
View all Algonquin College pathways
Tuition & Fees for the ACE Program
Planning your finances is an important part of your education journey. Algonquin College provides a Tuition and Fee Estimator tool to help you get an estimate of the costs per semester for the ACE program.
Tuition and Fee Estimator
For the 2024/2025 academic year, detailed tuition and ancillary fees can be found using the estimator tool linked above. It is important to note that tuition is free for eligible Ontario residents who qualify for financial assistance through the Institution-Funded Special Bursary or Literacy and Basic Skills programs. Financial aid may also be available to help with travel and childcare expenses, making the ACE program even more accessible. Course materials are provided at no cost to students. Please be aware that fees are subject to change.
Admission Requirements for the ACE Program
To be eligible for the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
College Eligibility:
- Be 19 years of age or older.
Program Eligibility:
- Successfully complete an initial English reading assessment to determine suitability for the Academic Upgrading program.
Additional Program Information
The ACE certificate program is offered at Algonquin College’s Ottawa (Woodroffe) and Pembroke campuses, providing location options to suit different student needs. Academic Upgrading courses are delivered in both remote and in-person classroom settings, with class sizes up to 30 students. While the curriculum is structured, the personalized learning plan approach allows for individual pacing and focused learning.
For further details and resources, please see the following:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Requirements
- Archived Program Information
- Academic Calendar
- Program Overview PDF
Take control of your future and unlock your potential with the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate Program. It’s your stepping stone to college and career success.
