Are you looking to jumpstart your journey towards higher education or a fulfilling career? The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program offers a flexible and recognized pathway to achieve your goals. Designed to equip you with the necessary academic skills, the ACE certificate is acknowledged across Ontario as a Grade 12 equivalency for college admission and is highly valued by employers seeking candidates with a solid educational foundation.
What is the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate Program?
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program is a comprehensive academic upgrading program designed to prepare you for college-level studies or direct entry into the workforce. This program is ideal for individuals who may not have a Grade 12 diploma or need to enhance their academic skills in specific areas. The ACE certificate serves as official proof of Grade 12 equivalency, opening doors to further education at Ontario colleges and meeting the minimum educational requirements for many employment opportunities.
Offered by Algonquin College, the ACE program provides a supportive and structured learning environment where you can focus on developing essential skills in communication and mathematics. The curriculum is designed to be relevant and practical, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of both academic and professional settings.
Program Highlights and Benefits
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program at Algonquin College offers numerous advantages tailored to meet the diverse needs of adult learners:
- Continuous Intake: Start your program any month of the year, providing unparalleled flexibility to fit your schedule and life commitments.
- Flexible Study Options: Choose between full-time and part-time studies to balance your education with other responsibilities.
- Personalized Learning Plan: Benefit from a customized learning experience. Placement tests in English and mathematics help determine your starting point, and the orientation team assists you in developing a personal learning plan tailored to your specific goals and pace.
- Recognized Credential: Earn a College Certificate (24 weeks) that is recognized province-wide as a Grade 12 equivalency, enhancing your college applications and employment prospects.
- Multiple Campus Options: Study at the Ottawa campus, the Pembroke campus, or even through the ACElinks program in downtown Ottawa, choosing the location that best suits you.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Focus on essential skills in communication and mathematics, with elective options to further customize your learning.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Benefit from a structured program with set curriculum and learning outcomes, delivered in both remote and in-person classroom settings.
Course Curriculum
To earn your Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate, you will complete core courses along with elective options, ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation. The program requires completion of ENL5958 College Preparation Communication or ENL0076 Communications: Preparation for Degree Programs, and MAT5951 Intermediate Mathematics, plus two electives chosen with departmental approval.
Here’s a glimpse into the courses available within the ACE program:
Core Courses:
- ENL5958 College Preparation Communication: Develop essential communication skills for college and career success, focusing on writing, reading, and self-directed learning.
- ENL0076 Communications: Preparation for Degree Programs: Enhance communication, reading, academic writing, and critical thinking skills necessary for college, university, and professional life.
- MAT5951 Intermediate Mathematics: Build a solid foundation in mathematics, covering number sense, integers, rational numbers, linear and non-linear relations, exponents, polynomials, modelling with equations, and data management.
Elective Courses (Examples):
- DAT0110 Computer Skills: Gain fundamental computer skills and digital literacy, including word processing, file management, presentation software, and spreadsheet operations.
- DAT5959 Keyboarding: Develop efficient keyboarding skills.
- ENL5952 Communication 5: Enhance communication and self-directed learning skills, focusing on writing, summarizing, and resume preparation.
- MAT0001 College Preparation Mathematics – Technical: Prepare for technical programs by focusing on linear relations, systems, quadratic relations, and trigonometry.
- MAT0010 College Preparation Mathematics – Business: Develop mathematical skills needed for business fields.
- MAT0030 Mathematics Fundamentals for Apprenticeship Preparation: Acquire math skills for apprenticeship training.
- MAT0034 Degree Preparation Math – Data Management: Build math skills for data management in post-secondary programs.
- MAT5952 College Preparation Mathematics – Technology: Focus on trigonometry and problem-solving for technology fields.
- MAT5957 Fundamental Mathematics: Refine fundamental math skills in areas like whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and measurement.
- MAT5964 Fundamental Mathematics for Preparation for Health Science: Learn mathematical concepts relevant to health science professions.
- SCI5952 College Preparation Biology: Study human biology and biological systems for health science fields.
- SCI5953 College Preparation Chemistry: Gain foundational chemistry knowledge for health science professions.
- SSC5727 Success Strategies: Develop key learning strategies for academic and career success.
Success Factors
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program is designed for motivated individuals ready to take the next step in their education or career. You will thrive in this program if:
- You are committed to setting and achieving future goals.
- You are dedicated to hard work and demonstrating progress.
- You are prepared for regular attendance, whether in person or online.
- You possess the ability to work independently and manage your studies effectively.
Career and Pathway Opportunities
Graduating with an Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate opens up diverse pathways for your future:
- College Admission: Meet the Grade 12 equivalency requirement for admission to diploma and certificate programs at Ontario colleges.
- Career Advancement: Satisfy the minimum employment standard for numerous jobs that require a Grade 12 education.
- Further Education: Use the ACE certificate as a stepping stone to further academic pursuits and career advancement opportunities.
Explore the Algonquin College Pathways tool to discover specific program pathways and how the ACE certificate can lead you to your desired field of study.
Tuition & Fees
Investing in your education is a crucial step towards a brighter future. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition and related fees for the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program, please utilize the Tuition and Fee Estimator tool available on the Algonquin College website.
Key points regarding tuition and fees:
- Tuition may be free for eligible Ontario residents who qualify for financial assistance through specific bursaries or literacy programs.
- Financial aid might be available to cover travel and childcare costs for eligible students.
- Course materials are provided at no cost to students.
- Please note that fees are subject to change, and it’s always best to consult the official Algonquin College website for the latest details.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in 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.
For detailed admission procedures and to begin your application, please visit the Admissions section of the Algonquin College website.
Additional Information and Resources
To further assist you in your journey with the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program, Algonquin College provides several valuable resources:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary technology for your studies. Details can be found on the BYOD section of the Algonquin College website.
- Archived Program Information: Access past program details if needed.
- Academic Calendar: Stay informed about important dates, deadlines, and academic regulations.
- Program Overview PDF: Download a concise PDF document summarizing the program details.
The ACE certificate program is offered at the Ottawa (Woodroffe) and Pembroke campuses, as well as through ACElinks in downtown Ottawa, providing multiple accessible locations.
Take the first step towards your academic and career aspirations. The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate program at Algonquin College is your pathway to success.
