Diploma & Certificate Requirements

Understanding the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements

Earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is an important milestone for students, setting them up for future success in post-secondary education, apprenticeships, or the workforce. Here’s what students need to complete to graduate:

✅ 30 Credits in High School Courses

  • 18 Compulsory (Required) Credits, including:

    • 4 English

    • 3 Math

    • 2 Science

    • 1 Canadian History

    • 1 Canadian Geography

    • 1 Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, Music)

    • 1 Health & Physical Education

    • 1 French as a Second Language

    • 0.5 Career Studies & 0.5 Civics

    • 3 additional courses in subjects like Business, Technology, or Social Sciences

  • 12 Elective Credits in courses that match students’ interests and goals

✅ 40 Hours of Community Involvement
Students must complete 40 hours of volunteer work in their community. This can be done at non-profits, schools, or community events and helps students develop leadership and teamwork skills.

✅ Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement
Students must successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in Grade 10 or pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) if needed.

These requirements help ensure students develop strong academic skills, real-world experience, and community engagement, preparing them for life beyond high school! If you have any questions, school guidance counselors are happy to help.

 

Understanding the Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) Requirements

The Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) is an option for students who may not be working toward earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) but still want to receive formal recognition of their learning. To earn an OSSC, students must complete the following requirements:

✅ 14 Credits in High School Courses

  • 7 Compulsory (Required) Credits:

    • 2 English

    • 1 Math

    • 1 Science

    • 1 Canadian History or Canadian Geography

    • 1 Health & Physical Education

    • 1 Arts, Technology, or French as a Second Language

  • 7 Elective Credits in courses based on student interests and future goals

Unlike the OSSD, the OSSC does not require students to complete:
🚫 40 hours of community involvement
🚫 The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

This certificate is designed for students who may be moving into the workforce or other pathways before completing all OSSD requirements. If you have any questions, our guidance team is here to support your student’s success!