Three types of recognition are granted to students, depending upon the number of credits and other requirements which they complete while in secondary school: the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD); Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC); and, the Certificate of Accomplishment (COA).
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) / Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC)
What you need to graduate:
What you need to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma depends on the year you started Grade 9.
If you started Grade 9 in 2023 or in prior years, you must earn:
If you started Grade 9 in 2024 or in later years you must earn:
Everyone needs 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering) to get their high school diploma.
English language learners: You may count up to 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English Literacy Development (ELD) towards the 4 compulsory credits in English. It does not matter what year you started Grade 9.
Your fourth credit must be a Grade 12 compulsory English course.
If you started Grade 9 in or before Fall 2023
If you started Grade 9 in 2023 or earlier, you need the following to get your OSSD.
Compulsory credits
You need the following 18 compulsory credits to get your OSSD:
- 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
- 3 credits in mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 3 credits for group 1, 2 and 3 courses (1 credit in each group)
- 2 credits in science
- 1 credit in Canadian history (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in the arts
- 1 credit in health and physical education
- 1 credit in French as a second language
- 0.5 credit in career studies
- 0.5 credit in civics and citizenship
The following also apply to compulsory credit selections.
Group 1, 2 and 3 compulsory credits
Of the 18 compulsory credits, you must complete 1 from each of the following groups:
Group 1
- English (including the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course) or French as a second language
- Native languages
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit studies
- classical studies and international languages
- social sciences and the humanities
- Canadian and world studies
- guidance and career education
- cooperative education
- American Sign Language as a second language
- Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde
Group 2
- health and physical education
- the arts
- business studies
- French as a second language
- cooperative education
- American Sign Language as a second language
- Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde
Group 3
- science (Grade 11 or 12)
- technological education
- French as a second language
- computer studies
- cooperative education
- American Sign Language as a second language
- Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde
The following conditions apply to compulsory credit selections from the above 3 groups.
- In groups 1, 2, and 3, you can count a maximum of 2 credits in French as a second language as compulsory credits, 1 from group 1 and 1 from either group 2 or group 3.
- If you have taken Native languages in place of French as a second language in elementary school, you may use a Level 1 or 2 Native languages course to meet the compulsory credit requirement for French as a second language.
- You can count a maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education as compulsory credits from any of the above 3 groups.
The Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde course is only available in French-language schools.
Optional credits
You must earn 12 optional credits by successfully completing courses from your school’s program and course calendar.
Optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit programs.
If you started Grade 9 in Fall 2024 and after
Note: Starting in September 2025, you must earn a new financial literacy graduation requirement as part of your compulsory Grade 10 mathematics course. You will need to achieve a mark of 70% or higher to pass this new requirement and earn your high school diploma.
Adult learners: If you enter the secondary school system starting in the 2027–2028 school year or later, these requirements apply to you. You may meet these requirements through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students process.
If you started Grade 9 in 2024 or in later years, you need the following to get your OSSD.
Compulsory credits
You need the following 17 compulsory credits to get your OSSD:
- 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
- 3 credits in mathematics (Grade 9, Grade 10 and 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 credits in science
- 1 credit in technological education (Grade 9 or Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian history (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in the arts
- 1 credit in health and physical education
- 1 credit in French as a second language
- 0.5 credit in career studies
- 0.5 credit in civics and citizenship
- 1 credit from the STEM-related course group
The following apply to compulsory credit selections.
STEM-related course group
Of the 17 compulsory credits, you must complete 1 from the following group:
- business studies
- computer studies
- cooperative education
- mathematics (in addition to the 3 compulsory credits currently required)
- science (in addition to the 2 compulsory credits currently required)
- technological education (in addition to the 1 compulsory credit required)
Optional credits
You must earn 13 optional credits by successfully completing courses from your school’s program and course calendar.
Optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit programs.
Literacy graduation requirement
You must meet the literacy graduation requirement to earn your high school diploma.
For most students, this means passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
If you do not pass the OSSLT, there are other ways to meet the literacy graduation requirement. Contact your school principal to find out about these options.
Online learning graduation requirement
If you started Grade 9 in the 2020–2021 school year or later, you must earn at least 2 online learning credits to get your high school diploma.
Adult learners: If you entered the secondary school system starting in the 2023–2024 school year or later, this requirement also applies to you.
Credits earned during COVID-19
If you were in Grade 9 and learning remotely when all schools were closed (from April 2021 to June 2021), you can count 1 of the high school credits you earned towards the 2 online learning credits you need to graduate.
Opting out
If you want to opt out of the online graduation requirement you must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- 16 or 17 years of age and have withdrawn from your parent or guardian’s control
If you meet this requirement, you can complete the exemption form available from your school board.
Otherwise, your parent or guardian needs to ask for this exemption by completing the form for you.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES
All students must complete 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students in collaboration with their parents will decide how they will complete the community involvement requirements.
THE ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL LITERACY REQUIREMENT
All students must take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students will normally take the literacy test in grade 10. Any student who has been eligible to write the test and who has been unsuccessful, may take the Ontario Literacy Course (OLC4O) as a substitute for successful completion of the literacy requirement. The test and course are based on the Ontario Curriculum expectations for language and communications particularly reading and writing - up to and including grade 9.
Accommodations
The necessary accommodations must be made to ensure that students who are receiving special education programs and services and who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) have a fair and equal opportunity to successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Students needing such accommodations may or may not have been formally identified as exceptional by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC). The accommodations made will be the same as those that are set out in the student's IEP and/or that are available to the student in the course of his or her regular school work, including examinations and other forms of evaluation. While accommodations such as alternative forms of print and extra time are acceptable, the actual content of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test must not be altered.
Deferrals
Students who might benefit from a deferral of the test may include students who have been identified as exceptional and students registered in English as a second language/English literacy development (ESL/ELD) courses who have not yet acquired the level of proficiency in English required for successfully completing the test. If a parent or an adult student requests a deferral, the principal will determine whether or not a deferral should be granted and, if so, for what period of time. A principal may also initiate consideration of a deferral. The principal will make his or her decision in consultation with the parent or adult student and appropriate school staff.
Exemptions
A student whose IEP indicates that the student is not working towards the attainment of a secondary school diploma may, with parental consent and the approval of the principal, be exempted from participating in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement (Literacy Test or Literacy Course). Students who do not successfully complete the Literacy requirement will not be able to receive a secondary school diploma. Should the learning expectations contained in the student's IEP be revised at some point so as to allow the student to work towards the attainment of the secondary school diploma, the student would be expected to successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or the Ontario Literacy Course.
SUBSTITUTIONS FOR COMPULSORY COURSES
Upon the approval of the principal, up to three substitutions may be made, for compulsory courses, where it is deemed the student's educational interests are best served by such a substitution. Either the parent or the principal may initiate a request. Substitutions may only be made from a list of courses considered to be compulsory.
ORGANIZATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSES
Definition of a Credit: A means of recognition of the successful completion of a course for which a minimum of 110 hours has been scheduled. A credit is granted to a student by the principal of a secondary school on behalf of the Minister of Education.
Types of Courses
Academic Courses and Applied Courses in Grades 9 and 10
Academic and applied courses set high expectations for all students. Academic courses focus on the essential concepts of the discipline and also explore related concepts. Academic courses develop students' knowledge and skills by emphasizing theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts and incorporating practical applications as appropriate. Applied courses also focus on the essential concepts of the discipline, and develop students' knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete applications of these concepts and incorporating theoretical applications as appropriate. Academic and applied courses differ in the balance between essential concepts and additional material, and in the balance between theory and application.
Locally Developed Courses
Locally developed courses are courses that meet educational needs not met by provincial curriculum policy documents. The locally developed grade 9 and 10 courses include grade 9 Math, Science and English, and grade 10 Math, English and History. The six grade 9 and 10 locally developed core courses are compulsory courses.
Open Courses in Grades 9 and 10
An open course comprises a set of expectations that is suitable for all students at a given grade level. These courses are designed to provide students with a broad educational base that will prepare them for their studies in Grades 11 and 12 and for productive participation in society.
Grade 11 and 12 Destination Courses
The four destination-related types of courses are: university preparation courses, university/college preparation courses, college preparation courses, and workplace preparation courses. At a minimum, school boards must offer one course in each of these four types in Grades 11 and 12 in the following subjects: English, mathematics, science, and technological education. Open courses and transfer courses are also available in Grades 11 and 12. Open courses are appropriate for all students and are not linked to any specific post secondary destination. Transfer courses are designed primarily to provide the content needed by students who wish to transfer from one type of course to another as a result of changes in their post secondary plans.
University Preparation Courses
University preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university program. All university preparation courses will be based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and will emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills. Students will also be required to demonstrate that they have developed these skills.
University/College Preparation Courses
University/college preparation courses include content that is relevant for both university and college programs. These courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific university and college programs. All university/college preparation courses will be based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and will emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills. Students will also be required to demonstrate that they have developed these skills.
College Preparation Courses
College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for college programs. All college preparation courses will be based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and will emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills. Courses will also require students to demonstrate that they have developed these skills.
Workplace Preparation Courses
Workplace preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for direct entry into the workplace or for admission to apprenticeship programs and other training programs offered in the community. Co-operative education and work experience placements within the community are important components of workplace preparation courses. Workplace preparation courses will be based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and will emphasize the development of generic employment skills, as well as independent research and learning skills. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have developed these skills. Workplace preparation courses in particular should also promote and stress the importance of lifelong learning.
Transfer Courses (Grades 10,11, and 12)
A transfer course is a partial-credit course (0.25 or 0.50 credit) that bridges the gap between courses of two different types in the same subject. Students who revise their educational and career goals and who wish to change from one type of course in a particular subject but lack the prerequisite course may do so by taking a transfer course. Transfer courses enable students to achieve the expectations not covered in one course type but required for entry into another. Talk to your guidance teacher/counsellor for more information.
Specialized Programs
Specialized programs are programs that provide students with a particular curriculum focus to assist them in meeting diploma requirements and in making the transition to post secondary destinations (i.e., university, college, apprenticeship programs, and the workplace). Students who do not have a specific career in mind but who wish to pursue their studies at the post secondary level could take a university preparation or college preparation program. Students who wish to go directly into the work force could take a school to work transition program.
*Additional information on courses of study offered at each school and curriculum documents are available by contacting the principal.
Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)
The Ministry of Education allows schools under a principal's authorization to develop and deliver curricula that goes beyond the traditional subject areas. These Interdisciplinary Studies can be delivered as single credit courses or packages of courses and are restricted to Grades 11 and 12.
*Additional information is available by contacting the principal.
PROCEDURES FOR CHANGING COURSES
Some students, after successfully completing a certain type of course, may change their educational goals and, as a consequence, may need to take compulsory and optional credit courses of a different type from those they initially chose. Although students enrolled in one type of course may enrol in a different type of course in a subsequent year, changing course types becomes more difficult as students advance through the system, or in situations involving courses that have prerequisites. It is recommended that students who wish to switch course types from Grade 9 to 10 (applied to academic or academic to applied) take the crossover materials for the appropriate subject area. These materials are available on the Internet (www.ilc.org). A student wishing to change course types between Grades 10 and 11 and/or Grades 11 and 12 may, for example:
- take a transfer course that will bridge the gap between course types;
- take a course of another type (e.g. academic) that will satisfy the prerequisites for a course in a higher grade (e.g. a university preparation course) that the student wishes to take;
- take a summer course or undertake independent study to achieve the uncompleted expectations that are required to enter the new program.
Note: Students wising to change a course should consult with their guidance teacher.
COURSE PREREQUISITES, COREQUISITES AND RECOMMENDED PREPARATION COURSES
There are no prerequisites for Grade 9 and 10 courses. Many courses in Grades 11 and 12 have prerequisites which must be met before admission to the course is normally granted. Students and parents/guardians should consider prerequisites very carefully so that the highest degree of programming flexibility can be maintained as the student moves from year to year. “Co-requisite” and “Recommended Preparation” courses are indicated in some cases as the teachers feel that students will experience more success if those courses are taken at the same time as (co-requisite courses) or prior to (recommended course) the course in question.
*Additional information is available by contacting your guidance teacher/ counselor
COURSE OFFERINGS - SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The options available to students who wish to consider alternative methods of earning credits to enrolling in courses offered in their secondary school may include:
Correspondence Courses: The Independent Learning Centre offers secondary school credit courses for individuals who wish to work independently towards the secondary school diploma. If you are 16 to 19 years old, you must provide a “Date of Leaving” letter from your last secondary school and a copy of your most recent Ontario Student Transcript.
Contact your guidance teacher/counsellor for information on the Independent Learning Centre Student Guide and/or the ILC website at: www.ilc.org
Independent Study: A teacher may allow a student to work towards a credit through independent study in which course components are assigned, resources are suggested, achievement is evaluated and the total work involved is equivalent to that expected in the time scheduled for the course. Courses delivered through the Independent Learning Centre may form part of independent study.
Private Study: Students may be permitted to take one or more courses where a) the student is deemed to have valid reasons for not attending classes or b) the school does not offer the course. The school must be willing to monitor the student's progress and evaluate the student's work. ILC courses may form part of the private study program.
Continuing Education: This involves the provision of credit and non credit courses for students who wish to study part time or full time for a short term outside the secondary school program. Courses may include evening, summer school, and adult basic education courses. See your guidance teacher/counsellor for further details.
Summer School: Summer school courses may be available for student who wish to earn additional credits, retake courses they have not successfully completed, improve achievement in a course or to take transfer courses. See your guidance teacher/counsellor for further details.
COMMON COURSE CODES
Each subject has a common course code for the purpose of record keeping. Courses are identified by 3 letters followed by a number and a letter. For example, ‘ENG2P' means English for Grade 10 students, an applied course.
The first character indicates the subject area:
A - Arts
B - Business
C - Canadian and World Studies
E - English
F - French
G - Guidance and Career Education
H - Social Sciences and the Humanities
L - Classical and International Languages
M - Mathematics
P - Health and Physical Education
S - Science
T - Technological Studies
The next two characters differentiate between subjects within the subject area:
e.g., CGC - Geography of Canada
CHC - Canada in the 20th Century
The first number indicates the grade level of the course:
1 = Grade 9
2 = Grade 10
3 = Grade 11
4 = Grade 12
The letter following the first number indicates the nature of the course type or level of difficulty:
D = Academic
P = Applied
O = Open
C = College Destination
M = College or University Destination
U = University Destination
E = Workplace Destination
The 6th character is used in Bluewater DSB schools to differentiate between courses with the same first five characters. Eg., ENG 2PI (6th character alpha I) indicates a full credit course vs. ENG 2PH (6th character H) indicates the first half of a credit course.