About the program

Ontario colleges deliver Academic Career Entrance (ACE) and pre-ACE courses. This is sometimes referred to as ACE, academic upgrading, adult upgrading or college and career preparation.

Colleges recognize the ACE certificate as a high school equivalent for admission to college programs or apprenticeship registration.

You can take individual ACE courses without pursuing the ACE certificate. You can also take the program online.

Learning options

  • in class
  • online
  • combination of in class and online

Schedule options

  • full-time or part-time
  • daytime or evening

Program length

  • courses are 120 hours
  • program length will vary depending on the number of courses being taken

Eligibility

You must be a resident of Ontario and at least 18 years old.

Colleges may have additional requirements.

This program might be good for you if you want to:

  • prepare for college
  • get into apprenticeship

Find locations near me

Program cost

This program is free.

Note: Some colleges may charge fees.

How to register

  1. Find a college you are interested in attending and make an appointment with them to discuss your goals and needs.
  2. Take an assessment with the college to evaluate your skills and knowledge.
  3. Get course recommendations from the college, based on your assessment results.

Map of Ontario colleges