FAQs


High School Equivalency Preparation Program - Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)

What is included in the CAEC?

The CAEC includes 5 tests: Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, and Science.

What will the program prepare me for?

Our High School Equivalency Preparation Program will prepare you to write all 5 sections of the test.

Do I need to know how to use a computer for the CAEC test?

The tests for the CAEC are completed on a computer. However, there are options to request a paper-based test. Our program can also help you upgrade your digital technology skills to prepare for computer-based testing.

Where do I write the test?

The test is NOT written at our centre. When you and your instructors feel you are ready, PALC will help your book your tests through the ILC.

How much does it cost to write the CAEC test?

The cost to book all five tests is $100. All preparation services at PALC are free.

How long will preparation take?

Programs are individualized to meet your specific needs, so program length will differ for each student.

Is the CAEC the same as the high school diploma?

No, the CAEC is not an OSSD. The CAEC is a high school equivalency credential that can be used for:

  • jobs requiring a grade 12 or equivalent
  • admission requirements for some post-secondary programs or skill training programs
  • enrollment as an apprentice, required for some sectors

Can I apply to college or university with a CAEC?

Many diploma programs will accept the CAEC for admission. However, requirements vary across programming. Therefore, you must first research your program of interest’s admissions requirements.

The CAEC does not provide admission eligibility for degree programs.

Is the program offered online?

All PALC programs are in person. We offer classes in Mississauga and Brampton.

Do you offer credit courses towards a high school diploma?

PALC does not offer credit classes. If you are looking for credit classes towards completing your high school diploma, please contact your local school board.

How much does the program cost?

We are part of Employment Ontario and funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our programs are FREE to eligible students.

To be eligible you must:

  • be 18 years of age and over
  • be a resident of Ontario
  • have attained a CLBA in 6 in speaking and listening (if English is not your first language)
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number
  • successfully complete an intake assessment

What are your program hours?

We offer both full-time and part-time classes. All programs run from Monday to Friday.

  • Full-time classes: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Part-time morning classes: 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
  • Part-time afternoon classes: 12:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What type of classroom structure is it?

While we have a classroom setting, our structure differs from a traditional high school. Instructors tailor the program to your specific needs, offering a blend of small group work, one-on-one instruction, computer-assisted learning, and full group instruction.

How do I register for the program?

Before registering, you first need to book an Intake assessment appointment with our Student Engagement Coordinator.

At this appointment, you will receive:

  1. a one-on-one information session to talk about your goals
  2. help exploring the prerequisites of your goal, whether it is to attend college or skills training, start an apprenticeship, or find employment
  3. an academic and skills assessment to determine your upgrading and training needs in reading, writing, math, and digital technology
  4. assistance to determine the shortest, most effective route to attain your goal

CollegeReady

What will the program prepare me for?

Our CollegeReady program will provide you with preparation for the Mature Student Test for college admission.

How long will preparation take?

Programs are individualized to meet your specific needs, so program length will differ for each student.

Is the program offered online?

All PALC programs are in person. We offer classes in Mississauga and Brampton.

Do you offer credit courses towards a high school diploma?

PALC does not offer credit classes. If you are looking to take credit classes to complete your high school diploma, please contact your local school board.

How much does the program cost?

We are part of Employment Ontario and funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our programs are FREE to eligible students.

To be eligible you must:

  • be 18 years of age and over
  • be a resident of Ontario
  • have attained a CLBA in 6 in speaking and listening (if English is not your first language)
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number
  • successfully complete an intake assessment

What are your CollegeReady program hours?

We offer both full-time and part-time classes. All programs run from Monday to Friday.

  • Full-time classes: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Part-time morning classes: 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
  • Part-time afternoon classes: 12:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What type of classroom structure is it?

While we have a classroom setting, our structure differs from a traditional high school. Instructors tailor the program to your specific needs, offering a blend of small group work, one-on-one instruction, computer-assisted learning, and full group instruction.

How do I register for the program?

Before registering, you first need to book an Intake assessment appointment with our Student Engagement Coordinator.

At this appointment, you will receive:

  1. a one-on-one information session to talk about your goals
  2. help exploring the prerequisites of your goal, whether it is to attend college or skills training, start an apprenticeship, or find employment
  3. an academic and skills assessment to determine your upgrading and training needs in reading, writing, math, and digital technology
  4. assistance to determine the shortest, most effective route to attain your goal

What is the Mature Student Test

If you have not completed high school, you can apply to college and write the Mature Student Test (MST) for entrance.

  • To be eligible to apply as a mature student at an Ontario college you must be at least 19 years old, have not completed a high school diploma or equivalency (now known as the CAEC), and have completed the required course prerequisites
  • Depending on the college program you choose, you may have to pass a test in English (reading and writing), math, and/or science
  • Our CollegeReady program can help you prepare for the Mature Student Test and meet the eligibility requirements for college entrance

WorkReady

What programs are offered in WorkReady?

Our WorkReady programs include:

  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Introduction to Microsoft Office
  • Customer Service Training
  • Skills for Employment

Do I need to have my own device?

No, PALC provides computers for in-class learning. However, having a device at home is recommended to practice the skills learned in class.

Is the program offered online?

All PALC programs are in person. We offer classes in Mississauga and Brampton.

How much does the program cost?

We are part of Employment Ontario and funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our programs are FREE to eligible students.

To be eligible you must:

  • be 18 years of age and over
  • be a resident of Ontario
  • have attained a CLBA in 6 in speaking and listening (if English is not your first language)
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number
  • successfully complete an intake assessment

What are the program hours?

All WorkReady programs are offered part-time in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday to Thursday.

How do I register for the program?

Before registering, you first need to book an Intake assessment appointment with our Student Engagement Coordinator.

At this appointment, you will receive:

  1. a one-on-one information session to talk about your goals
  2. help exploring the prerequisites of your goal, whether it is to attend college or skills training, start an apprenticeship, or find employment
  3. an academic and skills assessment to determine your upgrading and training needs in reading, writing, math, and digital technology
  4. assistance to determine the shortest, most effective route to attain your goal

ApprenticeshipReady

Does the ApprenticeshipReady program offer in-person learning?

Our ApprenticeshipReady program is delivered only in person.

I'm an English language learner. Do I need to provide proof of my CLBA test results?

Yes. You must have attained a CLBA level 6 in speaking and listening, and you need to be able to provide a copy of your CLBA test results.

What type of identification is required?

You must provide a valid social insurance number and photo ID to validate your date of birth and mailing address to participate in any PALC program.

Do I need to have a computer to participate in PALC programs?

All of our classes are in-person, so it is not necessary to have your own computer.

What if I struggle with math?

Don't worry! After the assessment, our patient instructors will work with you individually in a small group setting to help you improve. Many students are amazed at how quickly their confidence grows.

What apprenticeship programs do you help me prepare for?

Our programs are individualized and can help you develop the required academic and employment skills needed before starting any apprenticeship.

How long will the ApprenticeshipReady program take?

Programs are individualized to meet your specific needs, so program length will differ for each student.

What are your ApprenticeshipReady program hours?

We offer both full-time and part-time classes. All programs run from Monday to Friday.

  • Full-time classes: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Part-time morning classes: 9:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
  • Part-time afternoon classes: 12:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Do I need to have my grade 12?

Some trades require you to have a Canadian High School Diploma, while others may not! We can help you determine what is required for your chosen trade.

Will you help me find a sponsor?

PALC will guide you in building your academic and employment skills, and we'll also help you understand the steps to becoming an apprentice. However, you will need to find your own sponsor.

Is the program offered online?

All PALC programs are in person. We offer classes in Mississauga and Brampton.

How much does the program cost?

We are part of Employment Ontario and funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our programs are FREE to eligible students.

To be eligible you must:

  • be 18 years of age and over
  • be a resident of Ontario
  • have attained a CLBA in 6 in speaking and listening (if English is not your first language)
  • have a valid Social Insurance Number
  • successfully complete an intake assessment

School makes me anxious. What can I expect in this class?

While we have a classroom setting, our structure differs from a traditional high school. Instructors tailor the program to your specific needs, offering a blend of small group work, one-on-one instruction, computer-assisted learning, and full group instruction.

How do I register for the program?

Before registering, you first need to book an Intake assessment appointment with our Student Engagement Coordinator.

At this appointment, you will receive:

  • a one-on-one information session to talk about your goals
  • help exploring the prerequisites of your goal, whether it is to attend college or skills training, start an apprenticeship, or find employment
  • an academic and skills assessment to determine your upgrading and training needs in reading, writing, math, and digital technology
  • assistance to determine the shortest, most effective route to attain your goal

BJORP

Are you looking to apply for Better Jobs Ontario but don’t know where to start?

If you want to apply for Better Jobs Ontario, you first need to sign up with an Employment Service (ES) agency. If you are not connected with one, you can call our centre and we can give you a referral. The ES agency will:

  • administer a matrix test to determine your eligibility and suitability for the Better Jobs Ontario application
  • help you decide if Better Jobs Ontario is right for you

How do I qualify for the Better Jobs Ontario Readiness Program (BJORP)?

To qualify for the BJO Readiness program, you must score 16 or higher on your matrix assessment. Your ES case worker will certify your eligibility and can then refer you to our centre for an in-person BJORP assessment.

What are the eligibility requirements for BJO Readiness Program?

Candidates must:

  • be 18 years of age or older
  • have a valid social insurance number
  • have CLBA 6 in speaking and listening (recommended)
  • have successfully completed a BJO Readiness intake assessment
  • Be registered with an Employment Ontario - Employment Service Provider and received a matrix score of a 16 or higher

How long will the BJO Readiness program take to complete?

The Better Jobs Readiness program is approximately 4 weeks in length and is delivered online. It is designed to help clients develop the necessary skills and complete all required documentation for the BJO application. The program is tailored to each person and is based on the outcome of your BJORP assessment.

How long can a BJO-funded training program be?

  • Training programs cannot exceed 12 months (52 weeks or less, including breaks)
  • Eligible programs include: a micro-credential or program from a private college, public college, or private training program
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Brampton: 905 495 2700

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