Academic and Career Preparation (ACP)
Accepting new students!
Academic and Career Preparation (ACP) is a free, goal-directed, flexible and supportive academic upgrading program. It accommodates the realities of daily life, while allowing you to bring your reading, writing, math and other essential skills up to a high-school level.
Is Academic and Career Preparation right for me?
Academic and Career Preparation can help you to:
- gain the confidence you need to succeed at work or school
- meet requirements for entry into college or apprenticeship
- get ready for testing for employment or college entrance, including the Communications Placement Assessment (CPA)
- develop skills for success and computer skills to support your goals
- improve your study strategies and likelihood of success in postsecondary
- get high school equivalent credits
- get a credential equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma
- prepare for the General Education Development (GED) test
Eligibility requirements
You are invited to apply to the Academic and Career Preparation program if you are 19 or older and a resident of Ontario. Some applicants 16 to 18 years of age may also be eligible. Non-residents may register on a fee-paying basis.
Academic and Career Preparation is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, providing free upgrading for eligible learners. There is no tuition fee for most applicants. Assistance with child care or travel costs may also be available.
Without the help of the Academic and Career Preparation staff and instructors, I would not be where I am today. They not only offered me a hand up, which allowed me to go to college, but also provided me with the positive support I needed to succeed.—Marco D’Intino
By the numbers
Build your own plan
The Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate is recognized as equivalent to a Grade 12 diploma by all Ontario colleges and many employers. ACE also meets the requirements for entrance into apprenticeships across the province.
The ACE certificate is made up of four credits, including mandatory courses.
Mandatory courses:
Any two of the following courses:
- Technical Math
- Apprenticeship Math
- Business Math
- Computers
- Keys to Success
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Other offerings and supports
GED testing
Although Georgian College does not administer the GED testing*, Ontario High School General Equivalency Certificate, you can attend the upgrading program to prepare for writing the GED.
For more information about the GED (Ontario High School General Equivalency Certificate) test, please visit the Independent Learning Centre.
Need a bit more help?
As a Georgian College student, you will benefit from all the supports available through our Student Success department, including counselling, accessibility supports, as well as learning strategies and technologies. We are here to support you before, during and after you attend Academic and Career Preparation.
Upgrade at a location near you. Academic and Career Preparation is available at all seven Georgian College campuses as well as in Huntsville, Shelburne and Wasaga Beach. Each location offers a welcome, safe and friendly environment.
Select a location below
Explore Academic and Career Preparation offerings by location.
Barrie
Courses
The following courses are available at the Barrie Campus:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Communications
- English for Degree Entrance (EDE)*
- Keys to Success
- Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)
- Physics
Biology, Chemistry and Keys to Success are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.
*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance to fulfil the English requirement for Georgian degree programs.
Start dates
Most courses have monthly start dates, with the exception of Biology and Chemistry.
Workshops
Intro. to Office Admin.
This FREE workshop will help you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in an office administration role.
Ramp Ups
Ramp Ups are short, targeted courses designed to prepare you for success in postsecondary education. Please see below for more information or sign up here.
Ramp Up to College
Delivery A flyer | Delivery B flyer
Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.
We’re offering several Ramp Up to College sessions this summer with different scheduling and delivery styles. Please see the flyers above for more information.
Ramp up to Math
Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.
Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Barrie
Please contact us by phone or email:
- Email ACP Barrie
- 705.722.5160
Please note: our office is open for in-person services Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with service available by phone or email Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the backing and support of the Academic and Career Preparation staff and faculty.
—Stacey Flynn
Midland
Free prep courses include career planning and are a great way to explore your options.
Courses
The following courses are available in person in Midland:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers*
- Communications*
- Keys to Success
- Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)*
*Evening classes also available
All courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.
Endless Possibilities
- Learn Microsoft Office to support employment and education
- Set realistic objectives to move forward with employment and training goals
- Build confidence and resources to achieve your next steps forward
- Increase personal leadership in a respectful and empowering environment
Exploring Trades
- Practise math and communication skills specific to trades
- Learn about trade-specific programs and apprenticeship opportunities
GED Achievement Test Preparation
- Complete a readiness assessment to set a GED preparation plan
- Improve your success through coaching sessions
- Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to achieve your GED
Start dates
Start dates are on a continual basis during the academic year.
Workshops
Ramp Up to Pre-Apprenticeship
Ramp Up to Pre-Apprenticeship is a FREE workshop that helps you gain the skills needed to be successful in pre-apprenticeship programs.
Ramp Up to College
Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.
Excel Boost
This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing spreadsheets for employment and postsecondary.
Intro. to Office Admin.
Introduction to Office Administration is a FREE course that will help you gain confidence and skills to work in office administration.
Ramp up to Math
Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.
Apply for remote delivery
- Email ACP Midland
or - Call Sarah Hitchman at 249.307.0216
Georgian’s Academic and Career Preparation program helped me become a role model for my children. I am very excited for my happy ending.
—Patty Keith
Muskoka
Courses
The following courses are available at the Muskoka Campus:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Communications
- Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)
View the Academic and Career Preparation Flyer.
Start dates
All courses are continuous intake through on-site, remote and blended learning options. On-site classes are available at the Muskoka Campus in Bracebridge.
Workshops
Ramp Up to College
Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.
Information regarding upcoming Ramp Up to College intakes is coming soon!
Intro. to Office Admin.
This FREE workshop will help you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in an office administration role.
Career Pathways
This FREE workshop will help you develop a career plan.
Skills for a Digital Workplace
This FREE workshop will help you gain skills needed to work in an office setting.
Excel Boost
This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing spreadsheets for employment and postsecondary.
PowerPoint Boost
This FREE workshop will help you gain confidence and skills in preparing presentations for employment and postsecondary.
Apply for remote delivery
Please contact us by phone or email:
- Email Sarah Rumford
- Call 705.704.9191
Newmarket
Academic and Career Preparation (ACP) is now in Newmarket!
Courses
The following courses are available in Newmarket:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Communications
- English for Degree Entrance (EDE)*
- Keys to Success
- Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)
- Physics
*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance to fulfil the English requirement for Georgian degree programs.
Start dates
All courses are continuous intake.
Workshops
Intro. to Office Admin.
This FREE workshop will help you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in an office administration role.
Ramp Ups
Ramp Ups are short, targeted courses designed to prepare you for success in postsecondary education. Please see below for more information or sign up here.
Ramp Up to College
Delivery A flyer | Delivery B flyer
Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.
We’re offering several Ramp Up to College sessions this summer with different scheduling and delivery styles. Please see the flyers above for more information.
Ramp up to Math
Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.
Orangeville
Courses
The following courses are available in Orangeville (OV) and Shelburne (SH):
- Biology (OV, SH)
- Chemistry (OV, SH)
- Communications (OV)
- LBS (Literacy and Basic Skills) (OV, SH) Mathematics, English, including General Educational Development (GED) test preparation
- Mathematics (Core) (OV, SH)
- Mathematics (Business, Technical) (OV)
Courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student. GED test preparation is offered in independent study format with individualized assistance.
Start dates
All courses are continuous intake with the exception of Pathways to Employment.
Orillia
Courses
The following courses are available at the Orillia Campus:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Communications
- English for Degree Entrance (EDE)*
- Keys to Success
- Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)
- Physics
Keys to Success is teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.
*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance to fulfil the English requirement for Georgian degree programs.
Start dates
All courses have monthly start dates.
Workshops
Intro. to Office Admin.
This FREE workshop will help you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in an office administration role.
Ramp Ups
Ramp Ups are short, targeted courses designed to prepare you for success in postsecondary education. Please see below for more information or sign up here.
Ramp Up to College
Delivery A flyer | Delivery B flyer
Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.
We are offering several Ramp Up to College sessions this summer with different scheduling and delivery styles. Please see the flyers above for more information.
Ramp up to Math
Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical math.
Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Orillia
Please contact us by phone or email:
- Email ACP Orillia
- 705.329.3104
Please note: our office is open for in-person services Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with service available by phone or email Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Owen Sound
Courses
The following courses are available at the Owen Sound Campus:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Communications
- English for Degree Entrance (EDE)*
- Keys to Success
- Mathematics (Core, Technical, Apprenticeship, Business)
- Physics
Biology and Chemistry are teacher-led, which means that the class moves through the material as a group, with regularly scheduled tests, assignments and labs. The other courses are based on individualized plans with assignments and tests scheduled as appropriate for each student.
*ACP students can take English for Degree Entrance to fulfil the English requirement for Georgian degree programs.
Start dates
Most courses have monthly start dates, with the exception of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Workshops
Intro. to Office Admin.
This FREE workshop will help you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in an office administration role.
Workshops
Ramp Up to Health Care
Ramp Up to Health Care is a FREE five-day workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills needed for success in health care-related college programs.
Ramp up to Math
Ramp Up to Math is a FREE comprehensive online refresher course that emphasizes problem solving in a guided, collaborative learning environment and focuses on algebra and technical mathematics.
Ramp Up to Computers
Build or refresh critical computer skills for workplace and postsecondary success. Learn to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Familiarize yourself with APA formatting and Georgian’s online student systems. Attend all modules or whichever would most benefit you.
Ramp Up to College
Delivery A flyer | Delivery B flyer
Ramp Up to College is a workshop that helps you gain confidence and skills
needed for success at college. This FREE program is the ideal stepping stone to postsecondary education.
We’re offering several Ramp Up to College sessions this summer with different scheduling and delivery styles. Please see the flyers above for more information.
Apply for in-person or remote delivery in Owen Sound
Please contact us by phone or email:
- Email ACP Owen Sound
- 519. 372.3220
Please note: our office is open for in-person services Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with service available by phone or email Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
South Georgian Bay
Courses
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Credits
The following courses are available at the South Georgian Bay Campus serving the areas of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Clearview and the Town of The Blue Mountains:
- Math (Core, Technical, Business, Apprenticeship)
- Communications (English)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Keys to Success (learn and use success strategies that can help you in your academic, employment and personal life)
View the Academic and Career Preparation flyer.
GED Achievement Test Preparation
- Complete a readiness assessment to set a GED preparation plan
- Improve your success through coaching sessions
- Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to achieve your GED
College Planning and Preparation
Ramp Up to College provides a solid foundation in study strategies, memory techniques, assignment preparation, and college resources. This course will help prepare you to effectively use your time in college.
Career Pathways will help you develop a career plan that considers the steps you need for lifelong learning and employment in your community.
Employment Preparation
Introduction to 21st Century Skills provides a starting point for exploring online training while boosting your employment skills in communication, collaboration and critical and creative thinking.
Introduction to Office Administration will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Word, Excel and email supporting professional communication practices.
Skills for a Digital Workplace will provide you with a solid foundation in Microsoft Teams, online applications, and social media platforms.
PowerPoint Boost will help you prepare dynamic presentations.
Ramp Up to Food Service Skills will provide you with training and certification in safe food handling, responsible service, customer service, and infection prevention and control. Earn industry standard certificates and digital badges.
Start dates and locations
Classes are offered on a continual basis through on-site, remote, and blended learning options. Onsite classes are available at the campus in Collingwood, the Wasaga Beach Public Library and Career Solutions in Wasaga Beach.
Apply for in-person or remote delivery
Please contact us by phone or email:
- Email ACP South Georgian Bay
- 249.882.0018