You have decided to go back to Congratulations. If you’re feeling a bit lost with the different options available to you in our Quebec school system, read this article. We’ll give you the information you need to take charge of your future!
In this article, we’ll help you better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option, because a diploma and a secondary 5 equivalency test in Quebec don’t open the same doors! To accomplish your life project, it’s still important to understand the implications behind the path you’re going to choose! After reading, we hope you’ll have a better idea of the path to take!
Secondary 5 Equivalence The Main Options Available to You
First, the main choices available to you in Quebec are obtaining a high school diploma (DES), the school equivalence test (TENS), and the general development test (TDG). It is important not to confuse the school equivalence test with the general development test, because only TENS allows you to obtain a secondary 5 equivalence!
But what is TDG?
The TDG is a general development test and does not certify a 5th year of secondary school education .It can allow you to access a vocational training program more quickly, or to qualify you as a worker with the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ).
From here on out, we’ll focus onhigh school diploma and the school equivalence test!
Secondary school diploma (DES)
What doors does it open? All of them! Those to employers, vocational diplomas (DEP), CEGEPs, and eventually, universities.
How to get it? By passing several Ministry of Education exams, for a total of 54 units from the 4th and 5th secondary schools.
Which units are mandatory?
- 12 French units, including at least 6 units from Year 5;
- 8 second language units (English), including at least 4 units from Year 5;
- 4 units from the social sciences field of the 4th or 5th secondary;
- 8 units from the field of mathematics, science, and technology from the 4th or 5th secondary school, including at least 4 units in mathematics.
Note: if you already have a DEP, the compulsory units are different.Geinformed with the ChallengeU team.
The School Level Equivalence Test (SLT)
What doors does this open? Passing the School Level Equivalence Test (TENS) allows you to obtain a Secondary School Equivalence Certificate (AENS). This allows you to get a job with some employers fairly quickly. This certificate also allows you to enter the majority of DEPs that do not require mathematics, as well as some college studies certificates (AEC).
How do you get it? By proving that you have high school-level knowledge, through your personal and professional experience. To prove yourself, you must pass several assessments that are part of the TENS.
To register: You must contact a school service center in your region. Almost all adult education centers offer TENS! For examplMontrealeal School Service Center, Students must call to register for exams and pay a $40 fee.
With TENS, you must pass the following two exams
- French – Grammar
- French – Reading comprehension
Then you must choose and pass 3 of the following 5 exams
- Mathematics
- English
- Human Sciences
- Economics
- Natural sciences
These exams are spread over a period of several days and are all multiple-choice exams. From the moment you take the first test, you must complete and pass all five tests (the two required tests and three of your choice) within a period of six (6) months; otherwise, you will have to wait a year to re-register and retake the test.
The Benefits of the Educational Level Equivalency Test (ENST)
1. No courses to take or credits to earn
If you have the required knowledge, the TENS allows you to obtain your Secondary 5 equivalence very quickly. You don’t have to register for courses, learn the material, go through the levels, take exams for each course, etc. To study or find out if you’re really ready to obtain your secondary equivalence, use the preparatory workbooks offered by the various school service centers in Quebec. They will help you prepare well!
2. Improve your job prospects
Even though it doesn’t replace a diploma, the AENS allows you to secure your future more quickly. You’ve probably already noticed that, these days, the majority of employers require a DES or the equivalent of a 5th year of secondary school. Why? It allows them to validate that the employees they recruit possess certain basic skills, quite simply. Your equivalency certificate will allow you to offer your services to more companies and certainly land a job with better conditions!
3. Expand your training options
By completing the TENS, you will have a secondary school equivalence certificate (AENS) in your pocket, and you will have the mandatory prerequisites to register for all the DEPs offered in Quebec. And there are many! Your secondary 5 equivalence will also make you eligible for some AECs, but not all of them. So, if there is a program that you dream of, check the requirements carefully before choosing between an equivalence certificate and a high school diploma. If you are sure you want to do a DEP, the AENS will open doors for you and allow you to apply for admission to the training that interests you!
4. A simple procedure
Taking the high school equivalency tests to obtain the AENS isn’t complicated. You must first contact the adult education center in your region or city, which will give you all the information you need. Often, information sessions are even offered. You then register for the exams, and after that… you take the equivalency tests! All you have to do is wait for the results, which generally arrive within a few days to a few weeks.
Disadvantages of the Equivalence Test (TENS)
1. More limited possibilities
Even though the certificate is very useful for opening doors to certain training programs and new career opportunities, the AENS doesn’t offer you total freedom. Unfortunately, an equivalence test “only” entitles you to a Secondary 5 equivalence certificate. Since you don’t take any courses or earn credits, it’s not considered a high school diploma. For some employers, this won’t be enough. And most importantly, it doesn’t open doors to training in college diploma programs (DEC). The AENS only opens doors to certain college diplomas (AEC).
2. A less secure The figures prove it: Getting your high school diploma and continuing your education pays off. Over the course of their lifetime, a CEGEP or university graduate would earn an average of $1 million more! Obviously, money doesn’t buy happiness, and it’s not the only factor to consider before embarking on your studies. However, it’s important to remember that TENS has its limitations and the prospects it offers are more defined.
3. More difficult career changes
If you’re doing the TENS instead of finishing high school because you have a DEP in mind, that’s perfect! However, you should know that if you ever decide you want to change direction, then you may need to obtain your DES for your new direction. The DES is a training program that allows access to higher education programs.
4. Alone with yourself
To earn your 5th-grade equivalency, you really need to be able to study on your own. You won’t have any classes to teach you the material, no teacher to explain or refresh your memory… Autonomy is great, but it often has its limits. If you decide to earn your high school diploma, you’ll experience a different reality. In addition to earning your diploma, you’ll be supported by a multitude of resources. For example, at ChallengeU, you’ll have access to entertaining educational content, teachers on the platform, and a community of student support!
Finish your high school with Challenge U
In closing, remember that every situation is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all aanswer For some, the AENS may better meet their needs. For others, it’s less clear: do they really need a high school diploma or not? No matter which choice you make, just remember that:
- TENS only opens certain doors for you, especially in DEPs and AECs.
- Most employers recognize the equivalence of the 5th secondary school, but not all! Some require the DES;
- Choosing the equivalence test allows you to move faster, while a diploma can take a little longer, but opens more doors and allows you to reorient yourself better later!
