High School Credits – Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I am only one of two credits short of the requirements to graduate from high school. What are my options for obtaining these credits?
  2. Can I receive credit for any extra-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh program or participation in a swimming program?
  3. Can I take on-line courses to get my high school diploma if I have left school and am only missing a credit or two?
  4. I recently left high school, but did not obtain my diploma. Can I take the GED test to get my diploma?

 

1. I am only one of two credits short of the requirements to graduate from high school. What are my options for obtaining these credits?

If you are 19 years of age or older, your best option is to complete Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses which can be transferred back into the high school system in order to graduate. This option is available to students who are up to six credits short of meeting their high school graduation requirements.  Students missing a ‘Fine Art’ or ‘Career Development’ credit are not eligible for transfer from ABE. ABE courses can be taken at most of the private colleges in the province. To determine what course(s) should be completed in order to graduate, the college you plan to attend must contact the Manager of High School Certification at the Department of Education. A full list of ABE sites is available at https://www.gov.nl.ca/aesl/files/List-of-all-ABE-Service-Providers-by-Community-Updated-Sept-2019.xls

If the ABE course route is not for you, completion of the GED examinations is certainly another option to obtain high school equivalency.

Contact Ralph Percey, manager of high school certification to discuss options that may be available to you at ralphpercey@gov.nl.ca

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2. Can I receive credit for any extra-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh program or participation in a swimming program?

The Department of Education does recognize credentials obtained by students from some national organizations outside the regular school system for the purpose of awarding credit in the senior high school program. Full details are available here.

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3. Can I take on-line courses to get my high school diploma if I have left school and am only missing a credit or two?

Normally the answer to this question is no. CDLI’s distance education program is not intended to be used as an alternative to the face-to-face programs offered in the province’s schools. Rather, it works with the school as a partner to ensure that each school is empowered to offer a full range of courses and programs. Depending upon when you last attended school, CDLI’s distance education programs may be option. Talk with your principal or with CDLI’s guidance counsellor to determine whether this is the case.

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4. I recently left high school, but did not obtain my diploma. Can I take the GED test to get my diploma?

You are able to take the GED tests if you:

  • are at least 19 years of age or older;
  • are not currently enrolled in a high school program;
  • have not already graduated from high school;
  • are a Newfoundland and Labrador resident of not less than six months.

You might also want to contact Ralph Percey, manager of high school certification, to discuss your particular circumstances and discuss available options, at ralphpercey@gov.nl.ca

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