What is the 34 Credit Threshold and how does it apply to you?
You need 30 credits to meet Ontario Secondary School Diploma graduation requirements. Most students will complete these credits within four years. If needed, you may earn up to 34 credits within five years.
While enrolled in your first four consecutive years of secondary school, you may go beyond 34 credits.
The 34 Credit Threshold does not apply to:
- students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- English as a Second Language (ESL) core language courses and/or English Literacy Development (ELD) core language courses (e.g. Course Codes: ESL/ELDAO, ESL/ELDBO, ESL/ELDCO, ESL/ELDDO, ESL/ELDEO)
- students who are not enrolled in day school (that is, students enrolled only in continuing education such as night school courses).
According to the Ministry of Education, credits that will count toward the 34-credit threshold include:
- credits earned through day school, night school, summer school or private school;
- credits from other jurisdictions that are recognized for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, dual credits and eligible music certificates; and
- credits earned by taking a course a second time by students who pass the course then take the same course again to upgrade their marks. In this situation, the credit will count once toward the student's diploma and as two credits in terms of the 34-credit threshold.
Pathways Planning and the 34 Credit Threshold
Starting in Grade 7, as you develop your Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) in myBlueprint:
- Take the time to research post -secondary programs that you may like to try and the career pathways to which these programs lead - based on your interests, learning styles, skills, strengths and needs.
- Research secondary school courses that will prepare you for the post-secondary programs you’re interested in. Planning backwards is necessary (e.g. What will you need to take in Grade 12 to prepare for post-secondary? What grade 11 courses will you need for Grade 12? What Grade 10 courses might prepare you for Grade 11? etc.)
- Speak with your guidance counsellor who can help you to map out a course plan that is flexible, that can be revised and that will support you in being prepared for post-secondary without having to exceed 34 credits in 4 years.
- Review and revise your plan at least twice each year.