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Questions & Answers - External Credentials

Q.  Where can I find a list of external credentials students can take for credits towards graduation?  

A.  All external credentials can be found in the online Course Registry

Q.  If a student did not report an external credential earned in previous years, can they get credit for it this year? 

A.  Yes, students just need to present the credential earned to their school counsellor. 

Q. Can a student in the Adult Graduation Program also earn credits for external credentials earned in the past? 

A.  Yes provided the credential is earned at the Grade 12 level and is designated as 4 credits.  The online Course Registry indicates the grade level that each external is assessed at.

Q. If a student has earned a music credential at one level, can they also be credited for credentials earned at lower levels even if they have not written the exam for the lower level credential? 

A. No, students must demonstrate they have fulfilled all the requirements associated with each credential, including exams.  For example, if a Conservatory of Music student passed the exam for Grade 7 Piano, they would not also receive credit for Grade 6 Piano unless they also passed the exam associated with it.  

Q. What qualifies an external organization and credentials offered for external credential purposes (for credits towards graduation)?

A. First the organization itself must satisfy some basic criteria.  This includes being governed by a provincial, national or international body, having certified instructors, and credentials that are available to significant number of students throughout BC.  In addition the credential(s) offered must meet standards.  This includes the same (or greater) level of depth, breadth, and rigour as would be found in Ministry-developed Grade 10, 11 or 12 courses, and an assessment and evaluation component (to assess the intended learning outcomes).