Studying in adult general education

Adult general education provides training services that meet a variety of profiles and needs. These services are provided to adults over the age of 16.

Discover adult general education

Adult general education provides different services and types of training programs that enable you to pursue several objectives, such as:

  • acquiring a Secondary School Diploma (SSD)
  • learning the French language
  • obtaining prerequisites for vocational training or post-secondary studies
  • continuing your studies
  • finding and keeping a job
  • acquiring or obtaining the recognition of competencies that may make it possible to improve career prospects
  • developing autonomy and participation in social life

Types of instruction and training

Adult general education offers different types of training. It can be provided individually, in a group, mixed or through distance-learning. If you do not wish to access services by attending classes or receiving distance education services, you can sign up for self-study training services.

You can train in or outside of adult education centres. Certain businesses, community organizations, detention centres and rehabilitation centres also offer training.

Course schedule

Flexible formulas adapted to the realities of adult life are offered, making it easier to balance studies and family life. The course schedule may be adapted according to your availabilities. Training may be full-time, part-time, during the day or in the evening. Moreover, the duration of training varies in accordance with each adult’s academic and career needs and objectives.

Instructional services

Adult general education is divided into 10 instructional services: 

  • Pedagogical Support
  • Literacy
  • Presecondary
  • Secondary Cycle One
  • Secondary Cycle Two
  • Social integration
  • Socio-vocational integration
  • Francization
  • Vocational training preparation
  • Preparation for post-secondary education

Register

To be eligible for adult general education services, you must:

  • be 16 years of age before July 1 of the current school year
    or
  • be under 16 years of age and hold a Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST)

To register, you must first find an adult education centre (in French only) that meets your needs. Then, contact the centre or visit its website to find out how to register.

You can register for adult general education at any time during the school year. Your training plan will be personalized and will take into account your situation and personal and career objectives.

Recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies

When you register in adult general education, you can obtain official recognition of your prior learning and competencies acquired outside school, and thus more quickly obtain a diploma in a program recognized by the Ministère.

To begin the process of having your prior learning and acquired competencies recognized, you need to contact the school service centre or school board in your region (in French only) and make an appointment.

Consult the Recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies page for more information.

For support

Various support and guidance services are available to you throughout your adult general education path.

Complementary educational services

You can benefit from the assistance of complementary educational services to support you in your learning, and to help you develop or maintain attitudes and behaviours that are conducive to health and well-being.

Learning support services

These services provide learning conditions that foster perseverance and academic and career success. They may include remedial education or tutoring services, for example.

Counselling, promotion and prevention services

These services aim to facilitate the development and maintenance of attitudes and behaviours that have positive effects on learners’ overall health and well-being. For example, they can be health (nurse), psychological or special education services.

Student life services

These services provide a stimulating environment that encourages students to commit to their academic and career plan and become involved in their learning environment and community. These may include services created to help students build connections among themselves or to foster a feeling of belonging within the school community.

Reception, referral, counselling and support services (SARCA)

Reception, referral, counselling and support services (SARCA) staff can help you with your plans to return to school or to enter the job market.
 
For more information, see the Reception, Referral, Counselling and Support Services (SARCA) web page.

Listening and referral services

The Adult Learnline is a help, listening and referral service that can direct you to educational institutions across Québec that can meet your learning needs. 

Info-Alpha is a helpline and listening and referral service in literacy and basic training dedicated to adults with reading, writing and numeracy difficulties.

Last update: October 25, 2024

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