Ontario Graduation Requirements
OSSD Requirements
A complete breakdown of what every student needs to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma — credits, community hours, the literacy requirement, and online learning credits.
30
Total credits required
18
Compulsory credits
12
Optional credits
40 hrs
Community involvement
Step 1 of 3
18 Compulsory Credits
These subjects are mandatory for all Ontario students. The 18 compulsory credits cover the core areas below — students must earn credits in each specific subject area listed.
| Subject Area | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | One per grade (9–12); Grade 12 must be university or college preparation |
| Mathematics | 3 | One must be from Grade 11 or 12 |
| Science | 2 | Includes one Grade 9 or 10 Science |
| Canadian History | 1 | Grade 10 |
| Canadian Geography | 1 | Grade 9 |
| Arts | 1 | Visual arts, music, drama, or dance |
| Health & Physical Education | 1 | |
| French as a Second Language | 1 | Core French, Grade 9 |
| Career Studies | 0.5 | Grade 10, half-credit |
| Civics & Citizenship | 0.5 | Grade 10, half-credit |
| Group 1 elective | 1 | English, French as a Second Language, a Native language, Classical or International language, Social Sciences & Humanities, Canadian & World Studies, Guidance & Career Education, or Cooperative Education |
| Group 2 elective | 1 | Health & Physical Education, The Arts, Business Studies, or Cooperative Education |
| Group 3 elective | 1 | Science (Grade 11 or 12), Technological Education, Computer Studies, or Cooperative Education |
| Total compulsory | 18 |
Step 2 of 3
12 Optional Credits
Students choose 12 additional credits from any Ontario curriculum courses. Optional credits give students the flexibility to explore electives, upgrade marks, pursue a specific university prerequisite, or add courses relevant to their career path.
- Any Grade 9–12 Ontario curriculum course
- Can be used to upgrade a previously earned credit
- Co-operative Education credits may count (limits apply)
- Dual credits from college may be eligible
Not sure which optional courses you need?
Use the free credit checker below — walk through your student's completed subjects and get an instant gap estimate right on this page.
Free OSSD CalculatorTakes about 2 minutes · No sign-up required
Step 3 of 3
Additional Requirements
Beyond the 30 credits, students must meet these requirements before an OSSD can be granted.
40 Hours Community Involvement
Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities outside of regular school hours. Activities must be approved and documented.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Students must successfully complete the OSSLT administered by EQAO, or earn the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC — ENG4C) if they have been deemed eligible.
Online Learning Credits
Students must earn at least two online learning credits as part of their 30 total credits to graduate with an OSSD.
Minimum Enrollment Period
There is a minimum enrollment period students must meet to graduate with CanadianGrad Academy. Contact admissions for details specific to your student's situation.
CanadianGrad Academy
How CGA fits in
CGA is an Ontario Private School (BSID: 668458) with the authority to grant credits towards the OSSD. Our courses are aligned to Ontario curriculum expectations and credits earned count toward the OSSD.
Families should always confirm their student's credit status and pathway planning using official sources and CGA admissions guidance — especially for post-secondary applications and mark-transmission to day schools or OUAC/OCAS.
Common questions about CGA credits
Will CGA send marks to OUAC or OCAS?
CGA can provide report cards and transcripts. Mark transmission steps depend on the student's situation — contact admissions for guidance.
Can I upgrade a mark at CGA?
Yes. Students can retake or upgrade courses to improve a previous mark. The new grade replaces the old one for transcript purposes.
Do CGA courses count as online learning credits?
Yes. Courses taken at CGA satisfy the two online learning credit requirement for the OSSD.
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