Adult Upgrading
It’s never too late to follow your dreams.
What is Adult Upgrading?
The Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE) program is a great first step to better things. Whether you need to complete prerequisites, finish your high school diploma, or are looking to upgrade your skills for a job or promotion, or you need to to enter into another College program, the supportive environment and flexible options of our upgrading program can get you there.
Let’s get started!
For more information on earning your BC Adult Graduation Diploma, upgrading to meet course or program requirements, or to register for Directed Studies (continuous intake) courses in Cranbrook, book an appointment with the UACE Coordinator. Appointments can be booked 30 days in advance.
To register for DS courses at all other campuses, please contact your nearest campus directly.
For semestered courses beginning in Fall or Winter, you can start the registration process by clicking the red “Apply Now” button. You will be able to self-register for your course(s) when you receive the email from Admissions and Registration.
Please note, in person meetings are preferred, but telephone/online is also available.
Program Overview
Why consider the Adult Upgrading Program?
- Complete the pre-requisites you need for entry into college or university programs.
- Complete the Adult Graduation Diploma and get your Adult Dogwood.
- Complete classes for employment or to prepare for a promotion.
- Choose from on-campus semester courses, self-paced courses with individual instructor support or online self-paced courses.
- Take just one course or design a program to meet your goals.
- Study full time or part time.
- Improve and develop effective academic study skills.
- Improve literacy skills and personal life skills!
- It’s tuition free! The BC government funds the Adult Basic Education. Apply for the AUG grant to help to cover additional costs of returning to school.
For detailed information about UACE courses and programs: View official program outline.
Course Delivery
Flexible course delivery options include:
- On-campus – scheduled face-to-face on-campus courses delivered at the Cranbrook campus.
- Directed Studies – self-paced directed studies courses with individual instructor support delivered at the Cranbrook campus and all of our regional campuses.
- Online – Self-paced courses with individual instructor support at the Cranbrook campus and all of our regional campuses.
Please note: Not all courses are offered at all campuses in all formats. Please check with your nearest campus for the latest course offerings.
On-campus:
The on-campus courses at the Cranbrook campus are scheduled each semester for face-to-face delivery and follow our academic calendar with intakes in the fall and winter semesters. Course offerings include Biology 090, Chemistry 080 and 090, Physics 080 and 090 , Math 080 and 090 , and English 090*.
Benefits of this delivery include:
- Dynamic and engaging face-to-face classroom instruction
- Small class sizes
- For some college programs, upgrading courses can be taken while you are enrolled in your program
- You will develop effective academic study skills that prepare you for success in college and university courses
* College of the Rockies 090 level courses are equivalent to grade 12 level courses in the BC Secondary School system and to Provincial Level courses in the Adult Basic Education system.
Directed Studies:
Through our directed studies course delivery mode learners work at a college location but at their own pace and at times of their own choosing within available instructional support hours. This is our most flexible delivery courses supported by instructors who are interested in helping you to meet your goals. You can complete your course work from home and when it is convenient for you, pop in to the classroom when you need some extra help. Course offerings include all levels of Math and English as well as electives such as Education and Career Planning, Work Experience 095, Portfolio Learning and College Success 090. For specific details on courses offered see the Course Descriptions section.
Benefits of this delivery include:
- Self-paced courses delivered at our Cranbrook and Regional Campuses with instructors who are available to assist you daily during the week – see Classroom Schedule for Cranbrook campus; visit the regional campus websites for information on directed studies classroom timetables.
- Continuous intake courses. This means that you can start your courses at a time that works for you! You can register in September, October, November, January, February or March at all our regional campuses. Summer classes are available at the Fernie campus as well.
- In order to keep up with your course, we will help you to develop strong time management skills, intermediate computer skills, and the ability to work independently.
- You’ll be able to access your courses through MOODLE and make use of unit guides, assignments, media, and other resources.
- There are opportunities to participate in collaborative peer work.
- There are no additional costs for textbooks as we provide you with the textbooks and resources you need while you are taking our courses.
Online courses:
English 090 and Education and Career Planning 090 are offered online. These courses have the same flexibility as our in class directed studies courses but provide you with an option complete your assignments and activities online with online instructor support.
Benefits of this delivery include:
- Online self-paced courses delivered at our Cranbrook and Regional Campuses with instructors who are available to assist you online (email or Teams) or face-to-face during scheduled times. You are more than welcome to attend in the classroom for extra support or a quiet place to work.
- Continuous intake courses. This means that you can start your courses at a time that works for you! You can register in September, October, November, January, February or March at all our regional campuses. Summer classes are available at the Fernie campus as well.
- EDCP 90, ENGL 90, and ENGL 92 are offered online and can be taken from outside the area. In the case where a course has a final, it must be arranged through a campus or local testing centre (fees may apply).
- BIOL 090 is offered in a hybrid model through the Fernie campus. Theory is presented online, but students must attend in Fernie for labs and exams. Please contact the Fernie Campus for more info.
- The amount of time given to complete your courses varies depending on the course level. Unlike semestered courses, there is flexibility within the time frame!
Course Descriptions
090 Level Courses
College of the Rockies 090 level courses are equivalent to grade 12 level courses in the BC Secondary School system and to Provincial level courses in the Adult Basic Education system.
BIOL-090 – Biology, Provincial Level (Human Biology)
Students in this course are introduced to biochemistry, cell structure, and cellular processes (respiration, protein synthesis, cell division) as foundations for understanding human anatomy and physiology. The major human organ systems are covered in detail. Laboratory experiences include experiments, demonstrations, and some dissection. Knowledge of general chemistry is essential in understanding much of the material in this course.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 112 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
CHEM-090 – Chemistry, Provincial Level
This course provides an introduction to chemistry, emphasizing gases, liquids and solids, solutions, ionization, equilibria, acids and bases, pH, rates of reaction and oxidation-reduction reactions.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 112 hours
- Prerequisites: Chemistry 11, or CHEM 080 or equivalent
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
ENGL-090 – English
English 090 focuses on the following core skills: reading, comprehension, vocabulary development, study skills, literary appreciation and analysis, and writing. Through literature, research and analysis and class discussions, students broaden their knowledge of society as they meet the provincially articulated learning outcomes for Provincial Level ABE English.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Either ENGL 080, Composition 11, Literary Studies 11 or English First Peoples: Literary Studies + Writing 11 or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus, Online
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
ENGL-092 – English – Provincial Level (Essential English)
Students in this course will build skills for expressing personal experiences, opinions and thoughts through a number of interesting topics. They will develop communication and critical thinking skills to prepare for some post-secondary programs, but mostly for the workforce. Students will read and reference the work of Indigenous authors and explore Canada’s diversity. All student assignments are designed to teach the essential skills needed in the workplace.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Either ENGL 070, Composition 10, Literary Studies 10, New Media 11, English First Peoples: Literary Studies + New Media 11 or equivalent or permission of the instructor. Corequisites: A computer course is recommended.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, Online
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
MATH-090 – Mathematics, Provincial Level
This course helps prepare students with the algebra and trigonometry skills necessary to enter academic, technical or vocational programs including those requiring a Pre-Calculus 12 or Principles 12 prerequisite.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 113 hours
- Prerequisites: MATH 080, Pre-Calculus 11, Principles 11 or assessment.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
PHYS-090 – Physics, Provincial Level
In this course, students extend a conceptual understanding of one-dimensional motion to encompass two-dimensional motion. Using vectors and sophisticated laboratory equipment, students model behaviours in two dimensions. Skills and knowledge are then applied to electro statistics and electromagnetism. Students continue to develop scientific laboratory skills such as data collection, graphing information, drawing conclusions from observations and writing formal lab reports.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 112 hours
- Prerequisites: PHYS 080 or Physics 11, and MATH 080 or Pre-Calculus 11 or Principles 11. Corequisites: Math 090 must be taken either prior to or concurrently.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
EDCP-090 – Education and Career Planning
Education and Career Planning 090 focuses on core skills required to enter the workforce or to prepare for selecting the educational program for a career or a career change. The course encourages students to self-reflect, take inventory of their acquired skills, and set goals. Through a number of guided exercises and detailed research, students will make informed decisions concerning their education and career direction.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Assessment or instructor permission. Corequisites: ENGL 080, 090, 091 or 092 is recommended.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
WORK-095 – Previous Work and Job Skills
Previous Work and Job Skills 095 will recognize documented past work experience or current work experience as part of the course content. Students reflect on what they have done at their jobs and do exercises to help them demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired. They also use this knowledge to continue on their learning pathway. In addition, students will review health and safety, effective communication, workplace ethics, and labour relations. This course can also help students develop strategies for transitioning into new jobs.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 270 hours of documented work or will have 270 hours completed by the end of the course and instructor permission. EDCP 90 or equivalent is recommended.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
PORT-090 – Portfolio Learning
Portfolio Learning 090 provides an opportunity for students with near complete or complete and comprehensive portfolios to engage with faculty for a review of their work. Students will be granted credit for past and current personal knowledge, skills, and abilities. Creating a portfolio is an in-depth process; students will need to identify and document significant experiences, reflecting on the learning that resulted from these experiences, establishing educational, career or personal goals, and submitting all work in a well-organized and clearly presented format.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
COSU-090 – College Success Provincial Level
College Success 090 focuses on the development of effective strategies and skills required to succeed in secondary and post-secondary courses and programs. The course provides a smooth transition into the role of being students for those who have been out of school for many years and helps students adapt to a college environment and expectations. The course helps students to develop self-awareness related to learning preferences, communication skills, student supports, study skills, test taking strategies, technology skills and time management. Optional topics such as research, presentation skills, online learning ,financial student aid, or the BC transfer system allow for students to individualize their learning related to their educational goals.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, Online
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
080 Level Courses
College of the Rockies 080 level courses are equivalent to grade 11 level courses in the BC Secondary School System and to the Advanced level courses in the Adult Basic Education System.
ENGL-080 – English
ENGL 080 provides students with the required skills to enter Provincial level English courses and some vocational programs. Skill areas include critical thinking, reading, writing, research, and communication. Assignments vary allowing students to develop and expand their writing, grammar and editing skills. In addition, reading comprehension and vocabulary skills are acquired through a wide variety of genres.
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: ENGL 070 or equivalent, appropriate assessment score or instructor permission. Corequisites: COMP 080 is recommended
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
MATH-080 – Mathematics
This course covers a variety of topics in algebra and trigonometry to help prepare students for entry into programs or courses requiring a Pre-Calculus 11 or Principles 11 prerequisite. A positive attitude about math is not essential, but it helps make learning math more productive. It is hoped that all students will increase their competence and appreciation of math through taking this course.
Course Cost Note:
Math 080 Semestered Course Cost: $53.55
Math 080 Directed Studies Course Cost: $26.26
Learn more about our Tuition and Fee structure
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 113 hours
- Prerequisites: Either MATH 070, MATH 082, Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
MATH-081 – Math
The goal of Advanced Business/Technical Mathematics is to provide the student with practical applications useful in future vocational training, careers, or personal life.
This course is not designed as a prerequisite to further study in Math.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Either MATH 070, MATH 072, Workplace Mathematics 10 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
MATH-082 – Mathematics
This course covers the algebra and trigonometry to satisfy math requirements for some vocational, career and technical programs and/or further academic programs. Math 082 helps students build problem-solving skills and prepares students for entry into programs or courses requiring a Math 082 prerequisite. A positive attitude about math is not essential, but it helps make learning math more productive. It is hoped that all students will increase their competence and appreciation of math through taking this course.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 113 hours
- Prerequisites: Either MATH 070, MATH 072, Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
070 Level Courses
College of the Rockies 070 level courses are equivalent to grade 10 level courses in the BC Secondary School System and to the Intermediate level in the Adult Basic Education System.
ENGL-070 – English Intermediate Level
ENGL 070 is a directed studies course in developmental English and provides students with appropriate skills in sentence construction, grammar, the writing process, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and following instructions.
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: ENGL 060, appropriate assessment score or instructor permission.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
MATH-070 – Mathematics Intermediate Level (Algebraic)
MATH 070 is an entry level course that prepares students for higher level Algebraic Math courses. Topics range from essential computation and problem-solving skills to algebra and trigonometry, with a much higher emphasis on algebra than MATH 072. It is mainly intended for those students wishing to prepare for MATH 080 – Advanced Level Algebraic Math.
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Either MATH 060, Mathematics 9 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
MATH-072 – Mathematics Intermediate Level (Developmental)
MATH 072 is an entry level course that prepares students for higher level math courses or can be used to satisfy personal and career goals. Topics range from essential computation and problem-solving skills to algebra and geometry. MATH 072 prepares students for entry into programs requiring an Intermediate level Math or a Math 10 pre-requisite.
- Length: 90 hours
- Prerequisites: Either MATH 060, Mathematics 9 or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $78.84
- Course Outline
010 to 060 Level Courses
College of the Rockies 010 to 060 level courses are equivalent to literacy to grade 9 level courses in the BC Secondary School System and to the Fundamental level in the Adult Basic Education System.
ENGL-010 – English Fundamental Level 1
English 010 is an introductory course designed to develop basic literacy skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Skill areas covered include reading, writing, and strategies for communication and learning.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: Students must be able to speak and understand English.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
ENGL-020 – English Fundamental Level 2
English 020 is a course designed to continue the development of basic literacy skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Skill areas covered include reading, writing, and strategies for communication and learning.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: ENGL 010 or College of the Rockies assessment.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
ENGL-030 – English Fundamental Level 3
English 030 is a course designed to continue the development of basic literacy skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Skill areas covered include reading, writing, and strategies for communication and learning.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: English 020 or College of the Rockies assessment.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
ENGL-040 – English Fundamental Level 4
ENGL 040 is a course designed to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Skill areas are integrated and include reading, writing, strategies for
communication and learning, as well as critical thinking. An integrated approach also assists learners to acquire a better understanding of themselves, their communities and their participation in Canadian society by using real-life materials, activities and experiences in their studies, which students then can apply in their daily lives. Desired results include improved self-confidence, self-reliance and self-evaluation.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed ENGL 030 or College of the Rockies assessment.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
ENGL-050 – English Fundamental Level 5
ENGL 050 is a course designed to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Skill areas are integrated and include reading, writing, strategies for
communication and learning, as well as critical thinking. An integrated approach also assists learners to acquire a better understanding of themselves, their communities and their participation in Canadian society by using real-life materials, activities and experiences in their studies, which students then can apply in their daily lives. Desired results include improved self-confidence, self-reliance and self-evaluation.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed ENGL 040 or College of the Rockies assessment.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
ENGL-060 – English Fundamental Level 6
ENGL 060 is a course designed to enable students to function more effectively in educational, work and personal situations. Skill areas are integrated and include reading, writing, strategies for communication and learning, as well as critical thinking. An integrated approach also assists learners to acquire a better understanding of themselves, their communities and their participation in Canadian society by using real-life materials, activities and experiences in their studies, which students then can apply in their daily lives. Desired results include improved self-confidence, self-reliance and self-evaluation.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed ENGL 050 or College of the Rockies assessment.
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies, On-campus
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
MATH-010 – Math – Fundamental Level 1
Math 010 is a Fundamental Level 1 Adult Basic Education course designed to increase student competence and confidence in mathematics and develop basic math skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Concepts covered include addition, subtraction, and estimating of whole numbers.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
MATH-020 – Math – Fundamental Level 2
Math 020 is Fundamental Level 2 Adult Basic Education course designed to increase student competence and confidence in mathematics and develop basic math skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Concepts covered include rounding, addition, subtraction, simple multiplication, money and time.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
MATH-030 – Math – Fundamental Level 3
Math 030 is a Fundamental Level 3 Adult Basic Education course designed to increase student competence and confidence in mathematics and develop basic math skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Concepts covered include multiplication, division, metric, measurement and introductory geometry.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
MATH-050 – Mathematics Fundamental Level 5
MATH 050 is a Fundamental Level 5 Adult Basic Education course designed to increase student competence and confidence in mathematics and develop basic math skills to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work, and educational situations. Concepts covered include common fractions, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and common fractions and decimals.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
MATH-060 – Mathematics Fundamental Level 6
MATH 060 is a Fundamental Level 6 Adult Basic Education course designed to increase student competence and confidence in mathematics and to enable students to function more effectively in personal, work and educational situations. Concepts covered include ratio, rate and proportion, percent and graphing.
- Length: 30 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Directed Studies
- Cost: $26.26
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
Minimum age of 18 years.
Step 1 – Contact Us to Plan Your Upgrading Program
Set up a meeting with our Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE) Program Coordinator or one of our Education Advisors to create your upgrading plan. We want to help make sure you will be successful and will walk you through the following steps during our appointment:
- Complete your application
- Help you establish your learning goals. For example, what are you aiming for, where do you hope to get to in your upgrading and education plan, and how quickly you would like to get there
- Help you determine where you need to start
- Help you create a personal learning plan with the courses you need to achieve your learning goals.
Step 2 – Register for your Course
Once you have completed your application and personal learning plan you can register for your course.
Your Costs
Tuition:
Although all upgrading courses are tuition free, college and student fees still apply.
Fees vary depending upon courses chosen:
- Adult Upgrading Semester courses: $53.55 per course
- Adult Upgrading Directed Studies:
- 010 – 060 level – $26.26 per course, textbooks included
- 070 – 090 level – $78.84 per course, textbooks included
- For each adult upgrading course there is an $11.50 Students’ Association fee to a maximum of 3 courses per semester for $34.50.
- For fall and winter terms, domestic students add UPass ($44.40/term) if taking two Adult Upgrading Directed Studies or three or more face-to-face (semester) courses.
- For spring term, domestic students add UPass ($22.20/term) if taking two or more face-to-face courses.
Adult Upgrading Grant & Awards
Learn more about financial assistance by visiting: Adult Upgrading Grant and Awards.
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Earn your High School Diploma
Are you looking to finish your high-school diploma? If you wish to complete the requirements for adult high school graduation, to obtain the BC Adult
Graduation Diploma (Dogwood), they will meet with an education advisor or the UACE Program Coordinator to determine which courses are necessary.
Qualifying Courses
- A Provincial Level English (Grade 12) or higher level post-secondary English course
- An Advanced (Grade 11) or Provincial (Grade 12) Level Math or higher level post-secondary math course
and
- Three additional Provincial (Grade 12 ) Level courses or higher level post-secondary courses (or a combination)
or
- An Advanced (Grade 11 ) Level Social Sciences and Two other Provincial Level Courses or higher level post-secondary courses (or a combination)
*Post-secondary upgrading courses are described as Provincial Level, Advanced Level, Intermediate Level and Fundamental Level.
- Provincial Level courses are equivalent to grade 12 courses in BC high schools and are listed as 090 level courses at the College of Rockies.
- Advanced Level courses are equivalent to grade 11 courses in BC high schools and are listed as 080 level courses at the College of the Rockies.
- Intermediate Level courses are equivalent to grade 10 courses in BC high schools and are listed as 070 level courses at the College of the Rockies.
- Fundamental Level courses are offered from Level 1 to 6 and equate to learning outcomes below the grade 9 level courses at BC schools and are listed as 010 to 069 courses at the College of the Rockies.
Pre-requisite Courses offered in the Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry Program:
Students who are not able to enter the 090 level English courses and 080 level Math courses are able to prepare for these courses through the ABE pre-requisite courses at the Grade 10 and Grade 11 level. See course descriptions for a complete description of each course.
Contact the UACE Instructor
Email: uace@cotr.bc.ca
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Blended, On-campus, Online
Credential:
Adult Graduation Diploma
Categories:
Upgrading
Interests:
Upgrading
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca