English language Proficiency
All course work at Centennial College is taught in English, and success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency including communication, listening, comprehension, reading, and writing skills. As such, all applicants to Centennial College must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency to be admitted to their program of choice.
In order to meet the language proficiency requirement, applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through:
- Previous education,
- Recognized English upgrading , or
- Recognized English proficiency tests or assessments.
Unless otherwise stated on a program’s webpage, English proficiency can be demonstrated by:
- Successfully completing two or more consecutive full years at a recognized secondary or post-secondary education institution in a school where English is the primary language of instruction and communication.
- Successfully completing a grade 12 college or university stream English course from a recognized Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) granting institution, or equivalent.
Please note: The following programs have additional English proficiency requirements. Please refer to the individual program pages for more information.
Unless otherwise stated on a program’s webpage, English proficiency can be demonstrated through:
Centennial Foundations Programs
View our College and University Preparation Programs.
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Fast-track programs, and Degree programs: Successful completion with a minimum grade of C (60%) in COMM 162/163.
Graduate Certificate programs: Successful completion with a minimum grade of C (60%) in COMM 162/163.
Centennial College English Language Learning (ELL)
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Fast-track programs, and Degree programs: Complete the 15-week semester of level 5 with a minimum final grade of C (60%) in all three courses.
Graduate Certificate programs: Complete the 15-week semester of level 5 with a minimum final grade of A (80%) in all three courses.
Centennial College English for Academic Preparation (EAP)
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Fast-track programs, and Degree programs: Level 3 with a minimum final grade of C (60%).
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Fast-track programs, and Degree programs: Successful completion of program.
English Language Partnership School
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Fast-track programs, and Degree programs: Successful completion of an ESL program at one of Centennials English Language Partnership schools achieving the minimum grade identified with the partnership agreement.
Graduate Certificate programs: Successful completion of an ESL program at one of Centennials English Language Partnership schools with specific pathways identified for graduate certificate programs achieving the minimum grade identified with the partnership agreement.
Credentials
Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Fast-track programs, and Degree programs: Ontario College Certificate, Ontario College Diploma (2-Year and 3-Year Advanced Diploma), Fast Track Programs and Degree Programs.
Graduate Certificate programs: Ontario College Graduate Certificate, and select Ontario College Diploma (2-Year and 3-Year Advanced Diploma). There are some diplomas and advanced diplomas require higher level of English (COMM 170/171). To find out if a program begins with COMM 170/171 or COMM 160/161, please review the “Program Outline” tab on the online program details.
There are some diplomas and advanced diplomas that require a higher level of English (COMM 170/171).
| English Proficiency Test | Ontario College Certificate, Ontario College Diploma (2-Year & 3-Year Advanced Diploma) | Fast-track Programs and select Ontario College Diploma (2-Year & 3-Year Advanced Diploma) | Degree Programs and Ontario College Graduate Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAEL- CE and CAEL- Online | Overall 60 | Overall 60, Writing score 60 | Overall 70, Writing score 60 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 (minimum Reading -16 and minimum Writing – 23) | 81 (minimum Reading - 19 and minimum Writing - 23) | 81 (minimum Reading - 19 and minimum Writing - 23) |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 56-57 | 58-60 | 61+ |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 | 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0 | 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | 51+ | 58+ | 60+ |
| International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP) | 3.7+ | 3.9+ | 4.1+ |
| Cambridge English Exams: Proficiency (CPE), Advanced (CAE), First (FCE) | 167-169 | 170-179 | 180+ |
| Language Cert Academic | 65-69. No individual skill score less than 60 | 70-74. No individual score skill score less than 65 | 70-74. No individual skill score less than 65 |
| English Proficiency Test | Certificate and Diplomas starting at COMM160: | Fast-Track & Advanced Diplomas starting at COMM170, Graduate Certificates and Degrees: |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | 105-114 | 125+ |