Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is an official certification issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education and recognized internationally for academic excellence. It certifies that a student has successfully completed the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, including 30 compulsory and optional credits, 40 hours of community service, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
The DESO provides a solid general education and prepares students to continue their post-secondary studies at renowned universities and colleges or to enter the workforce with essential 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.
This diploma opens doors to educational and professional opportunities in Canada and abroad.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
To obtain your DESO, you must complete the following:
Accumulate 30 credits:
18 compulsory credits, 14 of which are generally obtained in years 9 and 10; 4 credits in French (1 credit per year);
1 credit in English or English for beginners;
3 credits in mathematics (at least 1 credit in 11th or 12th grade);
2 credits in science;
1 credit in Canadian history;
1 credit in Canadian geography;
1 credit in artistic education;
1 credit in physical education and health;
0.5 credit in citizenship education;
0.5 credit in career exploration;
1 additional credit in French, or in English, or in Indigenous languages, or in human and social sciences, or in Canadian and world studies, or in career guidance and training, or in cooperative education;
1 additional credit in English or Arts Education, or Business and Commerce, or Cooperative Education;
1 additional credit in English, or classical languages, or international languages, or science, or technological education, or cooperative education.
12 optional credits:
Obtain 12 optional credits, chosen from all available optional courses.
Complete 40 hours of community service:
Participate in volunteer activities to help your community.
Pass the Provincial Language Proficiency Test (TPCL):
A test assessing your reading and writing skills, usually taken in 10th grade.
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