Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC)
Transform Your Experience into a Diploma!
What Is RAC?
The Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) service is designed to evaluate and officially validate the skills you have already mastered through life and work experience.
Did you know the competencies acquired in Québec, Canada, and abroad can be taken into consideration? It is important to be living in Québec in order to access the RAC services.
At the end of the process, you will earn an official Ministry of Education of Quebec diploma or certification for your program of study.
Who Can Do RAC?
- Adults (ranges from 16+ to 18+ depending on the service)
- Quebec residents
- People who have competencies related to a vocational or an adult general education training program.
Why Choose RAC?
- Improve your working conditions: Open doors to higher pay, better job prospects, promotions, or further studies.
- Get noticed by employers: Stand out with official, recognized Quebec credentials.
- Update your skills: Fill in only the specific knowledge gaps you need.
- Balance work and family: Save months of classroom time by testing out of mastered material. It’s a shorter pathway, since you don’t have to relearn what you already know.
- Increase job search performance: Confidently apply for positions requiring formal accreditation. Recognizing your experience highlights the value of the work you’ve accomplished.
What Vocational Training Programs Are Available in RAC?
ETSB offers RAC services in most of the vocational training programs offered in our Centres. To explore our programs, consult AdmissionFP.
What Is the RAC Process?
What Are the Steps to Follow?
Although all RAC processes follow the same steps, each candidate establish a plan to fit with their reality and their pace. Our counsellors will support you across the process from the welcome to the recognition of your competencies. Discover the steps.
How Will You Assess My Experience?
First, you will self-assess your competencies and gather proof of your work experience and prior studies. Then, a specialist from your field evaluates your mastery through hands-on tasks and a review of your work samples, projects, and professional achievements.
What Do I Need to Register?
All registrations to RAC are done on AdmissionFP.
Consult our candidate guide to learn more about what you will need to provide to start your RAC process with us.
At any point during your registration, if you need support with your dossier, contact us.
What RAC Processes Are Available in Adult General Education?
Whether you’re currently employed, hoping to earn a certification, or looking to change direction, we can recognize the skills and competencies you already have:
- To enter a vocational training program, discover the General development test (GDT).
- To apply on jobs asking for a high school diploma, discover the Secondary school equivalency test (SSET) and other options to get missing credits.
- To get your work experience recognized, discover the 130 semi-skilled trades available.
Learn more about the processes in the table presented below.
These services are offered by our Adult general education centre in Cowansville and Sherbrooke. To talk about the options with our academic advisors, contact us.
RAC Processes Available in Adult General Education
| Processes | Requirements | Additional Information | Offered at ETSB |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Development Test (GDT) The General Development Test (GDT) is a pathway for adult students who wish to enroll in vocational education but do not meet the standard admission requirements. | If you are 18 or older (as of June 30) and do not meet the requirements for a vocational program, passing the GDT can make you eligible. It is one of the functional prerequisites for certain programs. | Passing the GDT allows you to: – access certain vocational education programs at the secondary level, or – access certain construction trades through the CCQ. The GDT assesses the following areas: -Training skills -Sience -Problem solving (calculator permitted) -Reading comprehension -Language skills | The GDT is offered by our Adult general education centres in Cowansville and Sherbrooke. To talk about this option with our academic advisors, contact us. |
| Secondary School Equivalency Test (SSET) The Secondary School Equivalency Test (SSET) is available to individuals seeking a high school equivalency attestation for employment opportunities or for vocational training admission. | You must be 16 years of age or older (as of June 30th) to be eligible to the SSET. | Exam contains the two following sections: A) Compulsory Sections (Must pass 3 of 3): -English Grammar -English Comprehension -French Second Language B) Optional Sections (Must pass 2 of 4): -Mathematics -Economics -Social Studies -Natural Science | The SSET is offered by our Adult general education centres in Cowansville and Sherbrooke. To talk about this option with our academic advisors, contact us. |
| French Prior Learning Assessment The French Prior Learning assessment is available to individuals aiming to earn secondary school diploma (DES) credits for French language competencies acquired outside a formal classroom setting. | You must be 16 years of age or older (as of June 30th) to be eligible to this service. | The French Prior learning assessment is offered by our Adult General Education centre in Cowansville and Sherbrooke. All evaluations are done in person. To talk about this option with our academic advisors, contact us. |
Contact the RAC Team
Telephone: 819 563-5627 ext. 45107