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Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC)

What is RAC? 

The RAC (Recognition of Acquired Competencies) process is individualized and self-paced as it enables you to be recognized for competencies acquired through life and work experience. RAC provides an accessible way of demonstrating the requirements of college level studies, so you do not have to relearn what you already know. This allows competencies and, if required, missing training components to be identified so a DCS (Diploma of College Studies) or ACS (Attestation of College Studies) can be issued. We are pleased to be able to help you on this path!

Why choose RAC? 

  • Receive formal recognition from the Ministère de l’Éducation, et de l’Enseignement Supérieur du Québec. 
  • Improve your employability and income.
  • Make a career change.
  • Keep working full-time during the certification process.
  • Reduce the cost of certification.

Who is eligible for RAC? 

  • Adults who have not completed their studies in a college, but have developed skills in the labour market, through personal experience, self-directed learning and/or in a non-formally recognized training environment.
  • Adult immigrants who cannot get their diploma and the skills they acquired in their country of origin formally recognized.

The RAC process

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  • Information session

    Attend an information session to learn about the RAC process and ask questions as needed. Our goal is to help you decide if it is the right fit for you.

  • Application

    • File preparation – Complete a self-assessment and assemble all the required documents (more information below).
    • Submission: Submit the documents via SRAM (registration opens June 1st);

  • File validation

    • File analysis: The documents are reviewed by the College to determine your eligibility to move to the validation phase;
    • Validation interview: If eligible, you will be invited to a validation interview with a content specialist from your program. *Please note that the process may be stopped after this step, e.g., you may withdraw and/or not be eligible for RAC. 
       

  • Evaluation

    Your knowledge of the program’s competencies is evaluated by the content specialist. If needed, more training is provided for you to master the competency elements that are missing. ​​​​​​​

  • Results

    Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, you may be awarded a DCS or ACS. If additional education is required, you can return to the RAC process once it has been completed. We will support you along the way!

* Please note that the RAC process is flexible and adapted to your experience, schedule and needs. The process may take between 6 months to two years depending on your availability. 

Documents required for application

  • You must meet the criteria for admission to your chosen program
  • Birth certificate (if born outside of Quebec)
  • If born outside of Canada, a copy of your birth certificate, and proof of your legal status in Canada
  • Completed self-assessment (available after you attend the information session)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of employment such as hiring contracts or letters from employers (past and/or current) confirming work functions and the duration of employment
  • Reference letters (optional)
  • High school transcripts
  • If you have partial high school studies and are applying for an ACS: a recommendation from a current or former employer that you are suited for (and would benefit from) the RAC process
  • If you have completed credited college and/or university courses: all official transcripts along with course outlines and detailed course descriptions

Fees 

Application Fee: Paid through SRAM
RAC Fees: The Ministry of Education is currently funding all candidates entering a RAC process in ECE. You do not have to pay to have your file analyzed or the competencies evaluated. 

RAC for Early Childhood Education (DCS and ACS)

Heritage College is pleased to offer RAC for Early Childhood Education! 
An ACS (Attestation of College Studies) in ECE is obtained once your knowledge of the specific program competencies is evaluated. Although not an admission requirement, there is a French Requirement for certification of an AEC program in English. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions related to Law 14 and our Attestation of College Studies (ACS) Programs.
A DCS (Diploma of College Studies) in ECE is obtained once your knowledge of the competencies from the general education program is evaluated along with the specific program competencies of the ECE program. This includes competencies from English and Literature, Humanities, French as a Second Language and Physical Education.

Register for an information session 

  • May 22nd, 2024, 12:00-1:00pm
  • June 26th, 2024, 7:00-8:00pm

Contact us

If you have any questions about the RAC process at Cegep Heritage College please contact

Recognition of Acquired Competencies

rac@cegep-heritage.qc.ca