Adult Upgrading
Adult Basic Education
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Start here
Sometimes the hardest part of going back to school is taking the first step. At Okanagan College, our upgrading department welcomes all adult students and provides help for each step of the way.
Upgrading is the right choice if you want to:
- Complete high school graduation requirements
- Upgrade your high school marks
- Complete pre-requisites for the College's program or other university courses
- Develop your reading, writing and math skills
- Improve your career opportunities
Courses and programs are offered throughout the year, and all College locations offer Adult Upgrading.
Email us
Call us
250-862-5488
Walk in
Come in person to E103, Centre of Learning (Kelowna Campus)
Submit your info to get started
Submit your information into the form below and we will connect with you to get you started.
Tuition free!
Upgrading classes are free, and there is also financial help available to cover extra costs. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) is provided by the B.C. Government to cover student fees, partial travel costs, unsubsidized child care and school supplies. The AUG form is awarded based on your income level. Find the application form and more information at the Financial Aid Office or email upgradinggrants@okanagan.bc.ca.
What you need to know
How it works
Delivery method
Adult Upgrading courses are delivered on-campus in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton. In-person courses have September, January, May or July start dates. Fall and Winter semester are 16 weeks long, while Summer semesters are 8 weeks long.
There are also a small selection available through online learning. Although these courses are delivered online, you will need to attend classes on specific days and at the times specified. Online courses have September and January start dates. Fall and Winter semesters are 16 weeks long
Skills assessment
Students can complete upgrading skills assessments in-person in 2-3 hours. Check dates and times at a campus near you and try out a practice Math skills assessment before you arrive:
Practice Math skills assessment
Please note that pre-requisites must have been completed in the last 5 years. If this is not the case, you will need to take a skills assessment.
Meet an instructor
Upgrading instructor Amanda Krebs is passionate about ending math phobia for her students.
Meet a student
Dawn Naas started her studies at Okanagan College with a bit of upgrading, and found a lot of support along the way.
Explore program details
Adult Upgrading
Vernon,
Penticton,
Revelstoke,
Salmon Arm,
Kelowna
Certificate
Skills assessment
Students can complete upgrading skills assessments in-person in 2-3 hours. Here are some upcoming assessment dates:
- Penticton: Thurs, May 19 at 9am (Room PC 120); June 15 at 12pm (Room PC 120). Please contact the coordinator or call 250-492-4305 (ext 3231) for online courses or to schedule an alternate time.
- Kelowna: Upcoming dates: Fri, May 27, 8am-11am (Room E 208); Fri, June 10, 8am-11am (Room E208); Fri, June 24, 8am-11am (Room E208). Please arrive 10 minutes early. If you are unable to make these dates, please contact the coordinator to set an individual appointment.
- Vernon: May 24 at 1pm in C344, June 7 at 1pm in C344, and June 28 at 1pm in C344. Contact the coordinator or call 545-7291 ext 2221 to reserve a space. Evening bookings may be possible by request. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for the assessment.
- Salmon Arm and Revelstoke: Please contact the coordinator to schedule an individual online assessment. Salmon Arm will have the following in-person assessment sessions: Fri, May 27 at 1pm; Mon, June 20 at 10am.
View the practice Math skills assessment before your assessment.
Upcoming courses
English courses available in Winter 2022
Students must have completed the prerequisites for English courses within the five years prior to the start date for the ABE English course in which they wish to register. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write the AU English skills assessment. An interview may also be conducted to help determine the appropriate level.
Click on a course name for more information.
Science courses available in Winter 2022
Students must have completed the prerequisites for English and Math courses within the five years prior to the start date for the ABE Science course in which they wish to register. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write the AU English and Math skills assessment.
Click on a course name for more information.
- Biology 11 and Biology 12
- Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12
- Physics 11 and Physics 12
Math courses available in Winter 2022
Students must have completed the prerequisites for Math courses within the five years prior to the start date for the ABE mathematics course in which they wish to register. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write a mathematics skills assessment to determine their readiness to enter their desired course.
Click on a course name for more information.
Self-paced courses:
Instructor-led courses:
Elective courses available in Winter 2022
Click on a course name for more information.
Online options available in Winter 2022
Please note that these online courses will run as paced, virtual classes. Student must be able to attend class during the scheduled times.
Click on a course name for a course description and the skill level requirements or prerequisites.
Prerequisites for courses must be completed within the five years prior to the start date. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write the Adult Upgrading Skills Assessment. An interview may also be conducted to help determine the appropriate level.
When can I start courses?
Start dates vary depending on where you would like to study.
- Penticton: September, January and May
- Kelowna: September, January, May and July
- Vernon: September, January and May
- Salmon Arm: September, January and May
- Revelstoke: September and January
Note: some English and Math classes have continuous intakes, so you can register at any time.
Tutoring
Okanagan College offers FREE tutoring services for community members looking for one-to-one help with basic reading, writing or mathematics skills. This program helps adults develop their basic reading, writing, oral language, and math skills. It is a free program offered to anyone 19 years of age or older. Students can join the program anytime between September and May. Students work one-to-one with a volunteer tutor, focusing on their goals and learning at their own pace.
Experience
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