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What is ''continuing education''?

Continuing education are courses that let you develop your knowledge and skills in a specific area.

Continuing education courses are offered to adults in the community by local school boards, colleges and universities. These courses can be on everything from web design to philosophy to art appreciation. Some schools may offer certificate programs, but usually, the focus of continuing education is on non-credit courses that allow you to develop a specific area of interest.

If you already have a university degree or college diploma, you may take continuing education courses to upgrade your skills. Employers may also allow flexible work hours during the period of study or subsidize course fees, especially if the program of study will make you more valuable to the organization.

Some continuing education courses offer a certificate at the end of the individual course or at the end of a course series. A course series is a group of courses on one subject.

For More Information

• Local School Boards - A list of local school boards across Ontario.
• eCampus Ontario - This online portal is provided by Ontario Online Learning Consortium (OOLC), a not-for-profit corporation whose membership is composed of all publicly-funded colleges and universities in Ontario. 
• Ontario Universities - A list of Ontario's universities, including website links and contact information.
• Ontario Colleges - A list of Ontario's colleges, including website links and contact information.
• List of Ontario Private Career Colleges - Use this online tool to find approved private career colleges in Ontario.
• Independent Learning Centre (ILC) - The ILC provides distance education for credit and for general interest. The ILC administers the GED high school equivalency test for high school in Ontario. The website contains course guides, application information and testing schedules.