Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements

  • 30 Credits (18 Compulsory Credits + 12 Optional Credits)

  • 40 Hours Community Involvement Activities

  • The Provincial Literacy Requirement (OSSLT)

  • Online Learning Graduation Requirement

    • Beginning with students that entered Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year, students must earn at least two online learning credits to get their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Parents who wish to opt out or exempt their child from the online graduation requirement must complete the opt-out form: Opt-Out of E-Learning Graduation Requirement


The following 18 courses are compulsory:

4 English credits (1 credit per grade)
3 Math credits (1 credit in Grades 9 & 10, plus 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
2 Science credits
1 Canadian Geography credit
1 Canadian History credit
1 French credit
1 Arts credit
1 Health & Physical Education credit
0.5 Careers credit
0.5 Civics credit

Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

One of Group 1:

• English or French as a second language*
• a Native, classical or international language
• social sciences and the humanities
• Canadian and world studies
• guidance and career education
• cooperative education**

One of Group 2:

• health and physical education
• the arts
• business studies
• French as a second language*
• cooperative education**

One of Group 3: 

• science (Grade 11 or 12)
• technological education
• French as a second language*
• computer studies
• cooperative education**

* In groups 1, 2 and 3, a maximum of 2 credits in French as a second language can count as compulsory credits, one from group 1 and one from either group 2 or group 3.
** A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits.

Note: Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.


Compulsory Grade 9 Credits

All Grade 9 students will select eight courses. Six are compulsory, two are optional.
English, Mathematics, French, Canadian Geography, Science, and Healthy Active Living Education must be selected.


Compulsory Grade 10 Credits

All Grade 10 students will select eight courses. Five are compulsory, three are optional.
English, Mathematics, Canadian History, Science, Careers, and Civics must be selected.


Compulsory Grade 11 and 12 Credits

All senior students will select English and all other compulsory subjects required for graduation.


Definition of a Credit

A credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a course for which a minimum of 110 hours has been scheduled.


Understanding Course Codes

Understanding Course Codes:  CGC 1W
C – Department (i.e. Canadian and World Studies)
GC – Subject (i.e. Exploring Canadian Geography)
1 – Grade / year of study (i.e. Grade 9 / 1st year)
D – Level (i.e. Destreamed) 

Outlines of courses of study are available in the Student Services. The courses offered by LCVI have been developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education.


Community Involvement

Students must complete 40 hours of community involvement. They may begin during the summer months prior to Grade 9 and complete them at any point before their graduation. More information can be obtained by visiting https://www.tldsb.ca/community-involvement/


Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

This test, administered by EQAO and is based on the reading and writing skills a student should have acquired by the end of Grade 9, as outlined in The Ontario Curriculum. These skills are the basis for learning in all subject areas throughout both elementary and secondary school. Students will write the test during the spring of their Grade 10 year. Students having an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be able to get an accommodation which will be arranged through the Head of Special Education. Students who are new to Ontario or for whom English is not their first language may be able to obtain a deferral, but must contact their principal. An exemption may be granted to a student having an IEP that clearly indicates that they will not be working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Successful completion of the test will be recorded on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript.


Alternative Certificates

Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC)

The Ontario Secondary School Certificate can be granted to students who have earned a minimum of fourteen credits and who plan to leave school prior to earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  Contact the Head of Special Education for more information.


Certificate of Accomplishment (COA)

Students with special needs will be considered for a Certificate of Accomplishment upon completion of the alternative secondary school program and upon the recommendation of the Principal and the Head of Special Education.