10.6. Certification Options

Flexible Learning and Education Centres (FLECs)

FLECs is a program offered through the Halifax Regional School Board. It offers a variety of day, evening and distance education high school credits as well as PreGED and GED preparation courses. Courses taken through the FLECs program can be applied to any of the 3 credentials.

Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults

With the creation of NSSAL, the province provides adult learners the opportunity to acquire a new credential, the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults which recognizes learning from both public school and adult learning programs, as well as that obtained through prior learning.

General Education Development (GED)

The province continues to administer the GED test. The GED is an international high school equivalency testing program for adults. It consists of a series of five tests in the following areas:

  • Language Arts Reading
  • Language Arts Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Science

The GED tests are designed to measure the skills that correspond to those of recent high school graduates. They involve the ability to understand and apply information; to evaluate, analyze, and draw conclusions; and to express ideas and opinions in writing. Adults who pass the five tests receive a Nova Scotia High School Equivalency Certificate.

Many adults who did not graduate from high school have acquired skills through work, community, family and study experiences, at or above a secondary school level. The GED allows these adults to demonstrate academic abilities that are equivalent to those of high school graduates. The content of the test items measures skills relevant to adult experiences.

Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma

The Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma is the same diploma granted to those who graduate from any Nova Scotia high school. It requires successful completion of 18 credits and can be taken either through the high school daytime program on a full time basis or on a part time basis through night school credits.