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Understanding Credentials

Humber offers a broad range of credentials that will give students the skills they need to stay competitive and resilient in evolving global job markets. Students can choose the credential that complements their previous education and careers goals.

Ontario College Graduate Certificate


An Ontario College Graduate Certificate will be given to graduates who complete a Ministry-approved Ontario College Graduate Certificate program.

Duration: Programs are typically one to two years, or two to three semesters in length, consisting of no less than 600 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: Students must have previous post-secondary experience.

Credential: The Ontario College Graduate Certificate is issued under the authority of Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the College Board of Governors and is signed by the President, the Registrar and the Chair of the Board.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for employment in a specialized role and for further post-secondary studies. Students will gain a deeper understanding of skills and knowledge already achieved through previous education.

Depth and breadth of knowledge includes a level of understanding that enhances the student’s ability to perform a range of specialized and non-routine activities and disciplines within the field of study. Students will be required to evaluate and analyze current practices, develop new criteria, and may provide leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of skills.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Students may be eligible for transfer credit if they choose to transfer from one graduate certificate program to another graduate certificate program at Humber in a related field of study before graduating from the program. Students may receive transfer credit where there is equivalent learning in the content that is consistent with Humber’s transfer credit policy. Students that hold an Ontario graduate certificate may also be eligible for further study at the master’s level through Humber’s partnership agreements. Visit humber.ca/transferoptions to learn more.

Honours Degree (Baccalaureate) (Bachelor Of)


An Honours Baccalaureate Degree will be given to graduates who complete a Ministry-approved bachelor’s degree program.

Duration: Programs are typically four years, or eight semesters in length, consisting of no less than 120 credits taught at the baccalaureate level.

Admission Requirements: Students must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, six university or university/college courses at the Grade 12 level with a minimum average set by the institution and additional requirements, if applicable.

Credential: The Honours Baccalaureate Degree is issued under the authority of Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Board of Governors and is signed by the President, the Registrar and the Chair of the Board.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for employment in a variety of fields from an interdisciplinary perspective, gaining both broad theoretical and practical knowledge with a specialized focus in at least one discipline. Students are also prepared for advanced entry into honours or specialist programs within the field of study.

Depth and breadth of knowledge includes an ability to gather, review, evaluate and interpret information relative to one or more fields of discipline, critical thinking and analytical skills both within and beyond the scope of the discipline, the ability to apply learning in one or more areas, and communicate key findings effectively to a variety of audiences using structured and coherent arguments.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Students who transfer in from a certificate, diploma/advanced diploma, and/or a bachelor's degree program may be eligible to receive transfer credit or a block transfer pathway into an honours baccalaureate degree. Students may be able to receive transfer credit where there is equivalent learning in the content that is consistent with Humber’s transfer credit policy. Visit humber.ca/transferoptions to learn more.

Ontario College Advanced Diploma


An Ontario College Advanced Diploma will be given to graduates who complete a Ministry-approved Ontario College Advanced Diploma program.

Duration: Programs are typically three years, or six semesters in length, consisting of no less than 1,800 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or should be 19 years or older to apply as a mature applicant.

Credential: The Ontario College Advanced Diploma is issued under the authority of Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Board of Governors and is signed by the President, the Registrar and the Chair of the Board.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for entry-level employment and specialized education at an advanced level. Students can expect to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to work within a broad range of technical and/or management functions with a focus on theoretical and practical application related to a specific field of study.

Depth and breadth of knowledge includes skill development in a specialized range of complex and non-routine activities. Students will gain an understanding of mathematical concepts and reasoning, application of thinking skills and a systematic approach to anticipate and solve problems, and the ability to analyze, evaluate, apply and communicate relevant information to a variety of audiences.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Students who transfer from an advanced diploma program to a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for entry to an advanced semester of a Humber bachelor's degree. Students can receive block transfer credit automatically if a pathway exists or apply for individual transfer credit. Graduates may also be eligible for admission into a number of Humber’s Ontario graduate certificates. Visit humber.ca/transferoptions to learn more.

Ontario College Diploma


An Ontario College Diploma will be given to graduates who complete a Ministry-approved Ontario College Diploma program.

Duration: Programs are typically two years, or four semesters in length, consisting of no less than 1,200 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or should be 19 years or older to apply as a mature applicant.

Credential: The Ontario College Diploma is issued under the authority of Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Board of Governors and is signed by the President, the Registrar and the Chair of the Board.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for entry-level employment and further post-secondary studies. Students can expect to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to work within a broad range of technical and/or management functions with a focus on theoretical and practical application related to a specific field of study.

Depth and breadth of knowledge includes participation in the development of strategic initiatives and performing specific technical operations in an occupational setting. Students will learn a range of skills where judgement is required, apply knowledge as it relates to complex and non-routine activities, understand and apply mathematical concepts and reasoning, and gain exposure to at least one discipline outside the field of study.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Students who transfer from an Ontario college diploma program may be eligible for entry to an advanced semester of a Humber bachelor's degree. Students can receive block transfer credit automatically if a pathway exists or apply for individual transfer credit. Graduates may also be eligible for admission into a number of Humber’s Ontario graduate certificates. Visit humber.ca/transferoptions to learn more.

Ontario College Certificate


An Ontario College Certificate will be given to graduates who complete a Ministry-approved Ontario College Certificate program.

Duration: Programs are typically two semesters, or one year in length, consisting of 600 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or should be 19 years or older to apply as a mature applicant.

Credential: The Ontario College Certificate is issued under the authority of Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Board of Governors and is signed by the President, the Registrar and the Chair of the Board.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for entry-level employment and further post-secondary studies. Students can expect to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to perform a range of defined activities within their field of study.

Depth and breadth of knowledge includes the development of foundational skills within a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures, an understanding and application of mathematical concepts and reasoning, the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, applying knowledge to some complex and non-routine activities, and exposure to themes beyond the field of study.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Students who transfer from an Ontario college certificate may be eligible for entry to a college diploma, advanced diploma or Humber bachelor's degree. Students can receive individual transfer credit or course equivalencies where there is equivalent learning in the content that is consistent with Humber’s transfer credit policy. Visit humber.ca/transferoptions to learn more.

Certificate of Achievement


A Certificate of Achievement will be given to graduates who complete a continuous education program consisting of Ministry-approved credit courses.

Duration: Programs are typically five to ten courses with no less than 240 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: May vary depending on the trade or occupation; applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Credential: The Certificate of Achievement is issued under the authority of the Board of Governors and is signed by the President, the Registrar and the Chair of the Board.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for employment or post-secondary studies.

Depth and breadth of knowledge includes the development of foundational skills required for entry-level positions where routines and procedures are established, an understanding and application of mathematical concepts and reasoning, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Courses taken at this level are generally not transferable to post-secondary studies.

Preparatory Semester (2nd Entry)


A preparatory semester, also referred to as a bridging semester, is completed before admission to a different but related program in an advanced semester. The content of the preparatory semester ensures that all learning objectives in the first and second year of the program are met by completing required courses. Minimum exit and entry requirements are defined as part of the preparatory semester. Completion of a preparatory semester is not awarded a credential but is reflected on an official Humber transcript.

Reach Your Education and Career Goals


No matter where you are or where you want to go, we're here to help get you there. That may mean going straight into a program you want, or that your pathway might take a few steps to get you to your goal. Either way, we are here to support you.

Humber pathways include programs from academic upgrading to specialized degrees and postgraduate education. The Humber journey doesn't end there, we have articulation agreements in masters programs with institutions across the globe.

Use the chart below to find your pathway to the credential you want, or download in accessible text only format.

We can help you understand your options and find the best pathway to your career goals. Speak with a program advisor.

Certificate of Accomplishment


A Certificate of Accomplishment will be given to individuals who complete a Continuous Professional Learning approved certificate.

Duration: Certificates of Accomplishment can range from 41 hours (minimum) to 500 hours in length.

Admission Requirements: Participants should be at least 19 years of age with English competency. Some programs will also have minimum professional expectations, skills and abilities.

Credential: The Certificate of Accomplishment is issued under the joint authority of the Office of the Dean, Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) and Associate Dean (CPL) or Director of a Faculty or Department at Humber. Certificates of Accomplishment are signed by the Dean of Continuous Professional Learning and the respective Dean, Associate Dean or Director.

Recipients of this credential are not eligible for a convocation ceremony but may invited to participate in a celebration of completion.

Program Outcomes: This Certificate will enhance a learner’s personal and/or professional competencies, boost employment opportunities, or respond to organizational needs. Depth and breadth of knowledge includes a focus on specific skill development required for professional growth or career development.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Programs that fall into this category typically consist of courses that do not have post-secondary Ministry approval and are generally not taken for academic credit.

Certificate of Completion


A Certificate of Completion will be given to individuals who complete a College-approved certificate.

Duration: Programs are typically two to four courses consisting of 90-180 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: Open admission.

Credential: The Certificate of Completion is issued under the authority of the Senior Dean, Associate Dean or Director of a Faculty or Department at Humber College and is signed by the Senior Dean, Associate Dean, Director or designate.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for employment or may enrol for general interest purposes. Depth and breadth of knowledge includes a focus on specific skill development required for employment or general interest.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Courses taken at this level are generally not transferable to post-secondary studies. Programs that fall into this category typically consist of courses that do not have post-secondary Ministry approval and are generally not taken for academic credit. 

Certificate of Participation


A Certificate of Participation is issued to individuals who complete an educational activity that does not require Ministry approval (e.g. a mini certificate, a seminar, or a series of related non-post-secondary courses).

Duration: Programs are typically one to three courses consisting of 90 hours of course instruction.

Admission Requirements: Open admission.

Credentials: The Certificate of Participation is issued under the authority of the Senior Dean, Associate Dean or Director of a Faculty or Department at Humber College and is signed by the Senior Dean, Associate Dean, Director or designate.

Program Outcomes: Students are prepared for employment or may enrol for general interest purposes. Depth and breadth of knowledge includes a focus on specific skill development required for employment or general interest.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Courses taken at this level are generally not transferable to post-secondary studies.

Professional Certificate


In partnership with an external organization, students may enrol in a series of courses delivered by Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning for recognition, a credential or licensing from the external organization. Duration, program outcomes, and requirements for program completion and graduation are at the discretion of the external organization.

Micro-credentials


Micro-credentials certify an individual’s ongoing achievements in an ever-changing world. They allow skills and competencies to be learned in a flexible, fast and affordable way.

Duration: Micro-credentials vary in length. Micro-credentials certify an individual's assessed achievements in a fast and flexible way and their duration is normally determined by the complexity of the skill to be learned.

Admission Requirements: Micro-credentials typically do not have admission requirements, but learners with previous knowledge or work experience may reduce the time required to successfully complete some micro-credentials.

Credential: Micro-credentials at Humber can be earned in three ways: within an existing course or program; through a short-course, focused on a single skill or competency; through prior work or life experience. Micro-credentials may be clustered or stackable. An electronic badge is issued to signify successful completion and can be stored or shared on social media and other platforms.

*Humber micro-credentials are aligned with eCampusOntario Micro-credential Principles and Framework.

Program Outcomes: Micro-credentials are designed with participation and input by employers to meet real-world workplace demands. They are competency-focused and always include assessment to demonstrate that knowledge, skill or competency has been learned and can be demonstrated.

Transfer Credit Recognition: Micro-credentials are not typically transferrable to post-secondary studies. Micro-credentials may be included in demonstration of prior learning through institutional PLAR processes.

Some micro-credentials may be eligible for OSAP assistance.