Pre-Admission Test or Academic Upgrading? How to Pick the Best Path into College Posted on February 4, 2026 at 9:36 am. For a lot of adults, going back to school becomes a turning point in their lives. It isn’t just a plan. It’s wanting something better. A better job, a new career, more confidence, more options. But what happens when your plan hits a wall? You find out your program needs Grade 12 English or Grade 12 math. Maybe you finished high school a long time ago. Maybe you didn’t finish. Maybe you moved here from another country and your schooling was different. Or maybe life happened and school was put on hold. If any of that sounds like you, you’re not alone. And you’re not behind. At Durham College, many adults choose one of two paths to meet entry requirements: A pre-admission test Academic upgrading (AU) Both are real paths. Both are common. Let’s walk through them together, so you can choose the path that feels right. What is a pre-admission test? A pre-admission test is a way to show what you know right now in English and/or math. Pre-admission assessment testing can help mature domestic applicants meet admission requirements for many programs. Who is it for? You may be eligible if you are: A domestic applicant 19+ by the start date of your program Missing required credits like Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math What is the test like? This is not a test to trick you. It’s simply a step in the admissions process. At Durham College, pre-admission testing is: In person Offered at the Oshawa or Whitby campus Cost and results As of January 2026, the cost for pre-admission tests are: $30 + HST for English $30 + HST for math You get your score report right after you finish (by email). What if you’re nervous about the test? Tests can bring up a lot of feelings, especially if school wasn’t a great experience the first time around. If you want to feel more prepared, we have sample questions you can practice before your test day. What if you don’t pass? Not passing doesn’t mean you can’t go to college. It usually means you need more time, practice, or support. If you don’t pass the English or math assessment, you must wait six months before re-taking that same test. That waiting period is a big reason why some people decide to take academic upgrading first. They want to feel ready and confident before they do a test. What is academic upgrading? Academic upgrading is about building your skills step-by-step, with support. The Academic Upgrading program at Durham College offers FREE Grade 12 equivalent C-level courses for adults 18+ to help you qualify for college programs and improve literacy and numeracy skills. If you think of the pre-admission test as a “show what you know today” option, consider academic upgrading as the “let’s build what you need, together” option. What can you take? Our academic upgrading program includes Math and English courses to meet the Grade 12 equivalency, as well as science courses like Biology and Chemistry. There are also courses like Self Management and Computer Foundations to help with the skills for college and the job market. Is it in-person? Yes, Academic Upgrading is face-to-face, in-person learning. Is it part-time? Yes, even if you take up to four courses per semester the program is part time, and this matters a lot for adults. Many of our learners fit the program around work, parenting, and real life. Pre-admission test vs academic upgrading Which one is right for you? Here’s the simplest way to think about this: A pre-admission test asks: “Can you show these skills today?” Academic upgrading asks: “Do you want to build these skills with support?” Neither one is “better.” It’s about what you need right now. Questions to ask yourself when deciding: Do you want to move quickly? Do you do well with tests? Do you want support while learning? How to choose A lot of adults try to overanalyze their way through this decision. But sometimes the best choice is the one that makes you feel safe and supported enough to keep going. Choose a pre-admission test if… You feel ready in English and/or math right now You want the quickest way to meet a requirement You’re okay with testing (with a bit of practice first) You want a simple next step Choose academic upgrading if… You haven’t been in school for a while and you want to rebuild confidence You want to learn it properly, not just rush through You learn best with a teacher and structure You may need Biology or Chemistry too You want a supportive classroom with other adult learners Academic upgrading isn’t a backup plan; it’s a build-up plan. Common worries What if I take the pre-admission test and don’t pass? If you don’t pass English or math, you have to wait six months before re-taking that same test. That doesn’t mean you couldn’t still apply for the academic upgrading program during that time if you wanted to. So if you’re unsure, it’s okay to choose the path that gives you the best chance of success the first time. For many people, that means building skills with the support of the AU program first. I don’t want to waste time. Fast is only helpful if it leads to success once you start your program. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is take a path that helps you feel ready, so when you begin college, you’re not just surviving. You’re actually learning. Academic upgrading can be completed in as little as about one semester (4 months) if you only need to complete a couple of courses. What to do next Option A: Take a pre-admission test Check what your program needs (English, math, or both) Book your test at Oshawa or Whitby Practice using the sample questions Write the test and watch for your emailed score report Questions? You can email testcentre@durhamcollege.ca. Option B: Start academic upgrading Apply for Academic Upgrading Complete the Skills Marker Assessment (helps us know your starting point) Attend your one-on-one orientation and build your learning plan Start your in-person classes at Oshawa To reach the team: academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca. Want to talk it through with someone? If you’re leaning toward academic upgrading, reach out: academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca. If you’re thinking about a pre-admission test, the Test Centre can help: testcentre@durhamcollege.ca. Needing a pre-admission test or academic upgrading doesn’t mean you’re behind. The academic upgrading program is here to help you get ahead and achieve your goals. Ready to take your next step? Learn more about Academic Upgrading at Durham College and start the process today. SHARE:
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