English Language Proficiency Requirements

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by presenting evidence of one of the following:
    • successful completion of three years of full-time education in English, at the secondary or post-secondary level:
      • completed within Canada including the grade 12 year
      • completed in another country (see chart) where English is recognized as an official language of instruction and it is noted on the official transcript.
      • completed at a recognized school or institution which uses English as the primary language of instruction
    • successful completion of the equivalent of three years of full-time instruction in a school or institution in Canada where primary or official language of instruction was not English, but where the level of English proficiency required for graduation is equivalent to that in English language secondary schools or post-secondary institutions in Canada
    • completion of English Language Arts 30-1 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%
    • completion of Level 3, of the RDC Continuing Education English for Academic Purposes program, with a grade of 80% or higher
    • successful completion one of the following English Language Placement tests: 
Program TOEFL (overall score) IELTS Academic (overall score) CAEL
(overall score)		 MELAB
(overall score)		 PTE
(overall score)
All other programs

83 iBT
557PBT

 6.5 with at least 5.5 on each band score 60 with at least 55 on each band score 77 with at least 72 on each band score 59 with at least 56 on each band score
Early Learning and Childcare NA 6.5 with at least 6.0 on each band score NA NA NA
Pharmacy Technician 91 iBT
577 PBT		 6.5 with at least  6.0 on each band score NA 81 with at least a 75 on each band score NA
Bachelor of Science Nursing / Practical Nurse 92 iBT
580 PBT		 7.0 with at least 6.5 on each band score 70 with at least 65 on each band score 82 with at least a 76 on each band score 67
Bachelor of Education 100 iBt
600 PBT		 8.0 with at least  7.5 on each band score 80 with at least 75 on each band score 84 with at least 78 on each band score 76
  • You can take CAEL testing at RDC.  For more information and to book your test click here: 
  • Applicants to the Pharmacy Technician Program must also meet the language proficiency requirements of National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.
  • Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading and Transitional Vocational programs are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs. Equivalent English Language Arts 30-1 courses are available through the Academic Upgrading program.
  • Applicants must also meet all other program admission requirements including the English course and minimum grade required for the program.
  • Enrolment in English as a Second Language (ESL) course or programs will not be included in the calculation of three years of full time study.   Enrolment must be in a regular high school or post-secondary credit program.