Program Description

Students who want to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma after turning 18 years old can complete the BC Adult Graduation Diploma. The Adult Graduation Diploma is often called the Adult Dogwood.

Courses in NLC’s Career and College Preparation (CCP) program are specially designed to help students achieve an Adult Dogwood. If you’d like to focus on the CCP program as a pathway to the Adult Dogwood, please refer to the CCP program. Note that the BC government has waived tuition for CCP courses and that other CCP costs may be covered by grants.

The Adult Dogwood is very flexible so pathways may also include courses taken in high school, at other colleges, and in a variety of NLC programs. In fact, the Adult Dogwood can be completed on its own within the CCP program--or while taking another program at Northern Lights College!

All students interested in earning an Adult Dogwood are encouraged to consult with an Admissions Officer or program advisor to discover the right path for them.

Note that the Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood) is not the same as a GED (General Educational Development) Certificate. The Ministry of Education discontinued the GED® program at the end of 2014.

Getting Started

Career and College Preparation classes start as frequently as every month, and are available on most campuses. To get started getting your Adult Dogwood, contact an admissions officer or visit your local campus to set up your learning plan. To get started, you just need to be 18 years of age or older!

A Few Definitions

ABE Articulation Guide: An annual publication listing all Adult Basic Education courses available from BC Post-Secondary institutions and their equivalencies ( ).

Advanced-Level courses: courses at the level of Grade 11

Ministry-authorized courses: courses approved by the BC Ministry of Education and listed on the Course Registry as “Ministry Approved”.

Provincial-Level courses: courses at the level of Grade 12

Transfer Request Application: a process by which NLC students can request transfer credit for post-secondary courses taken at other institutions.

University-transfer courses: courses listed on the BCCAT Transfer Guide