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Attestation of Collegial Studies (AEC)

The AEC programs are technical training programs designed for adults. They are developed by the CEGEPs in collaboration with partners in the job market. They allow local, regional or national labour training needs to be met. Approximately 350 AEC programs are offered by CEGEPs every year on either a full- or part-time basis.

Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC)

Diploma granted by the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) for technical or pre-university studies. The programs leading to the DEC include general and program-specific training. They can be taken on either a full- or part-time basis.

If you have already obtained a DEC or completed the general training courses for a program, it is possible to register in a technical program in order to only take the program-specific training.

DECs in technical training can also be obtained through intensive sessions spread over two years (instead of three).

Open courses (without registration in a program)

Adults who have already acquired work experience can register in technical training courses without having to register in a DEC or AEC program.

Training certificate

A training certificate is granted by the CEGEP at the end of a workshop or custom-designed training program taken in class or in a company.

Whether in terms of geographic proximity, schedule or entrance requirements, the continuing education departments of the 48 CEGEPs located throughout Québec make a multitude of training options—DEC and AEC programs, workshops, custom-designed training courses—accessible to you, allowing you to acquire training, improve skills or transition to a new career.

Registering in a continuing education program at a CEGEP means acquiring quality training that is recognized on the job market, benefiting from the expertise of a network that has existed for more than 40 years and having access to higher education near your home.

In 2008, the job placement rate for AEC graduates was 88.2%.

According to the latest data, 95.7% of employers say they are satisfied with the skill level of technical training graduates.

DEC and AEC program courses can be taken during the day and evening and some are offered as intensive weekend sessions. The AEC programs vary in length. Generally speaking, it takes between six months and a year and a half of full-time study to complete a program.

Full-time registration in an AEC or DEC program offered in continuing education allows you to access free education. Part-time registration in these programs costs $2 per course hour.

DEC and AEC programs as well as custom-designed courses and training can be taken fully or in part through correspondence or online. You will find a wide variety of training options on the Web sites of several CEGEPs.

There is no deadline to register in continuing education because the AEC and other training programs are offered throughout the year.

The advisors from the 48 custom-designed training departments and their instructors go into companies to help employers identify their training needs and suggest solutions adapted to the specific needs and character of the company (on-site training, training of in-house instructors, online training, coaching, self-learning manuals, and so on.)

Prior training and professional experience can be evaluated and recognized within a DEC or AEC training program. The recognition of your prior learning and skills can be complemented by training in order to obtain a diploma. In certain cases, it can even lead directly to obtaining a diploma. Several continuing education departments offer RAC services; find out by consulting the CEGEP Web sites or regional centres for the recognition of acquired competencies: http://www.reconnaissancedesacquis.ca/en/regions/

CEGEPs, which are well established in their communities and are regularly in contact with companies and organizations in their region, provide placement services to their graduates.