Graduation Options
A BC graduation credential is not necessary for every post-childhood path. Whether your teen needs one depends on what they want to do next.
Some universities, colleges, trades, apprenticeships, training programs, and employers have specific requirements. Most offer alternative ways to demonstrate qualifications or readiness. Before deciding to pursue a graduation credential, check the requirements for the particular path your teen is considering.
BC Certificate of Graduation: the “Dogwood”
The BC Certificate of Graduation, commonly called the Dogwood, is the graduation credential awarded through BC’s Graduation Program.
A homeschooler who wants to earn a Dogwood can do this in one of two ways:
1. They can enrol in the BC Graduation Program as a grade 10 -12 student and complete the required courses and other graduation requirements, earning the required 80 credits. Homeschooling and the graduation program are different education pathways, so moving into the graduation program means becoming a student and meeting all of the requirements of that program.
2. Or, a teen can remain a homeschooler and take the required graduation program courses individually instead of enrolling in the school system. They do this by “cross-enrolling” in individual courses and earning the required 80 credits for accreditation.
There are several ways that a teen may be able to complete required courses or credits. Depending on the circumstances, these can include taking courses through a BC school, completing courses through Online Learning, challenging courses, receiving equivalency, or receiving credit for approved external credentials.
The Dogwood is an official BC graduation credential. The courses and credits that form part of the graduation program are recorded on the teen’s official BC transcript, and the credential is issued through the BC education system.
Adult Graduation Diploma: the “Adult Dogwood”
The Adult Graduation Diploma, commonly called the Adult Dogwood, is another BC graduation credential. It is designed for adults and has different eligibility requirements and graduation requirements from the regular Dogwood.
For a homeschooler who does not pursue the regular graduation program, the Adult Dogwood can provide another opportunity to earn a BC graduation credential. A homeschooler can work toward the Adult Dogwood while remaining registered as a homeschooler by cross-enrolling in individual Online Learning courses.
Homeschoolers do not need to have completed the usual prerequisite courses before taking a high school course. This can provide flexibility when choosing the courses needed for the Adult Dogwood.
The Adult Graduation Program requires five courses. Three of the five must be completed after entering the Adult Graduation Program. The remaining requirements can be met through qualifying courses or learning completed previously.
The Adult Dogwood has its own requirements, including specific course and credit requirements. Eligibility depends on age (18) and other Adult Graduation Program requirements, so it is important to check the current requirements before planning this route.
Adult learners can access the program through participating BC schools, continuing ed, colleges and universities, and other education providers. The credential is issued through the BC education system and holds the same weight as a Dogwood.
Do you Need a Graduation Credential?
Not necessarily.
A graduation credential is not a universal requirement for moving on to post-secondary education, training, or employment. Admission requirements vary between universities, colleges, trades, apprenticeships, career training programs, and other opportunities.
Some programs require a graduation credential. Others have different admission routes, accept specific courses or prerequisites, or allow applicants to demonstrate their preparation in other ways.
For example, a particular university may have one set of requirements for general admission and additional requirements for a specific degree program. A college, trade program, apprenticeship, or career-training program may have entirely different requirements.
This is why it is important to look at the requirements for the specific path, rather than assuming that a Dogwood is necessary.
Planning Ahead
If your teen has a particular career, education, or training goal in mind, find out what will be required before deciding how to proceed.
Contact the university, college, trade school, apprenticeship authority, training provider, or other organization directly and ask about their current admission requirements. Find out whether a graduation credential is required, what prerequisites are needed, and whether there are alternative ways to qualify.
If a graduation credential is needed, planning early can help ensure that the required courses and credits can be completed.
If it is not required, your teen may be able to pursue the desired path without obtaining a Dogwood or Adult Dogwood.