About Program Standards and Program Descriptions
College Program Standards and Program Descriptions are the starting points for program development, review, and renewal across the Ontario college system.
College Program Standards
Ontario College Program Standards (Search Tool)
Program development using College Program Standards requires full alignment with the elements outlined in the Standard, including:
- Program title
- Vocational learning outcomes (VLOs)
- Essential employability skills (EES)
- General education requirements (Gen Eds)
Individual colleges can determine the specific program structure, delivery methods, assessments, and other curriculum matters to help students achieve the outcomes in the Standard.
College Program Standards are developed, reviewed, and approved by the Program Standards Unit (PSU) of the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB). The development process is comprehensive and involves various stakeholders, including employers, employees, regulatory bodies, professional associations, graduates, students, faculty, and college administrators.
Program Descriptions
Program development using Program Descriptions requires alignment with previously validated vocational learning outcomes. Requirements for titling, essential employability skills (EESs), and general education must be adhered to. Colleges are responsible for developing and reviewing Program Descriptions to ensure they remain current and relevant.
The Minister’s Binding Policy Directive - Framework for Programs of Instruction requires all programs or cluster of programs to have a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) to advise colleges on the learning outcomes that will prepare the graduates to meet the needs of the workplace. Through the College Quality Assurance Audit Process (CQAAP), it is verified that colleges collect input from PACs and other stakeholders to keep vocational learning outcomes up to date.
As with Program Standards, individual colleges determine the specific program structure, delivery methods, assessments, and curriculum requirements for Program Descriptions. The CVS works to maintain current Program Description VLOs through its CVS AA - Tool. Working with outdated Program Descriptions VLOs can be complex, so colleges are encouraged submit their updated VLOs to CVS via email for their review and revision. This allows CVS to update the tool and provide colleges with access to the most current versions.
More Information
For more information, refer to the CVS Credential Validation Guidelines on the OCQAS website