Dual credit is an opportunity to take a course or program and earn credit for high school and post-secondary at the same time. It means you can start your post-secondary journey while you're still in high school or start a pathway toward a specific hands-on career.
Who Is Dual Credit For?
Dual credit can be a way to jump start a career in trades, health or other hands-on industries. If you're curious about courses or programs in a certain subject, dual credit is way to explore what it's all about.
Connect with your school counsellor to find out if dual credit is right for you. Check with your intended institution to ensure that taking a post-secondary course won’t eliminate you from specific admission categories or scholarship criteria.
Steps to Apply
- Fill out the Dual Credit Application Form. Make that student, parent and counsellor sign it.
- Fill out the Authorization of Release Form.
- Fill out the Sponsorship Authorization Form in partnership with the school district.
- Email all three forms to us.
- Check your email for your next steps. Some programs will require additional documents, like transcripts or program admission packages.
Find Out More
Connect with your high school counsellor to confirm your eligibility and get your questions answered.
Dual Credit Programs and Courses
Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)
If you are a high school student in School District 8, 10, 20 or 51 and would like to get a jump-start on a career as an early childhood educator, this dual credit semester may be right for you!
Childcare centres in our region need more qualified staff to meet critical shortages.
Requirements
- English 12 or English 11 with a minimum grade of 60%
- Please note the program admission package and any additional requirements are waived for dual credit ECCE students for the 2025/26 school year.
Get a Head Start
You will gain:
- 12 high school credits toward graduation
- An educational qualification for work in an entry-level position as an early childhood education assistant
- 9 post-secondary credits toward your ECCE Certificate
Program Timeline
September 2, 2025–December 19, 2025
This 15-week semester includes three ECCE core courses to help you succeed in future post-secondary studies. Students have the option of continuing into the winter term with the opportunity of funding by the school district.
Deadline to Apply
May 2, 2025, but apply soon, as seats are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Courses
Introduction to Business
This dual credit course will be delivered exclusively to high schools throughout the West Kootenay and Boundary regions through an online asynchronous delivery model.
The course is programmed for weekly readings and small assignments, and students will have access to virtual regular instructor hours in the early evening on a day to be scheduled.
Requirements
- English 10 or higher minimum grade of 60%
- Math 10 (any stream) or higher minimum grade of 60%
Get a Head Start
You will gain:
- 4 high school credits toward graduation
- 3 post-secondary credits that will provide advanced credit towards the Business Administration Diploma at Selkirk College
Program Timeline
February 2, 2026–May 22, 2026
Deadline to Apply
January 12, 2026, but apply soon, as seats are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Course
Health Care Assistant
If you are a high school student in School District 20 and would like to get a jump-start on a career as a health care assistant (HCA), this dual credit semester may be right for you!
Care facilities and hospitals continue to see demand for health care assistants, especially in rural areas.
Requirements
- English 10 or higher, minimum grade of 60%
- HCA program admission package, including non-academic requirements
- Criminal record check
- Practicum requirements must be completed prior to practice placement. See program admission package for more information.
Get a Head Start
You will gain:
- 36 high school credits toward graduation
- 37 post-secondary credits
- A Certificate in Health Care Assistant
Program Timeline
February 2–August 29, 2026
This 30-week program includes 10 weeks of online, asynchronous class, followed by 10 weeks of in-person supervised class and laboratory experiences, and a 10 week in-person supervised clinical practicum placement.
Deadline to Apply
December 1, but apply soon, as seats are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Learn more about the Health Care Assistant Program.
For more information about dual credit opportunities, please contact School District 20 Trades and Transitions Coordinator Erin Reoch.
Office Administration & Technology
We offer a variety of online, asynchronous courses and programs in Office Administration & Technology that allow students to develop skills the skills needed to operate in a modern office setting.
Requirements
- English 11 or higher minimum grade of 60%
- Math 11 (any stream) or higher minimum grade of 60%
Program Options
Office Assistant Certificate
- Full-time
- September to February
- 18.5 Post-secondary credits
Deadline to Apply
June 30, 2025
Gain skills in accounting, typing, common office software, professional communications, customer service and more!
Access more information, including courses.
Bookkeeping Certificate
- Part-time
- September to May
- 19.5 Post-secondary credits
Deadline to Apply
June 30, 2025
Learn bookkeeping fundamentals and much more! Understand the full bookkeeping cycle from set-up and beyond. Get first-hand experience with accounting software and payroll administration. Build your communication, teamwork and presentation skills.
Access more information, including courses.
Word Processing Skills Associate Certificate
- Part-time
- Late August to December
- 5.5 Post-secondary credits
- Associate Certificate
Deadline to Apply
June 30, 2025
Get specialized training in creating, formatting and managing digital documents efficiently. This targeted program ensures proficiency in utilizing word processing software for professional and personal use.
Access more information, including courses.
All courses in this program will also provide advanced credit toward the Office Assistant Certificate.
Bookkeeping Skills Associate Certificate
- Part-time
- November to May
- 8.5 Post-secondary credits
Deadline to Apply
September 30, 2025
Get focused training on fundamental accounting principles and practical bookkeeping techniques that will ensure your proficiency in financial record-keeping. This targeted program equips learners with the essential skills needed for accurate and efficient financial management.
Access more information, including courses.
All courses in this program will also provide advanced credit toward the Bookkeeping Certificate.
If you’re not ready to do an entire program but are interested in taking select courses from these programs, please check out Open Studies for available courses.
Open Studies
Are you looking to explore a program area not listed above? Students are able to choose from a wide range of courses through Open Studies, with permission from their school district.
Requirements
No specific program requirements. Individual courses may have recommended prerequisites
Get a Head Start
Most courses will provide you with:
- 4 high school credits toward graduation
- 3 post-secondary credits
Program Timeline
Most courses are offered either in the Fall term (September to December) or Winter term (January to April), with limited options during the condensed Spring term (May to June).
Deadline to Apply
Fall 2025: June 30, 2025
Winter 2026: Dec 1, 2025
Spring 2026: April 1, 2026
Delivery method
Varies by course. Most courses are synchronous, meaning that you will need to be available during the scheduled hours. Check whether the course you are interested in is in-person (and on which campus) or online, and make sure it works for your schedule!
Courses
Explore the courses available through Open Studies.
Youth Train in Trades
High school students can get a jump start on their trades training through Youth Train in Trades. Don't wait to build your experience and skills!
