To be eligible to graduate with an "Adult Dogwood," students 18 years of age or over must have completed five courses. Courses and credits can be counted from post-secondary institutions, secondary schools and often from workplace or other learning establishments.
Upgrading instructors and college counsellors can help to determine which courses count toward the Adult Dogwood.
| A provincial-level English or higher |
| An advanced-level or higher mathematics |
| Three additional courses at the provincial level or higher |
| Advanced social sciences and two provincial-level courses or higher |
| 5 courses |
The British Columbia Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) is recognized by colleges, institutes and universities in the British Columbia public post-secondary system.
Any course that is authorized by either the Ministry of Education (four credits) or the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills as requirements for graduation may be used toward the BCAGD.
Ministry of Education provincial exams are not written in upgrading courses. Courses are considered equivalent without provincial exams. Courses accepted as equivalent by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills are noted in the handbook Adult Basic Education: A Guide to Upgrading in British Columbia’s Public Post-Secondary Institutions. Equivalencies are noted in course descriptions in the Selkirk College calendar and website.