Adult Basic Education and ESL funding

The provincial government has announced that it will be restoring funding and removing tuition fees for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in British Columbia as of September 2017.

We are currently working closely with the provincial government to implement these changes, and to amend our ESL and ABE student registration processes. In the interim we have put together the information below to help answer any immediate questions you may have.

Adult basic education Q&A

1. Do I need an assessment before I can register for ABE classes?
   When you apply, the Registrar’s Office will determine if you need an assessment.
   
   
2. How do I get an assessment?
   You do not need an appointment, but you must take ABE assessment tests at VCC’s Assessment Centre on one of the pre-scheduled testing dates. These dates can be found at vcc.ca/assessments. Copies of the testing schedules are also available on campus.
   
   
3. What do I need to bring with me to my assessment?
   When booking and writing an ABE assessment, please bring a government-issued picture ID (e.g. driver’s license, Permanent Residence Card, passport, VCC ID Card).

English as a second language Q&A

1. Do I need an assessment before I can register for ESL classes?
   When you apply, the Registrar’s Office will determine if you need an assessment (e.g. the Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) for placement into ESL Pathways classes).
   
   
2. How do I get an assessment?
   You must first complete an application for ESL Pathways classes at the Registrar’s Office. Then, you can book an assessment appointment with the Assessment Centre in person or over the phone.
   
   
3. Is the ESL assessment free?
   No. You must pay a $60.00 fee before booking an assessment appointment. This fee can be paid when applying at the Registrar’s Office.
   
   
4. What do I need to bring with me to the assessment?
   When booking and writing an ESL assessment, please bring a government-issued picture ID (e.g. driver’s license, Permanent Residence Card, passport, VCC ID card).

More information

Students wishing to inquire further about any of the information above should contact our Registrar’s Office via phone 604.871.7000 (option 4), or email registrar_office@vcc.ca.