Private Career Colleges (PCCs)

Private Career Colleges (PCCs)

Ontario's registered private career colleges consist of over 600 campuses serving more than 70 small, medium and large communities across Ontario. Private career colleges offer career specific training, shorter program durations, hands-on learning and small class sizes. They offer certificates and diplomas in a wide variety of program areas with numerous enrolments throughout the year.

By law, private career colleges must be registered and must have their programs approved by the Superintendent of Private Career Colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of programs do they offer?

Private career colleges offer certificate and diploma programs in fields such as:

  • Business
  • Health services
  • Human resources
  • Applied arts
  • Information technology
  • Electronics
  • Services
  • Trades

Who are these programs suited to?

Private career colleges often appeal to people who:

  • Need specific job skills to join the work force
  • Have academic qualifications and want to add to their practical skills to become more competitive in the job market.

How are programs offered?

Private career colleges often work with small groups of students rather than large classes, and offer:

  • Flexible learning schedules
  • Enrolment at many different times during the year
  • Compressed programs that deliver training over a short time.

Are there special standards for private career colleges?

Private career colleges operating in Ontario must be registered and must have their programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

How do I know if my college is registered?

What happens if I enrol in an unregistered college or an unapproved program?

If a school is not registered and offers an unapproved program, it's breaking the law. If you enrol in an unregistered college or an unapproved program, the law doesn't protect you.

More Resources

  1. Search For A Private Career College
    You can search for private career colleges in Ontario by name, location or program. Visit ServiceOntario's Private Career College Search Service to start exploring your options.

  2. Visit Private Career College Member Associations
    Check that your career college of choice is in good standing with membership associations, including the Ontario Association of Career Colleges, the Association of Private Career Colleges and the National Association of Career Colleges.

  3. Search OSAP Approved Schools

  4. Unregistered Private Career Colleges
    The Ontario Government posts a list of unregistered institutions that are illegally operating as private career colleges. Unregistered institutions that offer vocational training are breaking the law under the Private Career Colleges Act.

  5. Registered Private Career College Violations
    The Ontario Government also posts a list of registered private career colleges that have been found to be in violation of the Private Career Colleges Act.

  6. Would you like to file a complaint with/against your Private Career College?
    Registered Private Career Colleges are required to have a complaint procedure in place for students. If you have already completed this and are not satisfied with the outcome, complete the Student Complaint Form to document the issue and help to have it resolved.

  7. If you have information about an unregistered Private Career College call 1-866-410-PCCS (7227)

Thinking of attending a private career college? Protect yourself! Check first to see if it is registered!

Private Career College Checklist

Before you apply, make sure:

  • The private career college and/or program are registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.
    Note: if you enroll in an unregistered college or a program that has not been approved under the Act, you will not be protected by the government.
  • You speak with employers in the field to make sure the private career college's programs meet their needs.
  • You (or someone you know and trust) have visited the college to see the facilities and equipment.
  • You know the total cost of enrolling in the program, including the application fee, tuition, books, equipment, transportation, and room and board.
  • You meet the admission requirements for the program.
  • You have read the Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities.
  • Both you and a representative of the college have signed an enrolment contract.