As of February 1, 2005, the Ontario College Credentials Validation Service (CVS) became operational. This service was created as part of the self-regulatory mechanism for the colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario.

The CVS is operated as a subsidiary of Colleges Ontario (CO). An arms-length, policy-driven Management Board, appointed on recommendation by the Vice-Presidents, Academic and the Committee of Presidents, provides oversight to the CVS to ensure consistency and quality of programming in the college system. Senior staff at CO provides the day-to-day direction to the CVS. The Management Board is made up of Senior Academic Officers and Curriculum and Instructional Design experts from the Colleges.

More information on the CVS is available in the announcement below. Also available are the applications instructions for those colleges seeking validation of a credential as well as the application documents necessary for the completion of the validation process.

Announcement of CVS

Application Instructions

Application Documents

The CVS is consistent with the Minister of Training, Colleges and University’s Binding Policy Directive, Framework for Programs of Instruction. This service, along with the approval of programs by the local College Board of Governors, makes up a component of the self-regulatory mechanism for the college system. The mandate of the CVS, as spelled out in the Binding Policy Directive, is to:

• provide reasonable assurance that all postsecondary programs of instruction leading to one of the Ontario College Credentials (Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Graduate Certificate), regardless of funding source, conform to the Credentials Framework and are consistent with accepted college system nomenclature / program titling principles; and,
• maintain the integrity of the credentials offered by the system and protect the interests of students and employers who require a reasonable guarantee of consistency and quality in postsecondary programs of instruction offered by the colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tim Klassen at the coordinates below.