Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC)

What is RAC?

The RAC process allows adults to have skills and knowledge gained through work or life experience formally recognized, helping them earn a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) or other official qualifications without repeating training they already know.

Many vocational programs require mastery of multiple competencies to perform job-related tasks successfully. If you already have these skills through experience, RAC is designed for you.

Our RAC counselors, Zachary Cyr and Marjorie McRae, will meet with you to review your experience, discuss the program you’re interested in, and determine your eligibility for the RAC process. They will guide you through each step to help turn your experience into recognized credentials.

Contact the ESSB team to get started. For more information, visit the CERAC FP website: http://www.ceracfp.ca/en

Frequently Asked Questions

Which programs are available through RAC at ESSB?

Secretarial Studies (online)
Accounting (online)
Institutional and Homecare Assistance (The Anchor)
Construction Equipment Operation (The Anchor)
Carpentry (The Anchor)
Barbering (The Anchor)

What are the steps of the RAC process?

Initial Meeting: Meet with one of our RAC counselors to learn about the process, discuss your goals, and get personalized guidance.
File Preparation: Provide necessary documents such as birth certificate, proof of residency, most recent transcript or diploma, training certifications, and qualification cards.
File Analysis: Our RAC counselor reviews your documents and experience to identify existing competencies and equivalencies.
Validation Interview: Meet with your RAC counselor and a content specialist to identify competencies you already have and those that may need further training.
Personal Profile Development: We create a personal profile outlining which competencies you are ready to be assessed on and which may require additional training.
Assessment: Demonstrate your knowledge and skills through practical and/or written assessments.
Recognition of Competency: Successfully completing the assessments earns you recognition for each competency, leading to your Diploma of Vocational Studies.

How much does RAC cost?

For Quebec residents, the Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) process is completely free. This means that if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Quebec, you can have your skills and experience formally recognized without paying any fees.

For temporary foreign workers or non-permanent residents, there may be associated costs to access the RAC process. Please contact our RAC counselors, Zachary Cyr or Marjorie McRae, to discuss your eligibility and any applicable fees.