Mature Student Assessment (MSA)
The Mature Student Assessment (MSA) is a college service offered to prospective students (19 years of age or older) who are interested in attending Confederation College for a postsecondary program and do not possess a secondary school diploma (OSSD).
Please note that the Assessment does NOT provide a student with a Grade 12 equivalency. This Assessment is recognized by Confederation College only and the results of the Assessment are valid only at Confederation College. Not all programs accept the MSA as the only admission requirement. Mature student applicants must meet any specific entrance requirements of the program to which they are applying. Please refer to the individual program websites for specific admission requirements which may require additional courses to be completed in the math or science areas to meet eligibility for the program. It is recommended that a prospective student consult with the Admissions Department to help determine the best pathway into the program of their choice.
If you are ready to book your Mature Student Assessment, please click here
Who is eligible to complete an MSA?
Prospective students (19 years of age or older) who are interested in attending Confederation College for a postsecondary program and do not possess a secondary school diploma (OSSD)
Does the MSA provide admission into all programs?
Not all programs accept the MSA as the only admission requirement. Mature student applicants must meet any specific entrance requirements of the program to which they are applying. Please refer to the individual program websites for specific admission requirements which may require additional courses to be completed in the math or science areas to meet eligibility for the program. It is recommended that a prospective student consult with the Admissions Department to help determine the best pathway into the program of their choice.
Is the MSA the only option to gain access to Confederation College programs?
Confederation College offers direct entry for applicants 19 years of age or over, on or before the first day of class into the following programs; College Access, General Arts and Science Certificate and General Arts and Science Diploma.
Are there study materials or websites I can use to prepare?
Accuplacer provides support for MSA preparation. Please contact Recruitment to request study materials. You can phone 807-475-6335 or email [email protected].
Is there a prep session for the MSA?
Students have the option to enroll in Academic Upgrading courses which will focus specifically on MSA content and prep. The preparatory courses are self paced, free to the student and you can start at any time. Please follow the link to the Academic Upgrading website for more information: “Academic Upgrading – Literacy and Basic Skills”.
What is the cost?
There is a cost of $30 to take the MSA. If a re-write is needed, the first re-write is free. Additional re-writes are $10.
How long does is take to complete the MSA?
The assessment takes on average 3 hours to complete.
Who is the contact person for questions specific to the MSA?
Please contact Recruitment by phone at 807-475-6335 or email [email protected].
What is the process for receiving results?
A Student Recruiter will contact you by phone and/or email with your results and recommendations within 48 hours of completing the assessment. Please Note: The Testing Centre does not provide you with the results of your MSA.
Where can I book and when?
Applicants in Thunder Bay can schedule a time to write the MSA, after consulting with a Student Recruiter, by email at [email protected]. The MSA typically takes about 3 hours to complete, and appointments should be made with this in mind.
Not in Thunder Bay?
Arrangements can be made to write the assessment at one of our regional campuses or from a remote location. Applicants outside of Thunder Bay can email, [email protected] to make arrangements to write the MSA remotely. If students have access to one of our regional campuses, the test can be invigilated on site. If this is not an option for students, the testing centre can invigilate the assessment remotely via ZOOM. Students will require a computer with a camera and microphone, as well as reliable internet.
Are there accessibility options?
There are many options for support for accessibility considerations. Requests for accessibility services can be made directly to our Testing Centre when booking your assessment time.
Does the MSA expire?
Your MSA results do not expire. However a Recruiter may recommend that you re-write the MSA if it has been a number of years since the last assessment.
Can I use the MSA for admissions at another institution?
The Mature Student Assessment is recognized by Confederation College only and the results of the Assessment are valid for Post Secondary program admission purposes at Confederation College.
What do I need to bring with me to the assessment?
- Photo ID is required
- No calculators or dictionaries are allowed
- No food, drink, cell phones, other electronic devices or personal belongings are allowed in the examination room.