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.

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. It is recommended that a prospective student consult with a Recruitment Officer to help determine the best pathway into the program of their choice.

Accuplacer is now our testing tool that can be delivered in person for you to complete your Mature Student Assessment. 

A Recruitment Officer will help to ensure that the MSA is the appropriate pathway for entry into the desired program.

Please contact a Recruitment Officer for study materials. They can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone at 807-475-6335.

Booking your MSA

Applicants in Thunder Bay can schedule a time to write the MSA, after consulting with a Recruitment Officer 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?

Applicants outside of Thunder Bay, please email [email protected] to make arrangements to write the MSA.

Day of the MSA

  • Photo ID is required.
  • There is a $30 fee to be paid at the Information Hub
  • No calculators or dictionaries are allowed.
  • No food, drink, cell phones, other electronic devices or personal belongings are allowed in the examination room.

After the MSA

The Testing Centre does not provide you with the results of your MSA.

The Recruitment Officer will contact you with your results and recommendations. If you are unsuccessful the first time, the MSA can be rewritten on the recommendation of the Recruitment Officer. If the MSA indicates that you are not eligible, you can enroll in Academic Upgrading courses which focus specifically on MSA content and prep. There is no charge for this service. Please follow the link to the Academic Upgrading website for more information: Academic Upgrading – Literacy and Basic Skills.