The College Preparatory English certificate program is designed to provide English language learners with the language skills necessary to complete a Canadian college or university credential. In addition to English, the program focuses on developing research and critical thinking skills vital to post-secondary success. Students who complete the certificate meet the English language proficiency requirements for any course at Douglas College.

An ELLA assessment to determine appropriate course levels. General College Admission Requirements (excluding Language Proficiency Requirement): All applicants for admission to the College must satisfy at least ONE of the following criteria: BC secondary school graduation (or the equivalent in another school system); One course short of BC secondary school graduation; 19 years old by the end of the first month of the first semester of attendance; 17 years old on the first day of the first semester of attendance and has not been in school for at least one year; Completion of a certificate or equivalent from a special needs program and has been in school for 12 years. English Proficiency Requirement. All applicants to the College must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing proof of ONE of the following: Douglas College English Assessment; LPI - minimum essay score 4; TOEFL iBT - minimum score 83; IELTS - minimum overall band test score 6.5 (academic module only); EIKEN Practical English - minimum placement of Grade 1; CAEL - minimum overall and essay score of 60 (computer or paper based); Cambridge English CAE- minimum score 75 or "B"; Cambridge English CPE - minimum score 60 or "C"; Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 in each of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - minimum score of 56. Language School Pathway Options: Completion of the Advanced Level of the University Preparation program at EC English Language Centers (ECAD); Completion of Level A2 of the University Pathway program at Int’l Language School of Canada (ILSC); Completion of Level 16 (Pathway 3.3) of the Academic pathway program at Int’l Language Academy of Canada (ILAC); Completion of highest level course ELS level 112 with ELS Language School; Completion of VGC International College Advanced University Preparation course level 7 with 75% or higher; Completion of Kaplan International Centres Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level C1. The full list of extra requirements is on the web-site. Note: Students who do not meet any of the above requirements may apply for admission as a "special student”. Students are urged to discuss their situation with the Registrar and/or a College counselor.