Mature Student Assessment (MSA)

The Mature Student Assessment (MSA) is an admissions option for applicants who are 19 years of age or older and do not have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The MSA helps determine whether you are academically prepared to succeed in a postsecondary program at Confederation College.

The MSA is:

• An internal academic assessment used for admission consideration
• One way to demonstrate readiness for college-level studies
• Valid indefinitely, unless a re-write is recommended by Admissions

The MSA is not:

• A high school diploma or equivalency
• A guarantee of admission into all programs
• Accepted by other colleges or universities

Some programs require specific math or science prerequisites in addition to the MSA.

Programs That Accept the MSA

Not all programs accept the MSA as the only admission requirement.

Some programs may require:

• Grade 11 or 12 math
• Biology, chemistry, or physics
• Additional upgrading or preparatory courses

Always review the admission requirements on the program page or contact Admissions before booking your assessment.

What the MSA Includes

The assessment measures skills commonly needed for postsecondary success, including:

• Reading vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Numerical operations
• Problem-solving

The assessment takes approximately three hours to complete.

Assessment Fees

For the Fall 2026 recruitment cycle, there are currently no fees to write the Mature Student Assessment.

How Often Can I Write the Assessment?

Students may write the Mature Student Assessment once per recruitment cycle (Fall, Winter, Spring).

Can I rewrite sections if I do not pass?

If you do not pass one or more sections of the assessment, you may book a rewrite after a waiting period of at least 15 business days (approximately 3 weeks).

You will only need to rewrite the section(s) that were not successfully completed. Any section(s) you passed do not need to be repeated.

If you are unsuccessful on your rewrite, you may request one additional rewrite (a third attempt) by emailing the Testing Centre. Please include information on your previous attempts and your plans to prepare for the rewrite. A decision will be communicated to you by email.

Requesting a Shorter Waiting Period

We understand that recruitment deadlines can sometimes create time pressures.

If the standard 15-business-day waiting period would prevent you from meeting an application or recruitment deadline, you may request a reduced waiting period by emailing the Testing Centre. Approval will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will be communicated to you by email.

Preparing for the MSA

You are encouraged to prepare before writing the assessment.

Preparation options include:

• Accuplacer study resources (available upon request): Accuplacer is now our testing tool that can be delivered in person for you to complete your Mature Student Assessment
• Academic Upgrading courses, which focus on MSA skills, are:
  • Self-paced
  • Free of charge
  • Start at any time

To request study materials or discuss preparation options, contact a Recruitment Officer. They can be contacted by email at recruitment@confederationcollege.ca, or by phone at 807-475-6335.

Booking Your Assessment

Before booking the MSA, you should first speak with a Student Recruiter to confirm that the MSA is the right pathway for your program.

Applicants in Thunder Bay

After speaking with Recruitment, book your assessment by emailing:
testingcentre@confederationcollege.ca

Applicants Outside Thunder Bay

If you are not located in Thunder Bay:

• You may write the MSA at a regional campus, or
• Complete the assessment remotely via Zoom

Remote testing requires:

• A computer with a camera and microphone
• Reliable internet access

The Testing Centre will confirm available options when you book.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Accessibility supports are available.

If you require accommodations:

• Inform the Testing Centre when booking your assessment
• Requests are reviewed individually

Receiving Your Results

A Student Recruiter will contact you by phone and/or email within 48 hours of completing the assessment.

The Testing Centre does not release results directly to applicants.

Based on your results, the Recruiter may:

• Recommend programs you are eligible for
• Suggest upgrading or preparatory courses
• Advise whether a rewrite is beneficial

Other Ways to Qualify as a Mature Applicant

The MSA is not the only pathway for mature applicants.

You may also qualify through:

• Previous postsecondary education
• Successful completion of Academic & Career Entrance (ACE) courses
• Direct entry into select programs such as College Access or General Arts and Science

Admissions can help you determine the best option for your goals.

What to Bring on Assessment Day

• Government-issued photo ID

The following are not allowed in the testing room:

• Calculators
• Dictionaries
• Cell phones or electronic devices
• Food or drinks
• Personal belongings