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"During the Evaluation and Recognition of Competencies in the RAC process, I had several case studies which gave me a good understanding of general management and accounting system. With this review, I would like to thank all the organizers of the RAC process. Especially, I am very grateful to Mr. Lindsay Vargas, the Pedagogical counsellor at Continuing Education, and to Mrs. Barbara Dayton, the Content specialist, for their support and caring attitude during the whole process of evaluation and recognition of competencies. It was a great pleasure for me to work with them during the RAC process. Thank you for your great willingness to help people, especially new immigrants to achieve one of their goals in the future."

- Karén Sahakyan

I am a bookkeeper/accountant with 30+ years of experience with no certification. When the AEC program was brought to my attention, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to have my experience recognized. The application process was quick and efficient. Being a mother of 3 with a full time job, I didn't think I would have the extra time for the program, but Barbara Dayton, the content specialist, was very helpful in preparing me with the assignments, and in accommodating my busy schedule. Even with all the working experience I have, I learned a lot more and I am currently using that knowledge at work. I was able to complete the program in just under 4 months!

I would highly recommend the program!

- Angela Pietrantonio

I was first introduced to the concept of AEC when I had applied for a position as an administrative technician and was told that in order to be considered for the job I needed to have a diploma in something other than social sciences. In all honestly, I was resentful of having to go back to school just so that I could have a piece of paper to tell me I was qualified.

When I later approached the department of continuing education at Dawson College to get an idea of what an AEC was, I realized that I was maybe over confident in my abilities. I was also afraid that the course load would be too much of a challenge. Having now completed the AEC, I realize what a benefit the entire program has been for me.

My self-confidence came back to me as I completed each competency. It was not just a piece of paper that I have gained, but a belief in my abilities and myself. The help, patience and understanding provided from the teacher was something that I do not take for granted, as her guidance and praise were very much appreciated.

Returning to school as an adult was a task I was not looking forward to, but I am proud to say I have completed it. It has been more than beneficial for me and my career. It is a life experience that I am glad to have taken part of!

- Susan Morison

Today, I have achieved one of my numerous future plans for my life in Canada by finishing the RAC process. The process was very useful for me as I was able to witness a new way of learning through the case studies, which is different from the education system I am used to.

One of the most important competencies I have learned in this program is BW-26, it helped me to gain a good knowledge about the whole accounting cycle on one of the most common accounting system used in Canada, which I believe will be a great asset for me as a new immigrant.

To be honest, at the beginning I thought that the process was too big a challenge, and I was not sure to what extent I would be able to achieve it, but with your support , guidance and encouragement, I challenged myself to finish the process in a relatively short period.

Thank you is not enough for what you did with me; it was such a great pleasure to work with you.”

- Shawky ElGallab

I am very happy indeed to have completed my diploma. It simply would not have been possible to complete the AEC without the RAC program. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity.

Upon completing my last assignment, I updated my CV to include my new accreditation, and began shopping it around. At the same time, I was able to ask for and obtain a more than 20% raise in my salary. One could not ask for more concrete results. My position has already greatly improved.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to Barbara Dayton for her consistent and intelligent learning support, her professional guidance and her attentive program development. She is a wonderful teacher and a lovely human being.

- Jennifer Morrison

My experience in completing the RAC program was a very positive one. The application was easy to fill out and the interview to evaluate my competencies was done in a fair manner.

The support and guidance offered by my content specialist gave me the drive and confidence to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

I had the opportunity to prepare for each competency at my own pace.  Communications with my content specialist were always honest and open.  Appointments made with her to complete evaluations and discuss results were always based on my availability and flexible to suit my busy schedule.

With the addition of the AEC to my resume, I will have better work opportunities with my present employer and the potential for a future salary increase.

I would recommend this program to all those who are interested in testing their abilities and are looking for new opportunities to grow.

- Paola Colapelle

I really appreciate the chance I was granted to complete the Accounting & business RAC program with professional Team. Through the process, I got recognition for my studies and the work experience.

Your excellent teaching skills and courteous personality has helped me tremendously through my journey at the College .I thank you very much for preparing and lending me books required for study; you also recommended me web sites that helped me better understand the materials. Without your helpfulness and directness, school would have been more challenging.

I have learned so much from you and I look forward to learning more. Thank you for being a remarkable teacher and I am very grateful to have had you.

- Emil Faltas

What is a RAC process?

The Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) process provides individuals with the opportunity to have their experience and competencies acquired in the workplace, recognized and accredited. A RAC process will allow you to work at your own pace and according to your schedule. It is also rigorous process based on the program of studies and involves a significant effort and commitment of time.

 

Who is eligible for RAC?

RAC is for adults who have a significant experience in a specific field and wish to have this experience officially recognized (at least 2 to 3 years of working experience). To be eligible for a  RAC process, you must be admissible to our AEC program. The requirements for admission are listed under the admissions tab.

For a full list of RAC programs, check out the website for Qualifications Québec. Please note this site is only in French.

 

What are the steps involved in the RAC process?

1. Attend an information session or make an appointment with a RAC advisor

If you feel that you have the skills and knowledge that are included in the competencies of the program for which RAC services are offered at Dawson College, you should attend an information session or make an appointment with the RAC advisor. We will answer any questions you might have about the process and help you to determine whether or not you have sufficient experience to be eligible for a RAC process.

2. Prepare your application package

After the initial meeting, you will receive your application package, which you will need to submit with the following:

  • All official academic transcripts (including High School, College and University – if applicable).
  • If born:
    • In Quebec or Canada, a copy of your birth certificate
    • Outside Canada, a copy of your birth certificate and a copy of your Canadian citizenship card or Permanent Resident card
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Attestation of Quebec Resident Status
  • $60 fee ($30 application fee and $30 RAC file opening and analysis fee).

3. Complete your self- assessment

You will also be required to complete a detailed self-assessment document, which will help you determine if the RAC option is right for you, and will serve to support your application for admission to the RAC process.  The self-assessment is based on the 8 competencies in the program (see Program Overview)

The College will then review your application to determine whether or not you are eligible for admission to the AEC program and a suitable candidate for the RAC process. We will ensure that your file is complete and if you are eligible, we will contact you to schedule a validation interview.

4. Validation interview

During the interview, you will meet with a content specialist who will review the information in your CV and self-assessment forms, and with a RAC advisor, who will make a final decision about your admissibility to the RAC process. The content specialist will also prepare recommendations regarding the assessment options available to you for each of the competencies in the program. Following this interview, a final decision will be made about your admissibility to the RAC process.

5. Evaluation and Recognition of Competencies

The College will evaluate your skills and knowledge in order to gather the proof required to recognize your competencies. The RAC advisor will discuss the assessment options that are available to you and help you to develop a plan to prepare for your evaluations.

With the support of a content specialist, you will then prepare for your evaluations. With the support of a content specialist, you will complete the documentation necessary to assess your mastery of each competency in the program.

Once you have completed the evaluations, your competencies will be awarded grades for the courses associated with each of the competencies, and your competencies will be officially recognized.

6. Training/upgrading activities

If there are any elements missing, the content specialist will also develop a plan to help you fill the gaps in your learning. This might involve anything from completing brief assignments or on-line modules to, in certain cases, taking courses at the College.

 

For more information

Contact the RAC office:
rac@dawsoncollege.qc.ca

(514) 931-8731 ext 7223



Last Modified: January 22, 2024