Ontario student recognition
Minister's Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement
Ontario students who complete at least 50 verified community involvement hours can receive a provincial certificate at graduation. The recognition has Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels and builds on the 40 hours already required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Published and reviewed by Becoming · July 29, 2026
Certificate levels for 2026
| Level | Verified hours | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 50–99 hours | At least 10 hours beyond the OSSD minimum. |
| Silver | 100–199 hours | Verified hours recorded by the school. |
| Gold | 200+ hours | The highest recognition level. |
These thresholds come from the Ontario Ministry of Education's certificate guidance for schools and school boards .
The certificate does not replace the 40-hour requirement
Every student working toward an OSSD must still complete the minimum 40 community involvement hours. The certificate starts at 50 hours and recognizes students who go beyond that minimum. Your Ontario Student Transcript continues to show whether you completed the graduation requirement, while the certificate recognizes the higher total verified by your school.
How to qualify
- Complete eligible activities. Confirm the activity with your school before you begin, especially if it is not already on the board's approved list.
- Track every shift. Keep the date, organization, supervisor, activity, and number of hours so your record can be verified.
- Submit the required form. Follow your school board's process and local deadline. Students under 18 need a parent or guardian signature on their record of hours.
- Check your school record. Ask guidance to confirm that all hours were received and recorded before the graduation deadline.
- Your principal confirms the level. Schools use verified totals to determine whether a graduating student receives Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition.
How to use the recognition
The Ontario government recommends listing volunteer experience, responsibilities, skills, and the certificate on résumés and applications. Describe the work you actually did and the skills you developed; do not rely on the certificate title alone.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How many volunteer hours do I need for the Minister's Certificate?
You need at least 50 verified community involvement hours for Bronze recognition. Silver begins at 100 hours, and Gold begins at 200 hours. The certificate is separate from, and does not replace, the 40-hour OSSD graduation requirement.
Do I apply for the certificate myself?
Your school uses its verified record of community involvement hours to determine eligibility. School boards set their submission procedures, and the principal verifies the hours and certificate level. Ask your guidance office about local deadlines and forms.
When do students receive the certificate?
Eligible students receive the Minister's Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement when they graduate. Schools order and distribute the certificates after confirming the student's verified hours and recognition level.
Does the certificate guarantee a scholarship or job?
No. It is an official recognition of community involvement, not a guarantee of admission, a scholarship, or employment. Students can still include it on a résumé or application as evidence of sustained volunteering and the skills they developed.
Start building your hours
Browse current roles, then confirm the activity with your school before counting it toward your record.