1. Visit the Registration Page
   Complete the online registration form and ensure all required information is provided accurately.
2. Upload Supporting Documents
   Submit any required documents as part of your application. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.
3. Pay the Application Fee
   Submit the one-time application fee. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
4. Application Review
   The Registrar’s Office will review your application and supporting documents. If additional information or documentation is required, a member of our team will contact you. Please allow approximately 3–5 business days for application processing.
5. Receive and Review Your Enrolment Contract
   Once your application has been approved, the Registrar’s Office will prepare and send you an Enrolment Contract. This document outlines important details about your program, including program dates, tuition, policies, and other relevant information. Please review the contract carefully and contact the College if you notice any errors or have any questions.
6. Sign and Return the Contract
   After reviewing the contract, sign and return it to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will complete the final signature process and provide you with a fully executed copy for your records.
7. Arrange Tuition Payment
   Following the completion of your contract, you will be provided with information regarding tuition payment options. Tuition must be paid according to the agreed-upon payment schedule before you can begin your studies.
8. Begin Your Program
   Once all required documentation has been received, your enrolment contract has been completed, and your payment arrangements are in place, you are ready to begin your program with Coastal College of British Columbia.

We look forward to welcoming you to CCBC and wish you every success as you begin your educational journey and prepare for a rewarding new career.

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Yes. Neither the institution nor the student can waive the admission requirements. All applicants must meet the established entry requirements before they can be admitted to the program.

The entry requirements have been carefully developed to help ensure that students possess the foundational skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to succeed in their studies. Meeting these requirements helps students begin the program with the academic, language, and personal readiness necessary to participate fully in the program, complete assignments, engage in learning activities, and meet program learning outcomes.

It is very important that students satisfy all admission requirements prior to enrolment. Students who do not meet the required prerequisites may face challenges in completing coursework and achieving academic success. By maintaining consistent admission standards, CCBC helps ensure that students are well-prepared for the demands of the program and have the best possible opportunity to successfully complete their studies and transition into employment in the field.

For this reason, admission requirements cannot be waived, substituted, or overlooked by either the student or the College. All applicants are required to provide the necessary documentation and demonstrate that they meet the program’s admission criteria before admission can be granted.

If you have questions about admission requirements, acceptable documentation, or the application process, please contact the College directly. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also contact us by email at info@coastalcollegeofbc.com. Please note that the College is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays.

CCBC staff are here to support you throughout the admissions process and are happy to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you navigate the steps required for enrolment. We look forward to assisting you on your educational journey.

We are here to help!

If you have questions about admission requirements, acceptable documentation, transfer credit, Prior Learning Assessment, tuition payments, program schedules, practicum requirements, or any part of the application process, please contact the College directly. Our knowledgeable staff are available to provide information, answer questions, and assist you in understanding the requirements for your chosen program.

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may contact us by telephone during office hours or by email at info@coastalcollegeofbc.com. Please note that the College is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. Email inquiries received outside of regular business hours will be responded to as soon as possible during the next business day.

We understand that returning to school or starting a new educational journey can involve many questions and decisions. Whether you need assistance determining if a program is the right fit, understanding admission requirements, navigating the registration process, or preparing for your studies, our team is here to help.

CCBC staff are committed to supporting students throughout the admissions and enrolment process. We are happy to answer your questions, provide guidance, clarify policies and procedures, and help you successfully navigate each step toward becoming a student. Our goal is to make the application and enrolment process as smooth and straightforward as possible so that you can focus on achieving your educational and career goals.

We look forward to assisting you and welcoming you to the Coastal College of British Columbia community. Wishing you every success as you begin your educational journey and work toward a rewarding new career.

Textbooks are not included in tuition and must be purchased separately by the student. Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC) does not sell textbooks directly to students. Students are responsible for obtaining their required textbooks through third-party vendors of their choice.

Students may purchase either printed textbooks or e-textbooks, provided they obtain the correct edition and publication year listed on the course syllabus or textbook list. Many students choose e-textbooks because they are often more affordable, environmentally friendly, and can usually be accessed within minutes of purchase. E-textbooks are also convenient for students who are studying online or who prefer to access their materials from multiple devices.

Students are encouraged to compare prices from different vendors, as textbook costs can vary significantly. Both new and used textbooks may be available depending on the vendor and the title. However, students should carefully verify the publication year and edition before purchasing, as older editions may not contain the required content for the course.

Students are encouraged to wait until their instructor advises them to purchase the textbook. In some cases, instructors may provide additional information about the required edition, acceptable alternatives, or course-specific materials before students are required to obtain the textbook.

Some websites that students have found useful include:

• VitalSource (vitalsource.com)
• Get Textbooks Canada (gettextbooks.ca)
• Textbooks.com (textbooks.com)
• Chegg Books (cheggbooks.com)

Students may also wish to check local bookstores, online retailers, and used textbook marketplaces for additional purchasing options.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they purchase the correct textbook and edition required for their course. If you have questions about a textbook requirement or are unsure whether a particular edition is acceptable, please contact the College or your instructor before making your purchase.

Yes. Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC) is a fully accredited and designated private training institution in British Columbia. CCBC is regulated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and operates in accordance with provincial requirements for private training institutions.

Students and prospective students are encouraged to independently verify the College’s status through the PTIRU website. Coastal College of British Columbia’s certification number is 04288.

Choosing a recognized and designated institution is an important step in your educational journey. Accreditation and designation help ensure that institutions meet established standards related to administration, student protection, educational quality, and regulatory compliance. Students should always verify the status of any institution they are considering before enrolling.

If you have questions regarding CCBC’s accreditation, designation status, program approvals, StudentAid BC eligibility, or regulatory requirements, please contact the College directly. Our staff are happy to provide additional information and direct you to the appropriate government resources for verification.

For the most current information, students are encouraged to visit the PTIRU website and search for Coastal College of British Columbia using certification number 04288.

All programs at Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC) are administered through Google Classroom, which serves as the College’s Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS is an online platform used to organize and deliver course content, facilitate communication between students and instructors, track student progress, and provide access to learning resources.

Click here to view the Google Classroom Tutorial Video

Throughout your program, Google Classroom will be used to access course materials, readings, assignments, videos, announcements, grades, feedback, and other important program information. Instructors will also use the LMS to communicate with students, post updates, answer questions, and provide support throughout the course.

Students are strongly encouraged to watch the Google Classroom Tutorial and become familiar with the platform before beginning their studies. Understanding how to navigate the LMS will help students access their coursework more efficiently and stay informed about important deadlines and program requirements.

Students should check Google Classroom regularly, as it is the primary method used for course delivery and communication at CCBC. Important announcements, assignment instructions, schedules, and learning resources will be posted through the LMS throughout the duration of the program.

If you experience difficulties accessing Google Classroom or require technical assistance, please contact the College. CCBC staff are available to assist students and help ensure they can successfully access and use the LMS throughout their studies.

Most CCBC programs do not use traditional examinations as the primary method of assessment. Educational research has increasingly shown that while exams may measure short-term memorization, they do not always promote long-term retention, critical thinking, or a deep understanding of course content. As a result, many colleges, universities, and training institutions have moved toward more meaningful and continuous forms of assessment.

CCBC instructors primarily use a formative assessment approach. Formative assessment is designed to support learning throughout the educational process rather than simply measure performance at the end of a course. Instead of relying on a single high-stakes exam, students are assessed through a variety of learning activities that allow them to demonstrate their understanding, apply concepts, receive feedback, and improve over time.

Examples of formative assessments may include written assignments, case studies, reflective activities, discussions, presentations, projects, workplace-based learning activities, research tasks, quizzes, practical demonstrations, and other learning exercises. Instructors provide feedback throughout the course to help students identify strengths, address areas for improvement, and build confidence in their knowledge and skills.

Many educators believe that formative assessment is an essential component of effective teaching and learning because it integrates assessment directly into the learning process. Rather than separating instruction from evaluation, formative assessment allows students to receive ongoing guidance and feedback while they are learning. For example, an instructor may ask a student to reflect on a topic, analyze a scenario, complete a practical task, or respond to a case study and then provide feedback using a rubric or established assessment criteria.

This approach encourages active participation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of knowledge. It also helps students develop skills that are directly relevant to the workplace rather than focusing solely on memorizing information for a test.

The goal of assessment at CCBC is not simply to measure what a student can recall on a particular day, but to support meaningful learning, professional growth, and the development of knowledge and skills that students can apply throughout their careers.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While each student’s educational background and work experience may be unique, the assessment process is applied fairly and consistently to all applicants. Students seeking advanced credit through Prior Learning Assessment must submit all required documentation and supporting evidence for review.

Once the documentation has been received, the Director of Instruction will conduct a thorough review and assessment to determine whether the student’s previous education, training, or work experience is equivalent to the learning outcomes of the course for which advanced credit is being requested. Additional information or documentation may be requested if required to complete the assessment.

After the review has been completed, the student will be notified of the decision. If advanced credit is granted, the student may choose to accept the credit or, if preferred, complete the course as part of their program of study.

Students who are interested in Prior Learning Assessment are encouraged to contact the College as early as possible to discuss their circumstances and determine whether PLA may be an appropriate option. CCBC staff are available to answer questions, explain the process, outline documentation requirements, and provide guidance throughout the application process. We are here to help students explore all available pathways to achieving their educational goals.

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may contact us by telephone during office hours or by email at info@coastalcollegeofbc.com. Please note that the College is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. Email inquiries received outside of regular business hours will be responded to as soon as possible during the next business day.

We encourage students to reach out if they have questions about eligibility, required documentation, timelines, or any other aspect of the Prior Learning Assessment process. Our team is committed to supporting students and helping them make informed decisions about their educational pathway.

Click here to learn more about Prior Learning and Advanced Credit at CCBC.

Labour Mobility- Certification Equivalencies from Province to Province

Canada has labour mobility agreements that allow many certified professionals to move between provinces and territories and seek employment without having to repeat their education or training. However, certification requirements, professional titles, and regulatory processes can vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Students who complete a program at Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC) and later plan to work in another province or territory should contact the appropriate regulatory body, licensing authority, employer, or government department in the destination jurisdiction to determine whether additional requirements apply. While many credentials are recognized across Canada, some provinces or territories may require applicants to submit transcripts, course outlines, proof of work experience, criminal record checks, or additional documentation before granting certification or registration.

For most programs, certification and employment requirements are determined by the province or territory in which an individual intends to work. Students are responsible for confirming current requirements with the applicable regulatory authority before relocating or applying for employment.

CCBC is happy to provide official transcripts, course outlines, and other educational documentation that may be required as part of an equivalency, certification, or registration application. However, the final decision regarding credential recognition, certification equivalency, registration, or licensing rests with the receiving regulatory body, employer, or government authority.

Students who anticipate moving to another province or territory are encouraged to research certification requirements early and maintain copies of their educational records. Taking these steps can help ensure a smoother transition and reduce delays when seeking employment or professional certification in another jurisdiction.

Education Assistant Practicum Expectations and Commitment

The Education Assistant practicum is an important part of your training and should be taken seriously. Your practicum placement provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program while gaining valuable experience in a school setting. Many students use their practicum as a pathway to future employment opportunities.

Every effort will be made by the Practicum Instructor to arrange your practicum placement in your preferred geographic area. Students will be contacted after completing approximately half of the program to begin the practicum planning process. Please note that practicum placements are negotiated directly between the school district or host school and Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC); schools do not negotiate practicum placements directly with students. All tuition and fees must be paid in full before a student may begin a practicum. In addition, students must successfully complete and be cleared through a Criminal Record Check prior to the start of their placement. Practicum scheduling is subject to the availability and requirements of school districts, which typically only accept practicum students during certain times of the school year. As a result, placement dates may vary depending on school district policies, school availability, and staffing considerations.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. This includes arriving on time, being prepared, maintaining a positive attitude, dressing appropriately, respecting confidentiality, and working collaboratively with school staff. Students should be team players and complete all assigned tasks to the best of their ability. Demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to learn will contribute to a successful practicum experience.

A strong practicum performance is essential for obtaining positive references and recommendations from the classroom teacher, Education Assistant mentor, and principal. These recommendations can be valuable when applying for future employment opportunities within school districts and educational settings. Students should strive to build positive professional relationships and demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and competence throughout their placement.

Students should understand that securing a practicum placement involves many individuals and several levels of approval. The school district, principal, classroom teacher, and Education Assistant mentor must all agree to participate and be available to support the placement. Practicum opportunities are valuable and should not be taken for granted. Cancelling a practicum placement or failing to complete a practicum reflects poorly on a student’s professional commitment. Every reasonable effort should be made to complete the practicum once it has been arranged.

All Education Assistant practicums are full-time and follow the regular school schedule, from the start of the school day until the end of the school day. Students should ensure that they have reliable transportation and childcare arrangements in place before beginning their placement. Schools expect practicum students to be fully present and available throughout the school day. Frequently leaving the placement early or being unavailable due to personal scheduling conflicts may be viewed negatively and could impact the professional impression made on school staff. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and make appropriate arrangements so they can fully participate in all practicum activities and responsibilities.

During Professional Development (Pro-D) Days, students should check in with their practicum instructor, mentor, and principal regarding expectations and activities for the day. Students are expected to follow the direction provided by the school and actively participate in assigned tasks and learning opportunities.

Students who approach their practicum with professionalism, enthusiasm, reliability, and a commitment to learning are more likely to have a rewarding experience and receive strong recommendations from their host school.

Education Assistant practicums consist of 180 hours of supervised workplace experience and are typically completed over a period of approximately two months. Students are expected to attend their practicum placement five days per week and follow the regular schedule of the host school, which is generally about six hours per day. Practicum placements are designed to provide students with a realistic understanding of the role and responsibilities of an Education Assistant and to help them develop the skills, confidence, and professional experience needed to work in educational settings.

Because school districts and host schools require consistency and continuity for students and staff, part-time practicum placements are not available. Students must be prepared to commit to a full-time schedule for the duration of the practicum. It is important that students make appropriate arrangements for childcare, transportation, employment schedules, and other personal commitments before beginning their placement.

All Education Assistant practicums are unpaid. Students are participating as learners and are not considered employees of the school district or host school. In British Columbia, Education Assistant practicum placements are unpaid and are intended to provide supervised learning and workplace experience rather than employment. While the practicum does not provide financial compensation, it offers valuable hands-on experience, professional networking opportunities, and the chance to obtain references and recommendations that may support future employment opportunities within schools and school districts.

As part of the registration process, students will be asked to provide their top three preferred school districts for their Education Assistant practicum placement. In consultation with the student, CCBC will make every reasonable effort to secure a placement within one of the student’s preferred districts. The practicum planning process typically begins once a student has completed approximately half of the program, or earlier if required by the policies and timelines of the school district.

Practicum placements are subject to district policies, school availability, staffing considerations, and the approval of the principal, classroom teacher, and Education Assistant mentor. To avoid potential conflicts of interest, students should not request placement in a school where they have immediate family members attending or employed, or where they have a close personal relationship or prior employment history with staff members.

The final practicum placement will be determined through consultation between the student, CCBC, and the host school district, with the goal of providing a fair, professional, and meaningful learning experience. Students should understand that while their preferences will be carefully considered, placement within a specific district, school, or classroom cannot be guaranteed.

Most school districts require CCBC to submit practicum requests approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the proposed practicum start date. In some cases, districts may require even more advance notice depending on their internal procedures, staffing availability, and placement demand. Once a request has been submitted, the district must identify a suitable school, obtain approval from the principal, confirm the availability of a classroom teacher and Education Assistant mentor, and complete any required administrative processes. Because several individuals and departments are involved in approving a practicum placement, confirmation timelines can vary significantly from one district to another.

An additional challenge is that there is often limited availability for practicum planning during summer break, winter break, and spring break. Many district staff, principals, teachers, and Education Assistants are away from their regular duties during these periods, making it more difficult to coordinate placements, obtain approvals, and finalize schedules. As a result, practicum planning and confirmation timelines may be longer when requests fall near school holiday periods.

As a result, students may not receive final confirmation of their practicum placement until a few weeks before their tentative start date. Students should be prepared for this possibility and understand that placement timelines are largely determined by the school district rather than CCBC. While CCBC works diligently to secure placements as early as possible, the College cannot guarantee when a district will provide final confirmation. Students are encouraged to remain flexible and avoid making commitments that could interfere with their practicum until their placement details have been finalized.

There are three primary practicum intake periods each year for Education Assistant students. The Fall intake generally includes placements beginning in September–October, October–November, and November–December. The Winter intake generally includes placements beginning in January–February and February–March. The Spring intake generally includes placements beginning in April–May and May–June. Placement availability within these intake periods is determined by the participating school districts and schools and may vary from year to year.

Students should understand that practicum dates cannot always be selected by the student and are dependent upon school district availability, school schedules, staffing, and the availability of suitable mentors and classroom placements. While CCBC will work closely with students to identify a suitable practicum period, flexibility is often required.

Because the Education Assistant practicum is a full-time commitment, students should begin planning well in advance. Practicums are approximately six weeks in length and require students to attend their placement five days per week during regular school hours. Students are encouraged to make any necessary arrangements related to employment schedules, childcare, transportation, family responsibilities, appointments, and other commitments before their practicum begins. Careful planning helps ensure that students can fully participate in the practicum experience, meet attendance expectations, and demonstrate the professionalism expected by the host school and school district.

Students who are well prepared for their practicum are more likely to have a successful experience, build positive relationships with school staff, and receive strong professional references for future employment opportunities.

The Practicum Coordinator will make every reasonable effort to place students within their preferred school district or geographic area. Student preferences are carefully considered during the practicum planning process; however, practicum placements are ultimately dependent on the availability and approval of the school district, school administration, classroom teacher, and Education Assistant mentor. A placement can only proceed when all required parties agree to participate and are able to provide the necessary supervision and support.

Students should understand that practicum opportunities are limited and that school districts must balance their own operational needs, staffing levels, and capacity to host practicum students. As a result, a preferred district may not always be able to accommodate every request. Factors such as the number of available mentors, school schedules, district policies, staffing changes, and competing practicum requests from other institutions can all affect placement availability.

If a student’s preferred district is unable to accommodate a practicum placement, CCBC will work to secure an appropriate alternative placement. This may be in another school district, a different geographic area, or an approved independent school setting that meets the program’s learning outcomes and practicum requirements. While every effort will be made to minimize travel and consider student preferences, students should be prepared to accept an alternative placement if necessary. Flexibility throughout the placement process helps ensure that students are able to complete their practicum requirements and graduate from the program on schedule.

Practicum Requirement:

Individuals who have access to children are legally required to undergo a criminal record check to help ensure the safety and well-being of children in educational settings.

The Criminal Record Check must be completed and approved before you are permitted to begin any practicum hours. Students are encouraged to start this process early, as processing times may vary. Failure to obtain a clear Criminal Record Check may affect your eligibility to participate in practicum placements.

How do I submit a CRC request online?

Click the link below to request a Criminal Record Check in British Columbia. Please note that each province will have a different process to obtain a CRC.

https://justice.gov.bc.ca/screening/crrpa/org-access

Access Code: ECPV6DALVN

The approximate cost for a CRC in British Columbia is $28. Your cleared CRC will be directly sent to the college.

Students who reside outside of British Columbia may be required to follow a different process based on the requirements of their province or territory. If you are located outside of British Columbia, please contact the College for further guidance regarding criminal record screening requirements.

Students should retain a copy of any confirmation or receipt received when submitting their application and notify the College if they experience delays or difficulties during the screening process.

Preparing for Your Education Assistant Practicum

The Practicum Coordinator will provide students with the Education Assistant Practicum Handbook and other important practicum resources, forms, and documents prior to the start of the practicum. Students are expected to carefully review all materials, as they contain important information regarding practicum expectations, professional conduct, attendance requirements, documentation procedures, evaluation processes, and communication guidelines.

Students should take time to become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of an Education Assistant and review key concepts and skills learned throughout the program. The practicum is an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real educational setting, and students are expected to arrive prepared, professional, and ready to learn.

Prior to the start of the practicum, students should ensure that all program requirements have been completed, including coursework, tuition payments, and Criminal Record Check clearance. Students should also confirm that they have reliable transportation, childcare arrangements, and sufficient availability to attend the practicum full-time throughout the placement period.

Students are encouraged to review the practicum handbook well in advance and prepare any questions they may have for the Practicum Coordinator. The handbook and supporting documents will outline what to expect during the placement, how practicum hours are tracked, who to contact if issues arise, and how student performance will be evaluated. Being familiar with these materials before the first day of placement will help students begin their practicum with confidence and professionalism.

Successful practicum students are typically those who prepare in advance, communicate effectively, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and approach their placement with a positive and professional attitude. Taking the time to review all practicum materials and make the necessary personal arrangements before the start date will help ensure a rewarding and successful practicum experience.

Prior Learning Assessment and Practicum Information

Students who have significant recent work experience as an Education Assistant or in a closely related role may be eligible to apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to gain advanced standing or credit for the practicum component of the program. Prior Learning Assessment allows students to demonstrate that they have already achieved the required practicum learning outcomes through previous employment and professional experience.

Students interested in pursuing a Prior Learning Assessment must notify the College as early as possible. Additional documentation, employment verification, references, and supporting evidence may be required as part of the assessment process. Approval is not automatic and is subject to College review and the successful demonstration of the required competencies and learning outcomes. Students should not assume they have been granted advanced standing until they have received formal written approval from the College.

Important Notes:

• September is a busy month for many schools and districts and as they are unavailable in the summer, most placements do not get confirmed until mid-September. Practicums usually begin in October. All schools and districts have different policies and procedures; therefore, it is important to be patient and understanding based on their needs regarding education assistant practicum placements.
• Do not contact schools and districts on your own as most districts communicate with the program coordinators.

Click here to learn more about Prior Learning and Advanced Credit at CCBC.