SHSM Requirements: Credits, Courses, and Completion Guide
To complete an SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) program in Ontario, students must fulfill five components: a bundle of 8 to 10 sector-specific credits, industry certifications, experiential learning activities, at least one reach-ahead experience, and a sector-partnered experience. These SHSM requirements apply across all 19 sectors, though the specific courses and certifications vary.
This guide breaks down every SHSM program requirement component by component, compares SHSM course requirements across sectors using detailed tables, and provides a realistic timeline for completion. If you are looking for a general overview of the program first, start with our What Is SHSM? Complete Guide.
SHSM Requirements at a Glance
The SHSM program requirements can be summarized in five components that every student must complete to earn the SHSM seal on their diploma. Missing any one component means the seal is not awarded.
The Ontario Ministry of Education requires students to complete five mandatory components:
- A bundle of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and 12 credits, consisting of 4 major sector-specific credits, 2 to 4 other required credits (typically English and Math), and 2 co-op credits in the student’s sector.
- 6 to 7 industry certifications, including three universal compulsory certifications (CPR Level C with AED, Standard First Aid, and WHMIS) plus sector-specific compulsory and elective certifications.
- At least one experiential learning and career exploration activity beyond co-op.
- At least one reach-ahead experience connected to the student’s postsecondary plans.
- At least one sector-partnered experience (SPE) of approximately 6 hours, co-designed with an industry partner.
All five must be completed. These credits count within the standard 30 OSSD credits; SHSM does not add extra course requirements on top of the regular diploma.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Components of SHSM” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/page/specialist-high-skills-major).
Here is the quick-reference version:
- Credit Bundle: 8 to 10 Grade 11/12 credits (4 major + 2 to 4 other required + 2 co-op)
- Certifications: 6 to 7 total (3 universal compulsory + sector-specific compulsory + 2 to 3 elective)
- Experiential Learning: at least one career exploration activity beyond co-op
- Reach-Ahead: at least one postsecondary-connected experience
- SPE: at least one sector-partnered experience (approximately 6 hours)
Every requirement is funded by the school board. There is no cost to students for any component of the SHSM program.
Component 1: The Credit Bundle
The credit bundle is the largest component of the SHSM requirements. Every SHSM credit bundle has three categories, all at the Grade 11 and 12 level.
Every SHSM credit bundle consists of three categories of Grade 11 and 12 courses:
- 4 major credits: sector-specific courses chosen from a Ministry-approved list. For example, Health and Wellness students take health sciences courses, ICT students take computer science and technology courses, and Business students take business and marketing courses.
- 2 to 4 other required credits: typically including English and Math, with some sectors adding Science, Business, or other supporting subjects depending on the student’s postsecondary pathway.
- 2 co-op credits: a workplace placement in the student’s chosen sector, with the option to take up to 3 additional co-op credits.
Total bundle sizes range from 8 credits for Arts and Culture and Justice to 10 credits for Construction, with most sectors requiring 9. These credits replace elective selections within the standard 30 OSSD credits and do not add extra coursework.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Bundle of Credits” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide).
The Ministry maintains a master list of approved course codes for each sector, referenced in the SHSM Policy and Implementation Guide. This list is distributed annually to board SHSM leads through the password-protected SHSM eCommunity and is not publicly available online. Students should work with their guidance counselor to ensure their course selections appear on the approved list for their sector and pathway.
Optional Contextualized Learning Activities (CLAs) of 6 to 10 hours may be incorporated into “other required credits” to add sector context. For example, a Math teacher might frame a statistics unit around healthcare data for Health and Wellness students. CLAs are encouraged but not mandatory.
How Pathways Affect Your Credit Bundle
The “other required credits” in your SHSM bundle vary depending on which postsecondary pathway you select: apprenticeship, college, university, or workplace.
- University pathway students will typically see university preparation (U) courses in their bundle.
- College pathway students will typically have college preparation (C) or mixed (M) courses.
- Apprenticeship pathway students may see workplace preparation (E) courses and trades-aligned options.
This is a common source of confusion. Students sometimes think SHSM limits their pathway options. It does not. The program is designed to accommodate all four destinations, and each sector’s credit bundle includes pathway-specific variations. A student in the Business sector heading to university takes different “other required credits” than a Business student heading to college, but both complete a valid SHSM program.
Work with your guidance counselor to select courses that align with both your sector and your intended pathway.
Component 2: Certifications and Training
Certifications are among the most tangible SHSM requirements. Students graduate with real, industry-recognized credentials at no cost.
Nearly every SHSM sector requires three universal compulsory certifications: CPR Level C with AED, Standard First Aid, and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System). WHMIS is the only certification that does not require a certified trainer for delivery. Several sectors add additional compulsory certifications beyond these three:
- Construction requires Working at Heights and Health and Safety Basic training, bringing its compulsory count to five.
- Health and Wellness adds Infection Control.
- Business and Hospitality and Tourism both add Customer Service.
- Justice, Community Safety adds sector-specific safety training.
- Non-Profit, Education and Child Care adds Ethical Considerations.
- Transportation adds Health and Safety Basic.
Students also complete 2 to 3 elective certifications from a sector-specific list. Total certification counts range from 6 (for sectors like Arts and Culture, ICT, and Sports) to 7 (for sectors like Construction, Health and Wellness, and Transportation). All certifications are provided at no cost through school board staff, external training organizations, and sector partners.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Certification and Training” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide).
Certifications are delivered through a mix of providers: board staff deliver some training directly, issuing authorities like St. John Ambulance and the Canadian Red Cross deliver the compulsory CPR and First Aid certifications, and named sector partners contribute industry-specific sessions. LearnIt works with Ontario school boards to deliver both the compulsory certifications and a range of sector-specific electives.
LearnIt has delivered certification workshops for TCDSB, TDSB, YRDSB, HCDSB, and 20+ other Ontario school boards. The team’s offerings include CPR and First Aid certification through WSIB-approved nurse instructors, as well as sector-specific training in areas like leadership, project management, design thinking, and personal branding.
For a complete guide to certifications across all sectors, see our SHSM ICE training and certifications guide.
Elective Certification Examples by Sector
Here is a sample of what elective certification options look like across popular sectors:
Construction (choose 2):
- CAD/CAM
- Basic electrical safety
- Scaffold safety
- Fall protection
- Confined space awareness
- Chainsaw safety
- Energy efficiency training (LEED/Energy Star)
Health and Wellness (choose 3):
- Advanced training in techniques (feeding, airway management)
- Mental health awareness
- Anti-oppression and allyship
- Customer service
- Portfolio development
Business (choose 2):
- Business etiquette
- Cash handling and register training
- Project management
- Public speaking
- Negotiation training
- Sector-specific software
- DECA or Junior Achievement competitions
ICT (choose 3):
- Advanced training in techniques (website design, coding, digital lighting, SEO)
- Advanced training in technology
- Sector-specific options
For the full elective certification list for your sector, check with your SHSM coordinator or explore our sector-specific guides: Health and Wellness, ICT, Arts and Culture, Business.
Component 3: Experiential Learning and Career Exploration
Beyond the 2 required co-op credits, SHSM requirements include at least one additional career exploration activity. This component ensures students experience their sector in real-world settings outside the classroom.
Qualifying activities include:
- Job twinning (spending a day with a professional in the sector)
- Job shadowing
- Work experience (in-person or virtual)
- Skills Canada competitions
- Sector trade shows, conferences, symposiums, or job fairs
- Volunteering in the sector
- Mentoring with an industry professional
This requirement is activity-based, not hour-based. There is no minimum hour threshold for the experiential learning component specifically (the hour requirements apply to co-op credits and SPEs). Activities should be connected to the student’s sector and documented by the school SHSM team.
For example, LearnIt’s ICE Challenge at MaRS Discovery District with SickKids Foundation brought 45 students from Halton Catholic District School Board through a full-day design thinking workshop focused on healthcare innovation. Activities like this qualify as experiential learning when they connect students to real sector challenges and industry professionals.
Component 4: Reach-Ahead Experiences
Among the less understood SHSM requirements, students must complete at least one reach-ahead experience connected to their postsecondary plans. The purpose is to help students confirm or adjust their direction before graduating.
The Ontario Ministry of Education requires every SHSM student to complete at least one reach-ahead experience tied to their intended postsecondary pathway. Qualifying activities include:
- Interviewing an employee working in the sector
- Visiting an approved apprenticeship training delivery agent
- Interviewing a college or university student studying in the sector
- Attending college or university classes
- Attending a sector conference or workshop
- Completing a dual credit course
Activities must be pathway-specific. A university-bound student should pursue university-connected reach-ahead activities, while an apprenticeship-bound student should visit trades training agents or interview tradespeople.
Reach-ahead is about career clarity before graduation. It gives students the chance to experience their intended postsecondary environment before committing to a program. Students who discover their original plan is not the right fit can adjust their course selections and career direction while still in high school.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Reach-Ahead Experiences” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide).
Reach-ahead activities must be documented by the school SHSM team. Students should keep records of what they did, when, and what they learned, as this information becomes part of their SHSM Record.
Component 5: Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs)
SPEs became a mandatory part of the SHSM requirements in fall 2017. They represent the program’s emphasis on industry partnership and hands-on learning.
Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPEs) became a mandatory SHSM component in fall 2017. Each student must complete at least one SPE of approximately 6 hours.
SPEs must be co-designed and co-delivered by a sector partner and a teacher. They cannot be run solely by the school. SPEs focus on one of three areas:
- Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE): OnSIS Code 1
- Coding: OnSIS Code 2
- Mathematical Literacy: OnSIS Code 3
The Ontario School Information System (OnSIS) tracks SPE completion using these component codes. SPE time cannot count toward the 40 hours of community involvement required for the OSSD.
In the SHSM context, “ICE” officially stands for Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship, referring to the SPE focus area. The certification component is formally called “Certification and Training Experiences.”
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Sector-Partnered Experiences” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide).
The co-design requirement is what makes SPEs distinctive. A teacher and an industry partner must plan and deliver the experience together. This ensures students get authentic sector exposure rather than a purely academic exercise.
LearnIt delivers SPE workshops for school boards across Ontario, bringing industry-connected immersive experiences that students would not otherwise access. For example, LearnIt’s Futures Thinking Challenge at the Temerty Advanced Surgical Education and Simulation Centre asked YCDSB students to envision the operating theatre of 2040. LearnIt’s team led the facilitation, with guidance from university faculty.
These co-designed experiences run with partners like Google, Microsoft, Accenture, SickKids Foundation, and MaRS Discovery District. They fulfill the SPE requirement while giving students hands-on learning that connects to real careers.
Teachers looking for SPE delivery support can explore how LearnIt partners with Ontario school boards at learn-it.ca.
For more on the ICE component specifically, see our SHSM ICE training and certifications guide.
How Many Credits Does Each SHSM Sector Require?
Total SHSM credits range from 8 to 10 depending on the sector, with most requiring 9. The table below compares the credit structure for 12 sectors where detailed data is available from the Ministry’s SHSM Policy and Implementation Guide.
| Sector | Total Credits | Major Credits | Other Required | Co-op Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts and Culture | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Business | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Construction | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Environment | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Health and Wellness | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Hospitality and Tourism | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Information and Communications Technology | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Manufacturing | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Non-Profit, Education and Child Care | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Sports | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Transportation | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Key observations from this data:
- Every sector requires exactly 4 major credits and 2 co-op credits. The variation comes entirely from “other required credits,” which range from 2 to 4.
- Construction has the highest total at 10 credits, reflecting additional requirements in Math, Science, and related technical subjects.
- Arts and Culture and Justice have the lowest totals at 8 credits each, with only 2 other required credits.
- Most sectors (8 of 12) require exactly 9 credits.
Seven sectors are not included in this comparison: Agriculture, Aviation and Aerospace, Energy, Food Processing, Forestry, Horticulture and Landscaping, and Mining. Detailed credit breakdowns are not publicly available in the current Policy and Implementation Guide sector pages for those sectors. For those, consult the Ministry’s SHSM Policy and Implementation Guide directly or contact your board’s SHSM lead.
What Certifications Does Each Sector Require?
Total SHSM certifications range from 6 to 7 depending on the sector, with variation driven primarily by additional compulsory certifications in safety-critical fields. Here is a comparison of certification counts across 12 sectors.
| Sector | Compulsory Certs | Additional Beyond CPR/FA/WHMIS | Elective Certs | Total Certs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts and Culture | 3 | None | 3 | 6 |
| Business | 4 | Customer Service | 2 | 6 |
| Construction | 5 | Working at Heights + Health and Safety Basic | 2 | 7 |
| Environment | 3 | None | 3 | 6 |
| Health and Wellness | 4 | Infection Control | 3 | 7 |
| Hospitality and Tourism | 4 | Customer Service | 2 | 6 |
| Information and Communications Technology | 3 | None | 3 | 6 |
| Justice, Community Safety | 4 | Sector-specific safety | 3 | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 3 | None | 3 | 6 |
| Non-Profit, Education and Child Care | 4 | Ethical Considerations | 3 | 7 |
| Sports | 3 | None | 3 | 6 |
| Transportation | 4 | Health and Safety Basic | 3 | 7 |
Key insight: Total certifications range from 6 to 7 across all sectors. Sectors with safety-critical work environments (Construction, Health and Wellness, Justice, Transportation) tend to require more compulsory certifications.
For a full deep-dive into certifications, including what each certification involves and who delivers them, see our SHSM ICE training and certifications guide.
When Should You Start SHSM?
Most students should register for SHSM during Grade 10 course selection and formally enroll in Grade 11, giving themselves two full years to meet all SHSM requirements without feeling rushed.
Here is a grade-by-grade timeline:
- Grades 7 and 8: Some boards begin SHSM awareness programming through career fairs, sector introductions, and information sessions. This is the time to start thinking about what interests you.
- Grade 9 and 10: Explore sectors, talk to your guidance counselor, attend SHSM information sessions at your school. Research what sectors your school offers and what career pathways they connect to.
- Grade 10 (Course Selection): Register for SHSM during course selection. Most Ontario school boards open registration at this stage. Your guidance counselor will help you select Grade 11 courses that align with your chosen sector’s credit bundle.
- Grade 11: Formal enrollment begins. Start accumulating major credits in your sector. Complete your first certifications (CPR, First Aid, WHMIS are often done early). Begin experiential learning activities such as job shadowing or workplace tours.
- Grade 12: Complete remaining credits. Finish elective certifications. Complete your co-op placement in your sector. Fulfill the reach-ahead experience and SPE requirements. Ensure all five components are documented with your school’s SHSM coordinator.
Students who register in Grade 12 will find it extremely challenging to complete all SHSM requirements in a single year. A 5th year or summer school may be required to finish the credit bundle, certifications, co-op, and remaining components.
If you are wondering whether it is too late to start, the honest answer is: Grade 12 is possible but difficult, and Grade 11 is strongly recommended.
For teachers and coordinators: The Ministry requires that school SHSM teams review student progress at least twice per semester to catch gaps early. This is especially important for students who enrolled late or switched sectors.
If you are weighing whether to commit to SHSM, our guide on whether SHSM is worth it can help with the decision.
What Happens if You Switch Sectors or Do Not Complete SHSM?
Students who switch SHSM sectors retain their universal certifications (CPR, First Aid, WHMIS). Credits may also transfer if they appear on the new sector’s approved course list. A student can only be enrolled in one sector at a time but may switch.
The previous sector record is noted as “partially completed” in the Ontario Student Record (OSR). Students should discuss switching with their SHSM coordinator before making the change to understand exactly what carries over.
SHSM is entirely separate from the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students who do not complete all five SHSM components but meet standard OSSD requirements still graduate normally without the SHSM seal. Key points about non-completion:
- A “partially completed” SHSM Record is filed in the Ontario Student Record (OSR).
- Individual SHSM credits earned retain the “H” notation on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST) regardless of whether the full program is completed.
- Students cannot return after graduation to add the SHSM seal to an already-issued OSSD.
- The Ministry of Education frames non-completion neutrally as an “informed choice,” recognizing that some students may intentionally shift their focus during high school.
Even without the seal, the industry certifications (such as CPR, First Aid, and WHMIS), co-op experience, experiential learning, and career exploration activities remain on the student’s record, resume, and Ontario Student Transcript.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Documenting Student Achievement” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide). Waterloo Catholic DSB highskills.ca SHSM resource (highskills.ca, verified Spring 2026).
The key point: not completing SHSM does not hurt you. You still graduate, your credits still count, and your certifications are still valid. The only thing you do not receive is the embossed seal on your diploma. For a broader view of the program and what it offers, see our What Is SHSM? Complete Guide.
How Are Completed SHSM Requirements Documented?
Completing all five SHSM components earns four forms of official documentation: an embossed red seal on your OSSD, “H” notations on your transcript, the sector name in your transcript’s Specialized Program box, and a formal SHSM Record in your Ontario Student Record.
Upon successful completion of all five SHSM components, Ontario students receive four forms of official documentation from their school board:
- An embossed red “Specialist High Skills Major” seal on their OSSD (this is colloquially called the “Red Seal” but is not the interprovincial Red Seal trades certification, which is an entirely separate designation).
- An “H” notation in the Notes column on the Ontario Student Transcript for each SHSM credit.
- The sector name entered in the “Specialized Program” box on the OST.
- An SHSM Record documenting all five completed components, filed in the Ontario Student Record.
A student can receive only one SHSM seal per OSSD. Students can self-identify as SHSM graduates through a dedicated checkbox on OUAC and OCAS applications, making their achievement visible to university and college admissions teams.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, “Specialist High Skills Major Policy and Implementation Guide – Documenting Student Achievement, Appendix A2” (updated October 2025; ontario.ca/document/specialist-high-skills-major-shsm-policy-and-implementation-guide).
OnSIS tracks SHSM data through secondary school submissions 3 times per year (October, March, June). Schools report specific fields including Program Entry Date, Exit Date, Requirement Met Date, Certification Date, Sector Code, and SPE Component Codes.
For a detailed explanation of the SHSM seal versus the interprovincial Red Seal for trades, see our SHSM Red Seal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many credits do you need for SHSM?
Between 8 and 10 Grade 11 and 12 credits depending on your sector. Most sectors require 9 credits: 4 major credits, 3 other required credits, and 2 co-op credits. See the Credit Requirements by Sector table above for a full comparison.
Q: Does SHSM add extra courses to my schedule?
No. SHSM credits count within your standard 30 OSSD credits. They replace elective selections rather than adding to them. You take the same total number of courses as any other student.
Q: What certifications does every SHSM student need?
Nearly every sector requires CPR Level C with AED, Standard First Aid, and WHMIS as compulsory certifications. Additional compulsory and elective certifications vary by sector. See the Certification Requirements by Sector table above.
Q: Do SHSM certifications cost money?
No. All certifications and training are provided at no cost to students through school board funding.
Q: Can I start SHSM in Grade 12?
Technically yes, but completing all five components in one year is extremely challenging. Most students register during Grade 10 course selection and begin formal enrollment in Grade 11. Late starters may need a 5th year or summer school.
Q: Does SHSM help with university or college applications?
SHSM does not directly boost your grades or admission average. However, multiple Ontario universities and colleges offer SHSM-specific scholarships, including Trent, Algoma ($500), St. Clair College ($1,000), University of Windsor ($1,000), McMaster, and University of Ottawa. You can indicate SHSM completion on OUAC and OCAS applications through a dedicated checkbox. For the full list, see our SHSM scholarships guide. For a balanced analysis, see Is SHSM Worth It?.
Q: What if my school does not offer the sector I want?
Not every school offers all 19 sectors. Talk to your guidance counselor about whether your board has the sector at another school. You can also check the Ontario Open Data SHSM Program List for sector availability across the province.
Q: Can I do SHSM with IB or AP courses?
There is no official Ministry guidance on combining SHSM with IB or AP. In theory, if IB or AP courses align with approved SHSM course codes for your sector, they could count. Discuss with your school’s SHSM coordinator.
Q: Are there prerequisites for SHSM?
There are no formal prerequisites. Any Ontario student enrolled in a publicly funded secondary school is eligible. However, you typically need to be in Grade 11 or 12, and your course selections should align with the sector credit bundle.
Q: Is co-op mandatory for SHSM?
Yes. Every SHSM requires a minimum of 2 co-op credits in the student’s chosen sector. Students may take up to 3 additional co-op credits for more workplace experience.
Q: Can I complete two SHSM programs?
No. A student can only be enrolled in one sector at a time and can receive only one SHSM seal per OSSD. However, you can switch sectors if your interests change. Universal certifications (CPR, First Aid, WHMIS) transfer between sectors. See our What Is SHSM? Complete Guide for more on switching.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Meeting all SHSM requirements means fulfilling five components: a credit bundle of 8 to 10 credits, 6 to 7 industry certifications, experiential learning, a reach-ahead experience, and a sector-partnered experience. Requirements vary by sector, with credit bundles ranging from 8 to 10 and certification counts from 6 to 7.
SHSM credits replace elective selections within the standard 30 OSSD credits, so the program does not add extra coursework. Starting early (register in Grade 10, enroll in Grade 11) gives you the best chance of completing all components comfortably. Completion earns an embossed seal on your OSSD, recognized by Ontario universities and colleges through dedicated scholarships and application checkboxes.
For students: Use the comparison tables in this guide to understand your sector’s specific requirements, then talk to your guidance counselor or SHSM coordinator to map out a completion plan. For more context on the program overall, read What Is SHSM?. To explore whether the program is the right fit, see Is SHSM Worth It?. And for financial benefits, check out SHSM Scholarships.
For teachers and coordinators: Learn how LearnIt supports SHSM programs with certification delivery, SPE workshops, and ICE training across Ontario. With partnerships spanning TCDSB, TDSB, YRDSB, HCDSB, WCDSB, HWDSB, and 20+ other boards, LearnIt provides student-centered, co-designed experiences that meet program requirements while bringing real-world skills into the classroom. Visit learn-it.ca for details.