Continuing education > Recognition of acquired competencies

Recognition of acquired competencies

Get recognition and appreciation of professional experience and acquired competencies of an academic nature through a study project.

Recognition of acquired competencies (RAC) is a process that enables people who have acquired significant knowledge and competencies through education and/or experience to get their competencies officially recognized in lieu of one or more courses in an academic program at HEC Montréal.

The main advantages of RAC
  1. Avoids relearning what you already know.

  2. Takes stock of your competencies at a given time.

  3. Accelerates your academic progress in some cases.

  4. Increases your motivation to pursue university studies.

  5. Improves your professional status in the labour market.
Is RAC right for you?
  • You have pursued a post-graduate study program, regardless of its completion. Get recognition of the courses you completed and the competencies you acquired through your course work, in order to accelerate your studies.

  • You have accumulated significant professional experience in a specific field. Get it recognized to advance your career by earning a new diploma.

  • You wish to change careers or shift career gears. Get recognition of your acquired competencies in your new study program.

  • You are either self-employed or an entrepreneur. Get recognition of the competencies you acquired through specific professional projects and earn a diploma related to your field of activity.
A process adapted to your reality

The RAC process is rigorous, transparent and fair, and is adapted to your professional, personal and academic reality. It is based on principles to ensure process quality and reliable results.

An RAC Advisor at HEC Montréal will provide support and guidance throughout the process.

RAC requests may only be submitted by students who are already admitted to an HEC Montréal program.

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Getting RAC of an academic nature

Your acquired competencies of an academic nature are derived from structured training through studies at higher learning institutions that are part of a recognized educational system.

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Main steps of the process to recognize acquired competencies of an academic nature
  1. Submitting a request
    • Filling up the form
    • Submitting the required proof of education documents
  2. Assessment of the request
    • The request will be assessed and handled by an expert at HEC Montréal.
  3. Decision
    • A positive decision will lead to an equivalency.
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Requesting RAC of an academic nature

Before making a request, students must consult the description of the course indicated in the RAC request on the course portal. Ensure that its content matches the content of the course you took.
Request RAC in the following programs:

Getting RAC of an experiential nature

Your acquired competencies of an academic nature are derived from your professional and personal background such as work experience, self-study, training and community involvement activities.

Before embarking on the process to recognize acquired competencies of an experiential nature, students must check the requirements and reflect on the desired level of personal involvement.

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Main steps of the process to recognize acquired competencies of an experiential nature
  1. Reception and information on the process
  2. Submitting the request and eligibility phase
    • Filling up the form and submitting the support documents
  3. Preparation and demonstration of acquired competencies
    • Information meeting with the person in charge of the RAC.
    • Demonstrating competencies that meet the requirements of one or more courses in the academic program through the portfolio.
  4. Assessment of the request
    • The request will be assessed and handled by an expert at HEC Montréal.
  5. Decision
    • A positive decision will lead to a course exemption.
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Requesting RAC of an experiential nature

Before making a request, students must consult the description of the course indicated in the RAC request on the course portal. Ensure that your experiences and competencies are relevant and aligned with the course in question.
Request RAC in the following programs: