911 & Emergency Services Communications (ESC) at Seneca Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

The 911 & Emergency Services Communications program is designed to equip students with the essential principles and skills needed to effectively manage public interactions and work within emergency services. This program emphasizes the ability to perform under stressful conditions, making it ideal for those looking to enter the field of emergency communications. Students will gain valuable training that combines professional knowledge with practical scenarios, focusing on the critical role of 911 and emergency communicators. The program is delivered through innovative and flexible online strategies, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education tailored to the demands of the industry.

Program structure

The 911 & Emergency Services Communications program spans a duration of 2 semesters (8 months). It is offered entirely online, allowing students to learn remotely without the need to attend campus. The program structure includes:

Blended and online learning strategies to enhance flexibility.
Professional knowledge combined with practical scenarios.
Opportunities to qualify for the Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate upon completion of required hours and professional exams.
Eligibility for graduates of Ontario Police Foundations programs to receive credit for four courses towards the certificate.

This program is available for both Canadian and international applicants, with start dates in January and September. It meets the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements, making it a great option for students looking to work in Canada after graduation.

Featured Experiences

The 911 & Emergency Services Communications program offers several unique features and experiences that enhance the learning process:

Hands-on training through practical scenarios related to emergency communications.
Access to experienced instructors who bring real-world knowledge from the field.
Opportunities to engage in synchronous online classes, allowing for direct interaction with professors.
Preparation for the Public Safety Telecommunicator certification, enhancing employability.
Networking opportunities with professionals in the emergency services sector.

Career Options

Graduates of the 911 & Emergency Services Communications program can pursue a variety of career options in Canada, including:

Emergency Communications Operator/Dispatcher: Responsible for receiving and dispatching emergency calls, coordinating responses from police, fire, and medical services.
Police Dispatcher: Works within law enforcement agencies to manage communication between officers and the public, ensuring timely responses to incidents.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD): Provides critical support in emergency medical situations, guiding callers through medical emergencies until help arrives.
Public Safety Communications Specialist: Engages with various public safety agencies to ensure effective communication and coordination during emergencies.
Alarm Response Operator: Monitors alarm systems and responds to alerts, coordinating with security personnel and emergency services as needed.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in emergency situations.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Seneca Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the 911 & Emergency Services Communications (ESC) program are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the Language Requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.

For international students, additional documents or assessments may be required upon request. It is important to note that all international applicants must meet Seneca’s Language Requirements.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

All applicants to Seneca must be well prepared to study in English. If you are coming from a country where English is not the primary language, you must show one of the following:

Successful completion of a minimum of two years of full-time study in a school and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of a minimum of one year of full-time study at the postsecondary level in an institution and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of an intensive English program
English proficiency test scores from one of the international English language testing bodies listed below. Only tests taken in the last two years are considered valid

Please note that the requirements below are the minimum cut-offs and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Highly competitive program seats will be offered to the most highly qualified applicants based on ranking from highest to lowest.

Tests	Certificate Programs	Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs	Degree Programs	Graduate Certificate Programs
CAEL CE and CAEL online	Minimum 60	Minimum 60	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE)	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169
Duolingo	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 115 to 120	Minimum score 120 to 125
IELTS Academic	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
PTE Academic	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 60	Minimum score 60
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition)	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 84 with no skill below 21	Minimum 88 with no skill below 22
TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered	No skill below 20	No skill below 20	No skill below 21	No skill below 22

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!