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Credential recognition for your education and work experience can propel your job search in Canada. But, what is it and why is it important? Credential recognition provides employers, industry professionals, and regulatory bodies a standard measure of your skills and knowledge. Using a standard measure, you show your competence and expertise credibly. Discover how recognition can unlock career opportunities in Canada.
Credential recognition helps employers understand the value of your international experience. Canadian employers may not recognize your education and experience without completing the process. As a result, you may face a lengthy job search that can create financial setbacks.
Regulated professions and certain trades jobs in Canada such as electricians require a license to work. Governing bodies for regulated occupations confirm whether or not you meet Canadian standards.
You may be able to begin the credential recognition process before you arrive in Canada. Doing so reduces the time you spend on the process when you arrive allowing you to continue and advance your career faster.
Credential recognition may reveal you need further education to get a license to work in your profession in Canada. It will be more cost-effective if you take these steps while abroad.
Credential recognition validates qualifications, skills, and expertise you have gained through education, training, or professional experience. While you may be approved to immigrate to Canada, you have to ensure that Canadian employers recognize and value your:
Credential recognition involves two separate processes: education evaluation and credential recognition.
An ECA reviews your academic background. This helps employers see how your education compares to the Canadian system and its value.
An approved credential agency will review your international education to confirm the following:
Employers may want an evaluation from a specific organization such as World Education Services (WES) or another designated educational credential assessment agency. They may request you to submit an education evaluation when applying for a role.
About 20% of jobs in Canada belong to regulated professions. Credential recognition verifies that your international education, training, job experience, and skills meet Canadian standards for regulated professions.
Provincial and territorial (P/T) occupational regulatory bodies set the standards to obtain a license to work in professions like:
You can check if your profession requires a license to work in Canada using the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0). Here are NOC codes for some in-demand professions in Canada:
About 80% of jobs in Canada are non-regulated and do not require a license or certificate.
If you do not require a license, it’s up to the employer to decide if you can perform the job based on your:
For example, some fields such as marketing are not regulated. However, Canadian employers expect a business degree or certificate and relevant experience. While the employer may not ask for an education evaluation, it can be helpful when applying for jobs in a competitive job market.
With credential recognition, you gain a competitive edge in Canada’s job market because it signals you have the expertise to excel in the role. Potential employers will find you attractive because you show:
With credential recognition by industry professionals and regulatory bodies. you instill confidence in employers, colleagues, and clients.
The right credentials can open doors to higher-level positions, and leadership roles, and allow you to progress in your chosen career path. Check out Career Pathways to learn about regulatory bodies for your profession.
Credential recognition can help you negotiate a higher salary and better compensation package because of your expertise.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARNavigating the process can seem challenging, but you can follow these steps to guide your approach:
Research credential requirements for Canada, your industry, and your profession, including communication skills. Learn what documents you require, evaluation procedures, and fees.
Collect relevant documents including academic transcripts, certificates, or portfolios. Gathering documents before you arrive in Canada will be easier and more cost-effective.
Seek guidance and support from relevant credential organizations, professional associations, or regulatory bodies to understand the process and timeline.
Learn about assessment methods such as exams, interviews, supervised work, evaluation of communication skills, and further study.
The credential recognition process can be complex and involve multiple steps. Be patient and respond to any requests or feedback from the credentialing bodies.
Taking the right steps to get your foreign credentials recognized can unlock career opportunities and propel your job search in Canada. While the process can be time-consuming, you can start the process in your home country. Gather supporting documents for each process before you arrive in Canada to save time and money. Beginning the process before you arrive can even help you to secure a job faster.
Researching what you require to work is key to your success in Canada.
If you plan to work in a regulated profession in Canada, check out Career Pathways to learn about regulatory bodies for your profession.
Recognition of your professional credentials can be the cornerstone of your career success in Canada.
Common credentials include:
Academic degrees: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from accredited educational institutions attest to specialized knowledge.
Professional certifications: Industry-specific certifications validate proficiency in a specific field.
Vocational and technical qualifications: Diplomas, certificates, or licenses show specialized skills and competencies.
Continuing education and professional development: Ongoing learning and training show commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
Language proficiency: Proficiency in multiple languages is valuable in today’s global economy.
IRCC approves:
Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
World Education Services
International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS)
International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology
Contact the regulatory body for your profession in the province where you plan to settle to see what steps you can take before you arrive. Getting a licence or certificate to practice in “regulated” occupations varies by province and job.
You can also contact the professional or trade association that governs your occupation in your country to see if it works with similar associations in Canada.
Yes, you can. Contact the professional or trade association that governs your occupation in your home country to see if it is affiliated with similar associations in Canada. You can also use the Canada Job Bank to learn about licensing and certification.
It can take months or years to obtain more training, pass exams, and get a licence to work in Canada. So, it’s vital to know what you require and prepare.
You can advance your career by getting Canadian certification for your profession or trade. And this will help to showcase your existing skills, knowledge, and experience to Canadian employers.
A recent survey by World Education Services (WES) found that 74% of newcomers, living in Canada in 2018, found jobs within 6 months of living in the country. And on the surface, this looks like great news. But as WES dug deeper they found that only 39% of them had commensurate jobs with duties relevant to their previous experience, seniority, and education.
The same report asked respondents to identify the main barriers they faced when looking for a job. Over 30% answered that employers did not recognize their qualifications and experience, and 25% mentioned that they did not recognize their international education. A picture that looks very familiar to me.
In my current position as a Program Facilitator in a non-profit, I work with newcomer professionals every day. And these results echo what I often hear. When I see their certifications, Masters, and PhDs, I can see the root of their frustration.
Newcomers have invested time and resources in a well-rounded education with the hope they can use it in their chosen country. Moreover, the same credentials allowed them to migrate to Canada.
So it seems contradictory to ask for qualified individuals and then not capitalize on this human resource because their education is not appreciated. But getting Canadian certification can help you to overcome these barriers and advance your career!
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So what may be the reason behind this situation? Broadly speaking there are two kinds of professions in Canada:
2. Non-regulated professions.
Regulated professions are related to the safety or well-being of people. And for that reason, people working in these professions need to be certified by a provincial, territorial or federal authority. Some examples include professionals who work in:
If in doubt, you can click here to find out if your occupation is regulated in your province or territory.
Certification is the way to ensure consistency and quality. Take for example, the difference in codes, norms, and even construction materials that a civil engineer or architect may encounter.
Many past clients have worked on big projects, using concrete, or brick and mortar, but they are not familiar with using wood for residential purposes. So it is not a lack of preparation, but an update to their new environment.
The same lens can be applied to non-regulated professions. Although it is not critical nor mandatory to get a certificate, it is highly recommended. This professional development step can:
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We live in a rapidly evolving economy, where adapting to change is critical with more jobs being automated. And in Canada, ongoing professional development is a key part of the workplace culture.
When you keep learning you can:
Embracing the lifelong learner in you will improve your self-confidence and put you in the driver’s seat of your career path. And assessing your credentials and upgrading your skills may help you to get a better job with a better salary. What’s not to like?
I might have convinced you by now that investing in more education will pay off in the end. But, you might be wondering “how can I afford it?”
Luckily, there are bridging programs available for permanent residents that can help to mitigate the burden of the cost, like the Immigrant Bridging Program available in Alberta, or the Ontario Bridge Training Program.
Whether you are considering pursuing a certificate, diploma, or a part-time course, further learning will open doors for you and your future in Canada. A small investment with a high payoff!