Credential recognition & skills transfer
Your education, training, and professional experience from another country are valuable. In Canada, some professions are regulated, meaning you must be licensed or certified to work in them.
Regulated professions include jobs such as engineers, teachers, healthcare professionals, accountants, and many skilled trades. Other jobs are non-regulated, meaning you can usually work in the field without a license, although employers may still review your qualifications.
Regulated and non-Regulated professions
Regulated professions require a license or certification to work in Ontario. These professions are governed by regulatory bodies that set standards and requirements.
Non-regulated jobs do not require a license, and most jobs in Canada fall into this category. However, employers may still ask for proof of education, training, or experience.
Credential assessment and licensing
If your profession is regulated, you may need to complete exams, meet language requirements, or gain Canadian experience before becoming licensed.
You can start the credential assessment process before or after you arrive in Canada. The process takes time and includes administrative fees. Evaluations for employers may differ from those used for academic purposes, so it is important to choose the right type.
Credential assessment organizations include:
- World Education Services (WES) Canada
- University of Toronto Comparative Education Service
- International Credentials Assessment Service (ICAS) of Canada
- Medical Council of Canada
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
Support for your career path
- Global Experience Ontario helps internationally trained professionals understand licensing requirements and whether their profession is regulated in Ontario.
- Health Force Ontario provides guidance for internationally trained healthcare professionals.
Your settlement worker or employment counsellor can provide you with information to help you understand your employment options in Waterloo Region.