Imported credentials
Wed, November 26 2008
One way to compare the education received in their home countries with Canadian education is to have their credentials evaluated an by evaluation service. It is important to know that although evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes or for purposes of admission to post-secondary institutions in Canada.
However, it will assist employers, post-secondary institutions, and professional bodies in understanding your academic background.
Credential evaluation is not free and takes time. That’s why you should ensure an evaluation is needed before you send your documents for assessment.
You may need your credentials evaluated if you need a license to work. A license is necessary if you work in a regulated occupation (including professions and trades).
A “regulated” occupation is one that is controlled by provincial and territorial (and sometimes federal) law and governed by a professional organization or regulatory body. The regulatory body governing the profession/trade has the authority to set entry requirements and standards of practice, to assess applicants’ qualifications and credentials, to certify, register, or license qualified applicants, and to discipline members of the profession/trade.
To check if your profession or trade is regulated in BC please go to www.credentials.gc.ca, find Working in Canada Tool, insert the name of your profession/trade and find out if it is regulated in BC.
Each university or college in Canada sets its own admission requirements and criteria for recognizing academic qualifications obtained abroad. Therefore, you should contact the Office of Admissions of the university or college of your choice to enquire about the procedures for assessing international qualifications. They will inform you about requirements for translation and authentication of your documents and whether or not you need to have your education evaluated.
Before you send your documents for credential evaluation make sure you need to do it. If you want to prove that you have corresponding education during the interview, a translation of your degree may suffice.
If you have any questions: call 604.432.8800
Email: icesinfo@bcit.ca
1.866.434.9197
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