4. Assessing and Selecting Internationally Trained Workers
4.2 Assessment and verification of international credentials
Foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees may be equivalent to Canadian credentials.It pays to find out.
Credential assessment agencies can assess foreign credentials such as certificates, diplomas and degrees and tell you how they compare to Canadian standards. You can find some of these agencies through the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
You can help internationally trained workers by using these agencies, or you can ask potential employees to have their credentials assessed as part of their job applications.
Other resources
- Some regulatory bodies provide advice and assistance on foreign credential recognition.
- Some sectors have voluntary certification systems that can be used to assess the abilities of internationally trained workers in non-regulated occupations.
- Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) services are available at many colleges and institutes.
- PLAR is the identification and measurement of skills and knowledge acquired outside of formal educational institutions. The PLAR process can establish competency equivalencies for skills and knowledge gained outside of Canada and determine eligibility to practise in a trade or profession.
Employer TipTips on dealing with international credentials
- Don’t assume applicants will know what to submit when they apply for a job. Be specific about the documents you want to see (résumés, credential equivalencies, diplomas, reference letters, etc.).
- Inform applicants about credential assessment services in your job advertisement and put a link to these services on your organization’s website.
- Be aware of the time it takes to have credentials assessed and work this into your hiring time lines.