Applied Science and Engineering Technician or Technologist

Engineering Technician/Technologist holding plans in front of a building

Welcome

The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) is a national association representing 10 provincial organizations that grant and maintain the professional certification of Canada’s 53,000 certified technicians and technologists. The CCTT establishes and maintains national competency benchmarks for certifying members in 14 applied science and engineering technology disciplines, including bioscience, building, chemical, civil, electrical, electronics, forestry, geomatics, industrial, information technology, instrumentation, mechanical, mining and petroleum.

In Canada, most technicians and technologists are not regulated by provincial laws. However many employers require technicians and technologists to be certified. The CCTT’s provincial member associations are responsible for granting the certificates based on national benchmarks of competency developed by the CCTT. Certifications are recognized in every province and facilitate interprovincial mobility.

We invite you to explore our website which has important information for you, including links to all the regulators in each province. It is very important that you prepare for your career in Canada and we are confident that this fact sheet and our resources will be helpful.

The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists Logo

Technicians and Technologists in Canada

Canada is a world leader in the application of new technology. Technicians and technologists are respected and integral members of Canada’s engineering team and a cornerstone of Canadian industry.

A wide variety of occupations fall under the categories of technologist and technician in Canada. It is important for you to understand how your credentials compare to workers in Canada. For example, internationally trained individuals may work as engineers in their home country, but will find that their occupation is classified as a technician or a technologist in Canada.

Certified technicians and technologists enjoy competitive salaries and stable and rewarding careers. With Canada facing a shortage of nearly 20,000 technological professionals, a career as a certified technician or technologist can offer you professional stature and success.

Before You Come to Canada

While you are waiting to go to Canada, there are many important things you can do to improve your chances for success.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office is an organization of the Government of Canada that provides you with helpful resources such as the Planning to Work in Canada? workbook and the Working in Canada Tool. Use these resources to find and collect important information and to develop your job-search plan.

You will need to prove your language skills in English or French or be tested. You can find information at www.language.ca. If you need to improve your language skills, start before you come to Canada.

Your official education, work and identity documents are important. It is much easier for you to gather and organize your documents while still in your home country.

Verify the translation requirements. In some cases, you will have to use a professional translation service in Canada.

Apply for an informal assessment of your qualifications from the CCTT. The assessment evaluates the likelihood of an applicant’s acceptance for the examination program by a provincial technology association. It does not guarantee acceptance or certification or a job. You will find the requirements for and the benefits of doing this assessment and related fees on the CCTT website.

Becoming a Technician or Technologist in Canada

Become familiar with the requirements for your occupation in the province where you want to work. Specific occupations and different provinces will have slightly different processes for certification. The informal assessment by the CCTT will help you understand your options and the next steps you should take.

Provincial requirements for certification usually include language assessment, evaluation of academic credentials and work experience, and a professional practice examination.

Most provincial associations offer associate memberships for individuals who are not yet qualified for certification but who are in the process of becoming qualified.

It can take one year or more for internationally trained technologists and technicians to obtain certification, particularly since one year of Canadian work experience is required.

Once certified, technologists and technicians can use one of the following designations: CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) AscT (Applied Science Technologist), RET (Registered Engineering Technologist), CTech (Certified Technician) or TP (technologue professionnel).

The CCTT and our many partners are developing a new initiative to help immigrants to Canada find information about technician and technology careers. This Internet portal will offer comprehensive information about certification and registration processes, job opportunities and a self-assessment tools. Please check our website for updated information.

Finding a Job in Canada

You should take time to research job requirements and develop a plan for finding work.

The Canadian Technical Employment Network (CTEN) is an online job-posting and applicant-screening service available to members of the CCTT’s provincial associations. It brings together certified technicians and technologists and prospective employers.

Some provincial associations also have job banks.

The Government of Canada posts jobs for employers at www.jobbank.gc.ca.

CCTT Provincial Associations

Additional Resources