Why credential recognition matters
Foreign credential recognition is the process of verifying that the education, training and job experience you obtained in another country are equivalent to the standards established for Canadian workers.
If your education, work experience or professional credentials were obtained outside Canada, they may not be equivalent to Canadian credentials. To work in Canada, you will need to have your credentials assessed to see whether they meet Canadian standards or whether you need more training, education or Canadian work experience.
Understanding credential recognition will help you better prepare to come to Canada and find a job quickly.
If you are thinking about living and working in Canada, you need to know about credential recognition. Understanding how your education and work credentials are recognized will help you adapt to life and work in Canada.
Here are some things you need to know:
- Qualifying to immigrate to Canada does not mean that your education, work experience and professional credentials are automatically recognized in Canada.
- Working in some jobs in Canada, including certain trades, may require a licence. To get a licence, you will need to have your credentials recognized.
- You can start the credential assessment and recognition process before you arrive in Canada.
- Getting your credentials recognized takes time and costs money.
Be aware that the words credentials, competencies and qualifications may often appear to have the same meaning, but in Canada have specific definitions.