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Assessing internationally trained applicants

Last updated on September 18, 2024

Learn how B.C. regulatory authorities included under the International Credentials Recognition Act may assess internationally trained professionals.

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Overview 

In 2024, B.C. introduced new rules for recognizing professional certifications from outside Canada. 

These changes aim to streamline processes, making them fairer, faster and more user-friendly for applicants.

​Application processes must be transparent

Regulatory authorities must provide clear, transparent information about application processes on their websites. This includes fees, timelines, and any necessary details applicants need to know.

Authority of regulators

Regulators for professions get their authority from specific laws called "authorizing enactments." These laws, bylaws, and governing policies allow regulatory authorities to assess internationally trained applicants.

​Learn about the purpose of the Act and who it applies to

  • The term "authorizing enactment" is defined in Section 4 of the International Credentials Recognition Act
  • The International Credentials Recognition Act defines "internationally trained applicant" as an individual who:
    • (a) Has been trained in a jurisdiction outside Canada to practise in a regulated profession or holds an international credential, and
    • (b) Applies to a regulatory authority for certification in a profession or occupation that is a regulated profession

​Educational credentials

Regulatory authorities can assess the educational credentials of applicants. This assessment:

Examination requirements

Regulatory authorities may require applicants to complete exams.

These requirements must align with their authorizing enactments, bylaws, or governing policies.

English language testing

Internationally trained professionals may be required to provide valid English language test results, according to the regulatory authority's authorizing enactment, bylaws, or policies.

Accepted test providers

Regulatory authorities may establish which English language test providers are acceptable in their authorizing enactment, bylaws, or other governing policies.

Expired English language tests

If a valid test expires during the assessment process, the regulatory authority must accept the results as valid, provided they were valid on the submission date.

English language test score requirements

If an applicant's English language test score is below the competence benchmark established by the regulatory authority, the authority can require the applicant to retake the test until they meet the benchmark.

Regulatory authorities are not required to accept test results that do not meet their proficiency standard.

Recent work experience

Regulatory authorities may require applicants to have recent work experience, according to their authorizing enactment, bylaws, or other governing policies.

Assessing applied skills and knowledge

Regulatory authorities may assess the applied skills and knowledge of an applicant based on their authorizing enactments, bylaws, or governing policies.

  • Before July 1, 2025, this assessment may include Canadian work experience requirements
  • After July 1, 2025, the Act prohibits imposing Canadian work experience requirements on certain applicants

If an applicant is eligible for the exemption from Canadian work experience, the regulatory authority:

  • Must provide an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate competence of applied skills and knowledge without requiring Canadian work experience
  • May issue limited or restricted certification, if permitted by their bylaws or policies

If the applicant successfully demonstrates all required competencies, they should be awarded full certification.

A regulatory authority is required to grant certification to an internationally trained applicant without assessing their competence only when they are transferring certification from another Canadian jurisdiction.

Failure to demonstrate applied skills and knowledge

If the applicant otherwise meets admission criteria but does not demonstrate all required competence in applied skills and knowledge, the regulatory authority:

  • Is not obligated to grant certification
  • Should inform the applicant of the specific competencies that were not demonstrated
  • Should suggest ways for the applicant to acquire and demonstrate these competencies, such as education, exams, or additional work experience. Additional work experience can be gained in any jurisdiction, including Canada
  • May grant limited or restricted certification if permitted by their governing policies