International Credential Recognition Report Published

The Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance has released our report into credential-recognition processes for internationally trained professionals with five regulatory bodies we oversee:

• Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC)
• British Columbia Institute of Agrologists (BCIA)
• College of Applied Biologists (CAB)
• Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC)
• Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC)

Credential recognition refers to the process of having education, skills and work experience from outside Canada recognized as comparable to Canadian standards.

The review found that the regulatory bodies have already identified and implemented changes to improve credential recognition for internationally trained professionals, including:

• competency-based assessment systems;
• expedited registration processes;
• challenge exams to demonstrate competency in the absence of educational records;
• flexibility on how an applicant demonstrates English language proficiency;
• mutual recognition agreements with professional regulators in other countries, and;
• accreditation of education programs offered in other countries.

The report provides regulatory authorities with additional opportunities to help remove barriers and create clear, faster pathways for skilled people who have immigrated to Canada while maintaining excellence in services that people depend on.

2022-2023 International Credential Recognition Performance Review