Professional Licensing
Some jobs in Canada require that you have a special license to practice your profession before you can begin work. These are called regulated occupations. Most regulated occupations require that you have specialized education and experience before receiving your license.
There are two main types of regulated occupations in Canada: regulated professions and apprenticeable trades. Regulated professions usually require several years of university or college education, practical experience under the supervision of a licensed worker in the chosen profession, and the successful completion of a licensure examination. Physicians, nurses, and engineers are examples of workers in regulated professions. Apprenticeable trades usually require the completion of a period of apprenticeship training on the job by a licensed supervisor, some specialized college education courses, and the successful completion of a certification examination. Mechanics, plumbers, and welders are examples of workers in apprenticeable trades.
Licensing for professional practice is the most challenging step of newcomers’ integration in their professional fields in Nova Scotia. It requires a series of coordinated efforts that may require time and funds, and most importantly – clear understanding of the requirements of registering authorities/regulatory bodies in the province. In order to help you understand these requirements and to optimize your efforts, MISA and HILC developed Pathways to Professional Licensure – brief guides to required personal actions for several professions in Nova Scotia. Please review these helpful documents and contact MISA or HILC for more information and support.
More about regulated occupations in Canada - Work Destinations
