Access to Information

Lack of consistent information

Applicants receive conflicting information about the way things are done here, leaving them unprepared for the Qualification Recognition process.

Complex process

Most countries have only one regulatory body—the national government. Canada’s system is more complex and hard to navigate because there are many players involved in the regulation of each profession.

Lack of pre-migration assessment tools

People have no opportunity to assess what their education, experience, and skills are going to be worth in Canada. They come here without knowing whether they can expect to be licensed or certified and re-enter their trade or profession here.

Information in English only

Information is written in English only, at a language level too high for many applicants to understand.

No full picture

With so many players involved in the regulation of a profession, there is no single place for internationally educated professionals to get all the information they need about the registration process. Their journey is long and winding. There is always something else because they never have the full picture.

No step-by-step process

There is no step-by-step chart to guide people through Canada’s complex system. Different players give conflicting advice on where to start, what steps to take, and when to take them.

Qualifications Assessment
CRITERIA & STANDARDS

Original documents

Original documents are difficult to obtain, especially when applicants are already in Canada.

Experience not assessed

Most internationally educated applicants have years of work experience behind them, yet they are tested on knowledge typically gained fresh out of school.

Inconsistent requirements

Inconsistent requirements can lead to a catch-22. For example, an applicant fails to meet the requirement of occupation-specific English. The workplace is the only place to learn but the applicant can’t get a job until he/she is fully licensed.

ASSESSMENT MECHANISMS

Tools assess test-taking skills over knowledge

Some assessment tools do not consider cultural or linguistic diversity. They are poorly constructed and do not test what they intend to—for example, test-taking skills over content knowledge.

Unfamiliar testing methods

Exams use complicated English or testing methods that are not used in other countries, such as multiple-choice.

No opportunity to demonstrate skills

Assessment methods are paper-based, not competency-based. They lack variety and do not reveal everything the applicant knows and can do.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

No feedback on exams

Applicants do not get feedback on where they did and did not meet requirements. Without knowing where they went wrong, it is hard to prepare for the next exam and impossible to take gap training.

High cost

People need time to save up for high registration costs. During this time, many people see their skills grow stale.

Lengthy registration process

The registration process can drag on for months or even years because requirements such as a criminal reference check from a country of origin are difficult to get. Applicants who need work now must give up and settle for survival jobs.

Lack of advice on how to address gaps

Unsuccessful applicants do not know where to go or what to do to address their gaps or weaknesses.