Regulated Professions Quick Reference
Many professions in BC require licensing, certification, registration, or membership in a regulatory body before you can work, offer services, or use professional titles. This applies to both local and internationally trained professionals.
Definition: A regulated profession is one where law requires you to be certified, licensed, registered, or a member of a regulatory authority to practice, use specific titles, or provide services. These regulators maintain standards of education, training, professional conduct, ethics, competence, safety, and public protection.
International Credential Recognition
BC’s International Credentials Recognition Act applies to 18 regulatory authorities and 29 designated professions — and aims to streamline and make fairer the credential assessment for internationally trained professionals. The Office for International Credential Recognition (OICR) oversees this process and offers resources and guidance.
Recent key changes to the Act include ending unnecessary Canadian work experience requirements for many internationally trained applicants and requiring transparent processes and timelines.
Tip for newcomers: Start your credential recognition process early, even before arrival when possible, and contact the relevant regulatory body directly for requirements and timing.
Six Steps to Success*
- Identify if Your Occupation Is Regulated: Use the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials, Bizpal, or the provincial regulator listings.
- Find the Regulatory Body: Go to the regulator’s official site and review “Registration / Certification / Licensure” guides.
- Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, professional references, identity documents, English results (if required).
- Submit Application: Follow regulator procedures — fees, forms, proof of training.
- Complete Exams or Required Training: Some professions require successful completion of exams or supervised practice.
- Receive License / Certificate: Once approved, you can practice or offer services legally.
*All information on this page is intended as general guidance for new and/or aspiring entrepreneurs and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, accounting, tax, or other professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining professional guidance specific to your individual circumstances or industry. Regulations and processes can change often and this site may not be updated immediately, so for detailed and up to date information on business permitting and licensing, visit Bizpal, a free service provided by the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments.
Below is a breakdown of key regulators in BC and the professions they oversee. Many of these require certification exams, documentation assessment, license applications, and periodic renewal.
Skilled Trades
SkilledTradesBC oversees many trades (electrician, plumber, welder, machinist, etc.). Certification may be mandatory for certain trades and recommended when regulated under provincial law. Trades often require an apprenticeship, technical training, interprovincial standards, and certification exams.
Healthcare & Allied Health
Regulatory Body
BC College of Nurses and Midwives
BC College of Oral Health Professionals
College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC
College of Health and Care Professionals of BC
College of Pharmacists of BC
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC
Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board of BC (EMALB)
Profession / Title
RNs, Nurse Practitioners, LPNs, Midwives
Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Technicians
Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists
Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, SLPs, etc.
Pharmacists
Physicians / Surgeons
Paramedics / EMAs
Notes & Requirements
Must register, meet education and competency requirements.
Required licensure and exams.
Newer amalgamated regulator.
Licensure required to practice.
Must be registered/licensed.
Must be licensed; often requires postgraduate training recognition and exams.
Licensure required; defined categories of practice.
Education & Social Services
Regulatory Body
BC College of Social Workers
BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association
Early Childhood Educator Registry
Teacher Regulation Branch / BC Teachers’ Council
Profession / Title
Social Workers
Registered Music Teachers
Early Childhood Educators
Teachers (Professional & Conditional)
Notes & Requirements
Clinical and non-clinical social work designations.
Title protection; membership required.
Registered to work in regulated childcare roles.
BC teacher certification required.
Legal, Financial, & Safety
Regulatory Body
BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
BC Securities Commission
Chartered Professional Accountants BC
Consumer Protection BC
Driver Training Industry of BC
Insurance Council of BC
Law Society of BC
Society of Notaries Public of BC
Profession / Title
Real Estate Brokers, Mortgage Brokers
Securities Industry Professionals
CPAs
Consumer-Facing Regulated Trades
Driving Instructor Licensing
Insurance Agents & Adjusters
Lawyers
Notaries
Notes & Requirements
Licensing and education requirements.
Regulatory oversight; licensing for certain roles.
Professional designation and registration.
Enforcement, permits (eg. auto repair).
Regulates instructors.
Licensing and continuing education.
Bar admission, articling/exams required.
Licensure required.
Natural & Built Environment / Technical
Regulatory Body
Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC)
Association of BC Land Surveyors
BC Institute of Agrologists
BC Society of Landscape Architects
College of Applied Biology
College of Veterinarians of BC
Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC)
Forest Professionals BC
Technical Safety BC
Profession / Title
Applied Science Technologists (AScT), Certified Technicians (CTech)
Architects
Land Surveyors
Agrologists & Technical Agrologists
Landscape Architects
Professional Biologists & Technicians
Veterinarians
Professional Engineers & Geoscientists
Foresters & Forest Technologists
Certain safety-critical trades (e.g., elevating devices)
Notes & Requirements
Professional designations
Registration and professional exams
Licensure
Agrologists & Technical Agrologists
Registration
Registered designation
Licensure required
Must be licensed (P.Eng / P.Geo).
Professional designations
Registration/licensing in safety-related work
Key Government & Resource Links
BC Professional Regulatory Authorities directory
International Credentials Recognition Act overview
Office for International Credential Recognition https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/regulatory-authorities/oicr
Resources for internationally trained professionals: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/regulatory-authorities/oicr/resources-for-professionals
WelcomeBC guide to working and credential recognition: https://www.welcomebc.ca/start-your-life-in-b-c/working-in-b-c