Job requirements Academic Counsellor in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as an academic counsellor in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Educational counsellors (NOC 41320).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- A bachelor's degree in counselling, career development, education or social sciences is required for counsellors in school settings.
- A master's degree in counselling psychology or a related field such as educational psychology, developmental psychology or social work is usually required.
- Educational counsellors in post-secondary settings require an undergraduate degree and may require a graduate degree. A particular academic specialization may also be required.
- In Quebec, membership in L'Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d'orientation is mandatory to use the titles ''vocational counsellor'', “guidance counsellor” and “vocational guidance counsellor”.
- A teacher's certificate in the province of employment and some teaching experience is usually required for counsellors in school settings.
- Educational counsellors in colleges and universities may require licensing from a provincial regulatory body governing psychologists, educational counsellors or social workers.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.
Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada
If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.
The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.
Did you know?
Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:
- Use free newcomer services that can support credential recognition and certification in Canada.
- Find loans and support services that you may be eligible for.
- Learn about the foreign credential
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nunavut
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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