The following is a list of terms related to having internationally-earned qualifications recognized to work in Alberta, Canada.

Accreditation

Process of becoming recognized by a professional regulatory organization as having the appropriate combination of credentials, training and/or experience for a given occupation. Accreditation may take a form of registration with a regulatory organization, or licensure/certification by an organization.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training, work experience and technical training. People who want to learn a trade in Alberta must become registered apprentices.

Career

The total of your life experiences including education, paid and unpaid work, and community, volunteer and family activities.

Career management

Making informed choices to manage the events of your career. Career management involves gathering information on learning and work opportunities and applying it to yourself and your situation.

Certified

Recognized by a professional association or professional regulatory organization as having the appropriate combination of credentials, training and/or experience for a given occupation. Sometimes used interchangeably with “registered” or “licensed.”

Credentials

Proof of qualification, competence or clearance that is attached to a person. Examples of credentials include professional registration-certificates, diplomas or degrees.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) training

English language training for individuals whose first language is not English. Training is designed to help participants learn English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. This is also known as English as a Second Language (ESL).

International qualifications

Educational credentials, skills and work experience obtained in a country outside of Canada. Also referred to as foreign qualifications.

Immigrant-serving agency

Immigrant-serving agencies offer general settlement assistance including information, orientation, English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments and training, interpretation or translation, and employment and referral services.

Industry

A group of establishments engaged in similar types of activities producing similar goods and services. For example, the construction of health-care industry.

Information interview

Scheduled meeting used to collect information about an occupation, company or industry.

International mutual recognition agreements

Agreements that set out the terms and conditions for recognizing and accepting the qualifications of workers who have been certified or registered in other countries.

Job

Set of specific duties for a specific employer. Jobs may be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and of short or long duration.

Job or work search

Steps you take to find work or get a job such as writing your resume, preparing for an interview and networking.

Journeyman

A person who has met all the requirements to be certified in a specific trade, for example, a journeyman plumber. In order to be certified as a journeyman, people must complete on-the-job training, work experience and technical training, and pass an exam. This term is used for both males and females. The term journeyperson is also used.

Labour market

Employers offer jobs or work. Employees offer skills. Together they work for each other’s benefit. Along with economic conditions and other factors, they make up the labour market.

Licensed

Recognized by a professional association or professional regulatory body as possessing the appropriate combination of credentials, training and/or experience. Sometimes used interchangeably with “certified” or “registered.”

Mentor

Person who shares experience, knowledge and wisdom about their occupation. Mentors may help others learn about a particular occupation or about the workplace in general.

Occupation

A group of similar jobs or fields of interest that require specific training or expertise. Sometimes used interchangeably with “profession.” Teacher” and “motorcycle mechanic” are examples of an occupation.

Occupational language training

Language training that is specific to a particular occupation. Goes beyond basic language training and may include technical terms.

Profession

A group of similar jobs or fields of interest that require specific training or expertise. Sometimes used interchangeably with “occupation.” “Physician” or “teacher” are examples of a profession.

Professional association

An organization that represents the interests of its members who practice a particular occupation or profession.

Professional regulatory organization

A professional association has been granted authority by the provincial government to protect the public’s interest. Its members are certified to work within a regulatory framework set by government. Professional regulatory organizations have the authority to:

• set initial requirements for certification and the standards of practice;
• assess applicant’s qualifications and credentials;
• certify, register or license qualified applicants;
• discipline members.

Registered

Recognized by a professional association or professional regulatory body as possessing the appropriate combination of credentials, training and/or experience. Sometimes used interchangeably with “certified” or “licensed.”

Regulated

Regulated occupations have legal requirements or restrictions with regard to licensing, certification or registration. They are occupations (e.g. lawyer, nurse, teacher) and trades (e.g. electrician, plumber, welder) that are controlled by law to protect the public.

Trades

Occupations in which standards have been set to promote quality work and skill excellence among tradespeople. Tradespeople are trained through apprenticeship. In Alberta there are more than 50 designated trades and occupations.

Transitional job

A job taken to earn money and gain work experience in Alberta while looking for other opportunities. It can be short term or long term depending on your situation.

Work

The task, job or activities performed to reach a goal. Can be paid or unpaid, short or long term.