What Are Regulated Professions?

What is a “Regulated Profession”?

A number of professions in Ontario are regulated. About 20 per cent of jobs in Canada require you to have a licence before you can begin work for public safety reasons. Jobs that require a licence are called regulated occupations. You need special education and experience before you can get your licence to work in most regulated occupations.

What does this mean for finding work in a regulated profession?

To work in a regulated profession, you must be registered by the appropriate regulatory body. Each regulatory body has their own procedures and requirements to register. You must check with the regulatory body to learn what you need to do to be licensed to work in your profession in Ontario.

While some professions are not regulated there may be voluntary professional bodies that could be important in helping you to integrate into your profession. A Working Centre employment counsellor can offer guidance, advice, assistance in organizing and planning, and could lead you to find financial resources.

How do I know if my profession is “regulated”?

In general, two main types of occupations are regulated in Canada:

  • Regulated professions (for example, doctors, nurses and lawyers); and
  • Apprenticeable (Skilled) trades (for example, plumbers and electricians). Click on the “Apprenticeships” section of our website for more information on apprenticeable trades.

You can use the "Explore Careers; Occupation Search" section of the JobBank to find out if your profession is regulated. Type in your job title and location, then press 'Search'. Click on the 'Education & Job Requirements' tab. Then select the tab displaying your Province (i.e. Ontario). Here you will see if your profession is 'Regulated' or 'Not Regulated'. If it is regulated, this website should provide details on the regulatory body and how to connect with them for more details.

 

Note: Many professions are not regulated but will still have professional associations that grant certifications. Sometimes these certifications are expected in the hiring process. Be sure to conduct a full labour market review to find out if you need to register with a professional organization.

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