Credentialing
Credentialing is the awarding of a designation, such as a degree, certificate, or license, after assessing a candidate’s knowledge, skill, or performance level. It is a vital part of standardizing the professional, paraprofessional, administrative management and skilled trade landscapes across a multitude of fields including government, healthcare, education, knowledge management services, construction and mining, engineering, information technology, law, and finance.
Why Credentials are Important
Credentials, such as degrees, certifications, professional licences and digital badges, are very important for entering and advancing in a career because they verify a candidate's skills and knowledge, streamline the hiring process for employers, and help individuals stand out from the competition. They demonstrate investment in one's professional development, meet job and regulatory requirements, and can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects, even for those with international education or lacking a traditional degree
The two general categories of credentialing are
certification
and
licensure
Certification
A certification is a written assurance or documentation that a course or program of study has been completed. The term is used differently depending on industries and laws and can also describe the process a non-governmental entity, organization, or institution uses to recognize individuals once they meet a series of preset qualifications.
It is not required to earn a professional certification in order to be employed in a specific field. Pursuing certification is voluntary and is done to inform colleagues, customers, and other professionals in the field that the individual has made the effort to meet the standard.
The standards are developed by third-party organizations such as a professional association through job analysis that outlines the knowledge and skills needed for that professional or para-professional service or occupation. The certifying organization usually requires some level of experience in that profession before certification is granted.
Once the certification is granted, the professional or administrator/manager can use the associated acronym after their name to indicate that they are trained and have completed the requirements, setting them apart from those who have not earned the certification.
Typically the third-party organization requires those professional standards to be maintained through earning continuing education credits.
Professional certifications can be issued by either the government (governmental) or non-governmental organizations (N.G.O.s). The N.G.O is usually a professional association governed by practitioners.
Governmental certifications are often required for specializations in regulated professions such as medical doctors who are surgeons and are usually issued by provincial or territorial regulatory bodies.
Licensure (Self-Regulation)
Licensure is the permission given by an authorized government agency to a licensing body to create the terms of reference for the architecture and organizational framework for an individual to work in a specific field. It is the process that agency uses to grant official permission for the individual to engage in a profession or occupation. The license typically certifies that the person earned the minimum qualified education requirements in that field.
About 20% of all occupations in Canada are regulated.
Regulated occupations are controlled by provincial and territorial law and governed by a regulatory body or apprenticeship authority
Regulated occupations in Canada, include professions and trades that are governed by a regulatory body or apprenticeship office. If your occupation is regulated, you must have a certificate, license, or registration to legally practice in Canada.
Licensure (self-regulatory status) is never issued by a non-governmental agency or entity. In some cases, this type of credential might be referred to with different names or titles that have the legal effects of a license.
Self-regulation recognizes the maturity of a profession and acknowledges its members are capable of governing themselves. It means the government has delegated its regulatory authority to those with the specialized knowledge required to do the job.
Generally, professions that are self-regulated are those that, if left unregulated, pose a risk to the public. Professional fields in Canada that are governed (in terms of licensing) by self-regulatory bodies include healthcare, legal practice, accounting, engineering, and education.
Licensure Exclusivity
Title Protection
Title protection restricts the use of professional titles (lawyer, medical doctor) to licensed individuals only. Using these titles without proper licensure can lead to legal consequences.
Practice Protection
Practice protection restricts the actual activities of a profession to licensed practitioners. This means certain actions or services can only be legally performed by properly licensed professionals.
Professional Associations
Professional associations are organizations of individuals within the same industry or profession that work to advance the profession's interests, support members' career development, and serve the public good through networking, education, advocacy, and providing access to industry news and resources.
Credential Networking
Connect your post education pathway program with a certification association or governmental self regulatory licensure body.
Build a career network that will make you a preferred candidate for entry level recruitment.
