Information for foreign-trained biologists and related scientists
(2121) Verified: 2008 10 31
Information on requirements to practise
The occupations in this category, which include many specialties, are not regulated in Canada, except in British Columbia, where the title of "Professional Biologist" is protected. Alberta offers registration as professional biologists. Where the profession is not regulated in Canada, requirements for employment may vary, and qualifications requirements are set by individual employers. However, most employers require postgraduate degrees in biology or a related discipline within the life sciences, and experience in post-doctoral research is usually required by academic departments or research institutions. Once you know where you will settle and work, you should contact the appropriate provincial/territorial body for additional information (see list below).
Although it is not mandatory, biologists in the environment industry are encouraged to seek certification by the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board. Certification is available for: Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner (CCEP), Canadian Environmental Practitioner-In-Training (CEPIT), and Auditing Certification. For more information, contact
- Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB)
- Suite 200, 308-11th Avenue SE
- Calgary AB T2G 0Y2 Canada
- Phone : (403) 233-7484
- Fax : (403) 264-6240
- Email : info@cecab.org
- http://www.cecab.org/
Similarly, microbiologists are encouraged to seek certification by the Canadian College of Microbiologists. The College offers certification as a Registered Microbiologist (RMCCM), Specialist (SCCM), and Fellow in Clinical Microbiology (FCCM). For further information, contact
- Canadian College of Microbiologists (CCM)
- P.O. Box 5183
- Ottawa ON K2C 3H4 Canada
- Phone : (613) 274-2710
- Email : korngold@ccm.ca
- http://www.ccm.ca/
Information on assessment of qualifications
The professional associations can provide information on the occupations, but they are not set up to assess foreign credentials before you arrive.
If you need to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service and consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding:
Specific Provincial/Territorial Information
List of provincial/territorial regulatory bodies
British Columbia
- College of Applied Biology of British Columbia
- 733 Johnson Street, Suite 205
- Victoria BC V8W 3C7 Canada
- Phone : (250) 383-3306
- Fax : (250) 383-2400
- Email : cab@cab-bc.org
- http://www.cab-bc.org/
List of provincial/territorial professional associations
Alberta
- Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB)
- P.O. Box 21104
- Edmonton AB T6R 2V4 Canada
- Phone : (780) 434-5765
- Fax : (780) 413-0076
- Email : pbiol@aspb.ab.ca
- http://www.aspb.ab.ca/
British Columbia
- Association of Professional Biologists of British Columbia (APBBC)
- 733 Johnson Street, Suite 205
- Victoria BC V8W 3C7 Canada
- Phone : (250) 383-3306
- Fax : (250) 383-3306
- Email : apbbc@apbbc.bc.ca
- http://www.apbbc.bc.ca/
Quebec
- Association des biologistes du Québec (ABQ)
- 1208 Beaubien Street East, Suite 102
- Montréal QC H2S 1T7
- Phone : (514) 279-7115
- Fax : (514) 279-9315
- Email : abq@qc.aira.com
- http://www.abq.qc.ca/
- Association des microbiologistes du Québec (AMQ)
- 5094A, Avenue Charlemagne
- Montréal QC H1X 3P3 Canada
- Phone : (514) 728-1087
- Fax : (514) 374-3988
- Email : amq@microbiologistes.ca
- http://www.cooptel.qc.ca/~amqweb/