When planning to study, work, or immigrate to Canada, one of the most crucial steps for internationally educated individuals is credential assessment. Many applicants often wonder whether their professional experience—years of work in their home country, industry knowledge, or hands-on expertise—can be included or evaluated during this process. This leads to a common question: Does ICAS assess work experience?
The short and direct answer is: No, ICAS does not assess work experience. ICAS, which stands for the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada, is dedicated specifically to the academic evaluation of international credentials. Their primary role is to examine and determine how your foreign educational qualifications compare to the Canadian education system. Work experience, no matter how relevant or extensive, falls outside the scope of ICAS’s evaluations.
However, understanding why ICAS excludes work experience—and what you can do instead—is vital. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore the role of ICAS, the limitations around work experience assessments, alternative pathways for work experience validation, and what steps to take next based on your personal or professional goals.
Understanding the Role of ICAS
ICAS is authorized to perform credential assessments that focus solely on formal education. These assessments are essential for:
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Immigration purposes, such as applications through Express Entry
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Enrollment in Canadian universities or colleges
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Professional licensing (as a prerequisite to some regulated occupations)
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Employment in roles that require proof of academic qualifications
To perform these functions, ICAS evaluates official transcripts, degree certificates, diplomas, and other academic documents issued by recognized institutions. They do not analyze resumes, reference letters, portfolios, or employment records because their services are grounded in academic equivalency—not professional skill validation.
Why Doesn’t ICAS Evaluate Work Experience?
There are several reasons why work experience is not assessed by ICAS:
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Mandate Limitations: ICAS operates within a specific regulatory framework, with a mandate to provide academic assessments. Including work experience would go beyond their legally and professionally authorized services.
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Inconsistent Standards: Unlike academic degrees, which can be compared using curriculum, grading systems, and credit hours, work experience is much more variable. The standards for work performance, job roles, titles, and responsibilities differ widely across industries and countries, making direct comparisons unreliable.
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Verification Challenges: Verifying the authenticity and quality of work experience requires a different methodology, including employer verification, reference checking, and sometimes skill testing. ICAS does not have the mechanisms or resources to perform these tasks.
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Professional Licensing Bodies Handle It Separately: In Canada, many professional licensing and regulatory organizations perform their own evaluations of work experience when needed. ICAS’s job is to provide a baseline academic comparison—not to validate competencies or job history.
So, What Can You Do With Your Work Experience?
Although ICAS will not assess your work experience, there are alternative pathways to have your professional background recognized or factored into your future plans.
1. Express Entry and Immigration Applications
If you are applying for immigration to Canada, particularly through Express Entry, you will be asked to demonstrate your work experience. While ICAS handles the academic component through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), your work experience will be assessed separately through documentation like:
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Employment letters
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Job offer letters
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Reference letters with job duties
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Salary slips and contracts
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Work permits (if applicable)
You’ll also be required to match your job experience to a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code. This part of the evaluation is managed by the immigration authorities—not ICAS.
2. Professional Regulatory Bodies
For those planning to work in a regulated profession in Canada (such as engineering, architecture, healthcare, or accounting), the relevant regulatory authority may require a review of your work history. These bodies often assess:
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Work experience in relation to licensing requirements
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Duration and relevance of employment
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Supervisory references
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Proof of continuing education or on-the-job training
In these cases, ICAS may be one component of your application (for verifying your degree), but the licensing body itself will handle your experience assessment.
3. Educational Institutions
If you’re applying to a Canadian college or university, some institutions may consider your professional experience—especially if you’re applying to mature student programs, MBAs, or continuing education. While ICAS will still be needed for academic evaluation, the school may separately ask for:
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Resume or curriculum vitae
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Letters of reference
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Statement of purpose describing your professional journey
Admissions committees will then make decisions based on both academic equivalency and your career achievements.
4. Employment and Career Pathways
If your goal is to find employment in Canada, your work experience will be a key part of your resume. While ICAS can provide your educational equivalency, you’ll need to demonstrate your work experience to employers through:
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A well-structured Canadian-style resume
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Detailed job descriptions
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Testimonials or recommendation letters
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Certifications or additional training that supports your expertise
Many employers may look at your ICAS evaluation to understand your education level, but they will evaluate your professional experience based on their own hiring criteria.
Final Thoughts
While ICAS plays a crucial role in helping internationally educated individuals navigate the Canadian system, its services are clearly focused on academic assessment only. Work experience is not evaluated, nor is it included in the final assessment report. That said, your professional background is still extremely valuable and can be recognized through other channels depending on your goals—be it immigration, employment, licensing, or further study.
Understanding the distinction between academic and professional evaluation allows you to plan your future more effectively. Prepare your documents accordingly, seek help from relevant institutions for your work experience recognition, and ensure that all aspects of your application—education, employment, and goals—are addressed through the right authorities. With the right combination of credentials and experience, you’ll be well-positioned to succeed in Canada.
