Navigating academic and professional pathways in a new country often requires individuals to have their educational achievements recognized and understood in a standardized manner. For those planning to work, study, or immigrate to Canada, credential assessment becomes a crucial step. The International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) plays a key role in this process by evaluating international educational documents and comparing them to Canadian standards.
But what kinds of qualifications does ICAS actually assess? The scope is extensive and diverse, covering a wide array of academic backgrounds and education systems from around the world. Whether your education was acquired at the secondary level, post-secondary, or through vocational or technical training, ICAS is equipped to provide a comprehensive analysis of your credentials. This blog offers a detailed exploration of the types of qualifications ICAS evaluates and the importance of each in various professional and immigration contexts.
1. Secondary School (High School) Qualifications
ICAS assesses completed secondary education credentials such as high school diplomas, general certificates, matriculation certificates, or national exam results. These are often required when individuals are applying for post-secondary studies in Canada, entry-level jobs, or immigration programs that require proof of education equivalent to Canadian high school standards.
Examples include:
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High School Diplomas from the United States, India, or the Philippines
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General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) from the UK
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Secondary School Leaving Certificate
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Senior Secondary Certificates
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International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas
ICAS evaluates these to determine if they are comparable to Canadian high school completion and whether the student is eligible for further education or meets certain job qualifications.
2. Post-Secondary Academic Qualifications
ICAS provides assessments of a wide range of post-secondary academic qualifications, which include degrees, diplomas, and certificates obtained from colleges and universities. These may be awarded in a variety of fields including arts, science, business, engineering, law, medicine, and more.
Some of the academic degrees commonly assessed by ICAS include:
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Associate Degrees
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Bachelor’s Degrees
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Master’s Degrees
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Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D.)
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Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
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Licentiate or Professional Degrees (e.g., MBBS, BDS, LLB)
These assessments are essential for individuals seeking:
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Immigration through skilled worker programs
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Admission into Canadian graduate or undergraduate programs
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Employment in regulated or non-regulated professions
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Recognition of international degrees for academic equivalency
3. Technical and Vocational Education Qualifications
Not all education takes place in traditional universities or colleges. Many individuals acquire valuable skills and knowledge through technical and vocational institutions. ICAS recognizes the significance of these pathways and assesses vocational qualifications accordingly.
Some of the vocational and technical credentials assessed include:
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Diplomas from Polytechnics
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Certificates from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
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National Trade Certificates
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Diplomas in Engineering or Technology from recognized boards
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Technical School Diplomas
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Apprenticeship Completion Certificates
These qualifications are often assessed for equivalency to Canadian post-secondary diplomas or training programs. They are useful for skilled trades, technician roles, and various other technical professions.
4. Professional and Specialized Qualifications
ICAS also evaluates credentials obtained from professional bodies or institutions that offer specialized training, certification, or licensure in specific fields. These may not always follow a traditional academic structure but are nonetheless vital in professional practice.
Examples include:
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Chartered Accountant certifications
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Teacher training diplomas
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Nursing and Paramedical training certificates
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Law certificates and bar qualifications
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Medical specialist credentials (depending on region and program)
It is important to note, however, that while ICAS assesses the academic level of such qualifications, it does not provide licensing or professional certification. That must be handled by the respective Canadian regulatory or licensing bodies. Nonetheless, an ICAS evaluation may still be required to verify your academic background before those authorities consider your application.
5. Incomplete or Partially Completed Qualifications
In certain cases, ICAS may assess partially completed programs or individual years of study, particularly if the applicant did not complete the full program but needs an evaluation for the education completed thus far.
Such assessments can be useful for:
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Transferring credits into a Canadian institution
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Employment applications requiring some post-secondary education
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Immigration cases where partial studies may still add points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
However, the outcome of such evaluations depends heavily on the nature of the program, the institution, and the number of credits or courses completed.
6. Distance Education and Online Qualifications
ICAS also reviews and assesses qualifications earned through distance learning or online programs, provided that the institution is recognized by the appropriate educational authorities in the issuing country.
Given the rise in popularity of online education, many individuals present qualifications from open universities, virtual campuses, or online degree programs. ICAS considers these credentials valid for assessment as long as they meet certain quality and recognition standards.
Examples include:
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Degrees from institutions such as IGNOU (India), Open University (UK), or Athabasca University (Canada)
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Online MBAs and technical diplomas
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Certifications from globally accredited e-learning platforms that offer formal degrees
7. Religious and Theological Education
In certain cases, ICAS may assess religious education, such as seminary training or theological degrees. These are evaluated like any other academic credential, with consideration given to the curriculum, level of study, and institutional recognition.
However, some religious qualifications—especially those not issued by accredited institutions—may not meet the standards for academic equivalency and could be excluded from assessment.
Final Thoughts
ICAS plays a pivotal role in bridging the educational gap between global qualifications and Canadian standards. By assessing a wide range of qualifications—from secondary school certificates to doctoral degrees, vocational training to online diplomas—ICAS provides individuals with the academic credibility needed to pursue their goals in Canada.
Whether you are planning to continue your studies, seeking meaningful employment, applying for professional licensing, or submitting an immigration application, having your qualifications assessed by ICAS can open many doors. The key is to understand what type of credential you have, ensure it meets the documentation requirements, and apply for the correct type of assessment.
With proper planning and a clear understanding of what ICAS evaluates, your academic past can become a strong foundation for a promising future in Canada
