National and International Mobility
International Register
Canada joined the Engineers Mobility Forum (for technicians) and the Engineering Technologist Mobility Forum (for technologists) in 2005. The parties to the Agreement have agreed to commence establishing a mutual recognition scheme for engineering technologists. As a member of the ETMF, Canada holds an "international register" of those technologists wishing to be recognized as meeting the generic international standard. Other states should give credit when such a technologist seeks to have his or her competence recognized.
The Agreement is largely administered between professional bodies, but there can be government representation as well. In addition to Canada, the countries participating in the ETMF are: New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong China, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
A number of other states, particularly in South-East Asia have already signaled their interest in becoming ETMF signatories. The number of participating countries will, thus, be increasing in the very near future, including the United States which is being sponsored by Canada
The criteria required inclusion in the international register include:
- Graduation from, or holding substantial equivalency to, an engineering technology program offered by a school accredited by an organization -- in the Canadian instance, CCTT -- that is itself a signatory of the Sydney Accord;
- Certification by a recognized authority which, for Canadians, implies membership in a provincial Council;
- A minimum of seven years of practical experience since graduation of which, at least, two years must have been spent in charge of significant engineering work, and
- The maintenance of continuing professional development activities.
Those who have been admitted to the international register will be allowed to use the post-nomial: International Engineering Technologist (IntET). Once on the list, all signatory countries are obliged to the credentials of certified technicians and technologies from other participant countries within the ETMF. As such, Canada recognizes the credentials of technicians and technologists who are listed on the international registers of the other participating states.
Certification in Quebec is endorsed by CCTT
Quebec technology programs are not accredited by CCTT, because the Quebec government has jurisdiction over programs delivered within the province. L'Ordre des Technologues Professionels de Quebec (OTPQ) is a full member of CCTT, and works with provincial agencies and CCTT on provincial certification matters. CCTT and OTPQ are also working with the ETMF Secretariat to ensure that the international community recognizes and takes account of the special circumstance that surrounds certification within the Province of Quebec.
Technicians and technologists who are certified as technologies professionals (TP) from accredited institutions within Quebec are recognized as certified by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
