Regulated professions and trades 

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To practise a trade or profession in Canada as an entrepreneur you will need to understand what education, standards, licensing or other requirements exist in your field. This information can also be of value if you are an employer that needs to hire a tradesperson or professional.

Regulated professions and trades

A regulated occupation is one that is governed by a provincial, territorial or sometimes federal authority (for example: veterinarians, electricians and plumbers). Certain entry requirements and standards of practice are used to assess your qualifications and certify, register or license you as a qualified applicant.

Requirements can vary from one province or territory to another. For a regulated occupation, you must have a licence, certificate or be registered with the regulatory body before you start practising your trade or profession.

The following service provides information on occupations, including education and job requirements for practising a specific trade or profession in Canada.

Red Seal trades

These are specific trades for which some provinces and territories have jointly agreed on specific standards. In such trades, you can work in various provinces or territories without having to write examinations or get further certification. You would need to check each trade individually, as not all provinces have the Red Seal designation for each trade.

  • Red Seal Program

    Find out more about trades that are designated under the Red Seal Program. This program is recognized as an interprovincial standard of excellence.

Non-regulated professions

A non-regulated profession does not require that you have a licence, certificate or registration before you practise (for example, engineering technician or commercial planner). Most occupations fall into this category. Some occupations allow you to register with a professional body or association on a voluntary basis.

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