Who can practice a profession in Ontario?
In Ontario there are 34 regulated professions and a number of registered trades. A regulated profession is one that requires you to:
- Meet very specific education and training standards;
- Register and agree to standards of practice;
Some professions also require ongoing training and upgrading of skills.
Each regulated profession is governed by a regulatory body. Even if you were certified in your own country, it may be illegal to work in Ontario or use the professional title if you are not registered in Ontario. Some regulatory bodies, such as those overseeing accountants, will allow you to perform work, but not use the title “chartered accountant”.
Examples of regulated professions include:
- Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and most other health professionals;
- Dentists, dental hygienists and assistants and denturists;
- Accountants, insurance brokers and real estate agents;
- Engineers and engineering technicians and technologists;
- Lawyers and paralegals;
- Teachers, social workers, funeral directors, veterinarians, land surveyors.
