The College receives applications from persons who have trained at universities all over the world. The Registration Requirements document outlines the criteria by which non-CPA-/APA-accredited training programs are evaluated and provides resources for applicants from training programs outside Canada and the United States, including the name and contact information of organizations who review foreign training to determine equivalence.
FAQs for Foreign Trained Psychology Professionals
What if my degree is from outside Canada or the United States?
The College welcomes trained psychology professionals from outside Canada and the United States. As part of the application process, all applicants with foreign credentials (excluding the United States) must provide documentation of the evaluation for Canadian equivalency as part of the application process.
What do I need to know to immigrate to Canada?
Information about immigration to Canada is available on line from the Canadian government.
Check the website for the Citizenship and Immigration Canada department at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
How do I find a job in BC?
The College of Psychologists of BC does not provide information on job openings. Those interested are encouraged to check other websites for information on job openings such as the Canadian Psychological Association, (http://www.cpa.ca/careers/) and the British Columbia health authorities (http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/socsec/index.html ).
What are the names of credentialing agencies recommended by the College?
The College recommends the following credentialing agencies:
How do I learn more about the practice of psychology in North America?
To learn more about the practice of psychology, we recommend the websites of the following psychology organizations for more information:
What can I call myself when I arrive in BC?
Individuals registered with the College of Psychologists of BC are entitled to use the title “Psychologist”. In addition there are some limited exemptions as listed in the Psychologists Regulation. Words such as “consultant,” “counsellor,” and “mental health” are not currently regulated terms.
I am registered (licensed) to practice psychology in my home country and have been working as a psychologist for years there. Is there a special category that recognizes my registration elsewhere?
At present, the College does not have a special category for foreign trained psychology professionals. The College is actively working with other Canadian regulatory bodies and with the Registration Committee on issues related to psychology professionals trained outside the US and Canada. College bylaws and Registration Requirements will reflect any developments from this work over time.
My foreign training appears to be different from Canadian psychology training and I am unsure about what some of these registration requirements mean. Can I talk to someone about this?
The College has scheduled information meetings for foreign trained professionals who wish to become registrants of the College. These meetings are an opportunity for pre-applicants to ask questions of the College staff and obtain clarification regarding requirements. These meetings are designated specifically for foreign trained pre-applicants. Persons who have already submitted an application will have an opportunity to attend an orientation session for applicants.
Please visit the News and Events section of the website for 2011 upcoming dates and times (2012) . If you do not see a scheduled meeting, please feel free to complete a sign up form. The College will notify you once a meeting is set.
