ECE License Transfer

Early childhood educator certification is regulated provincially. The guidance below covers British Columbia, where ECEs and ECE Assistants working in licensed child care must be certified by the ECE Registry. B.C. ECE Registry

Education completed outside Canada. The Registry assesses your training for equivalency, including course content and practicum experience. Documents generally include transcripts, course outlines, a Program Confirmation form where required, an ICES Comprehensive Report, references and professional English translations. International applicant requirements

Certification from another Canadian province or territory. Valid ECE registration may qualify for labour mobility. The Registry verifies your existing certification and determines the corresponding B.C. certificate; eligible levels vary by jurisdiction. An overseas qualification alone is not an interprovincial transfer. Canadian certification transfer

International credentials recognition. Eligible applicants must hold valid certification in a jurisdiction that regulates ECEs, be in good standing, and have two years of independent practice as a certified ECE within the last five years, supported by references. This route can remove the 500-hour Canadian work experience requirement only; education and character requirements still apply. International recognition criteria

Choose the right certificate. B.C. offers ECE Assistant, ECE One Year and ECE Five Year certificates, plus specialized certificates. Five Year applicants generally need 500 hours of qualifying supervised experience unless an applicable exemption is met. The Registry makes the certification decision. Certificate types

Apply through My ECE Registry. Use the current digital application platform after confirming your pathway. Certification and immigration work authorization are separate requirements. Find your pathway · My ECE Registry

Last reviewed: September 16, 2026.