Access the Credential Assessment Improvement Fund
Last updated on December 12, 2023This page includes information about the Credential Assessment Improvement Fund (CAIF), including eligibility criteria, how and when to apply and more.
On this page
Overview
Eligibility
Regulatory authorities responsible for the credential recognition process in regulated occupations are eligible to submit a project proposal.
Project funding
- Project funding amounts vary and are determined on a case-by-case basis (average of $60,000 per project)
- Most funding is distributed through shared cost agreements with regulatory authorities
Application requirements
Funding applications need to demonstrate alignment with the goals and principles of the Credential Assessment Improvement Fund and address how the proposed project will benefit international applicants. Applications must also include an evaluation framework with quantifiable metrics that illustrate the impact of the proposed project, as well as a project budget.
Detailed information on application requirements can be found in the CAIF Application Guide 2023 (PDF, 132KB).
How to apply
Regulatory authorities who wish to apply should complete the CAIF Application Form (DOC, 73KB) and CAIF Budget Template and Sample Budget 2023 (XLS, 23KB).
Contact
Please contact CAIF@gov.bc.ca if you have questions or want to discuss your proposal.
Resources
The following resources provide more information about credential recognition and may help identify project opportunities:
- Regulator best practices
- Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Funded projects
As of April 1, 2023, the Credential Assessment Improvement Fund has invested $3.3 million in projects. Supporting 23 projects with 15 regulatory authorities and impacting 24 regulated occupations. These projects have a direct impact on the regulatory experience of internationally trained professionals, removing barriers and enabling quicker integration into B.C.’s workforce.
See below the tables highlighting completed projects and in-progress projects.
| Organization | Project Title | Occupation(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Psychologists of BC | Remote/Online Enhancements for Internationally Educated Applicants Process |
|
Complete |
| Architectural Institute of British Columbia | Oral Review: Offering an Online Version of the Current In-Person Exam |
|
In progress |
| Forest Professionals BC |
Omnibus Project:
|
|
In progress |
| BC College of Nurses & Midwives | Enhancing Assessment Fairness for Internationally Trained Nurses Seeking Registration |
|
In progress |
| College of Dietitians | Knowledge Assessment Review for International Applicants |
|
In progress |
| College of Opticians BC | Readiness Improvement: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition |
|
In progress |
| College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia | Preparing Internationally Educated Physical Therapists for Successful Practice in British Columbia and Canada |
|
In progress |
| Environmental Operators Certification Program | Career Accelerator for the Water and Wastewater Environmental Operator |
|
In progress |
| Organization | Project Title | Occupation(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Institute of BC | Oral Review |
|
| BC College of Nurses & Midwives | Enhancing Access to Competency Assessments for Internationally Educated Nurses |
|
| College of Applied Biology | College of Applied Biology Credentials Training |
|
| College of Occupational Therapists of BC | Modernizing the Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test and Enhancing Supports: Ensuring Internationally Educated Occupational Therapist's Knowledge and Supports for Safe Practice |
|
| College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia | Developing an Academic Equivalency Framework for Hearing Instrument Practitioners |
|
| Early Childhood Educator Registry | Digital Application Process and Online Resources |
|
| Teacher Certification Branch | Teacher Certification Enhancement |
|
| Organization | Project Title | Occupation(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Institute of BC | Online Course Delivery |
|
| Forest Professionals BC | Bridge Training Development |
|
| BC College of Nurses & Midwives | Course: Online Jurisprudence |
|
| BC Society of Landscape Architects | Translation to 6 Languages: Online Application and Bridge to Registration Document |
|
| College of Applied Biology | Online Applicant Self-Assessment Tool |
|
| College of Dietitians | Online Information Portal Access and Website Update |
|
| College of Occupational Therapists of BC | Developing a Risk-Based Approach to Gap-Filling Options for Supporting Internationally Educated Occupational Therapists |
|
| College of Opticians BC | Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Improvement (Refracting) |
|
| College of Physical Therapists of BC | Supervision and Mentorship Toolkits |
|
| Engineers and Geoscientists BC | Program Development: Professional Placement Pilot |
|