ECE/ECEA Certificate Types in BC Canada

Learn about the types of Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certificates and which one you may qualify for.
Last updated:  February 4, 2022

---

• Certification
• Types of ECE certificates

---

Certification

Certified educators are qualified to work with children birth to 5 years old and must meet the legal requirements and occupational competencies to practice in B.C. as outlined in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Child Care Licensing Regulation, and the Occupational Competencies.

Learn more about the legal requirements to qualify for and maintain certification.

---

Types of ECE certificates

There are 3 main certificate types that you may be eligible to apply for.

• 1. ECE Five Year Certificate

ECEs are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in licensed child care programs for children 3 to 5 years of age and may work alongside an Infant Toddler Educator in licensed programs for children under 36-months.

Requirements

To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE, you must submit proof of at least one of the following:

• Successful completion of a basic early childhood education training program recognized by the ECE Registry
• Successful completion of a training program deemed equivalent by the ECE Registry
• Valid certification or registration in another Canadian province or territory

And

• Have 500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a Canadian certified ECE
  • If you do not have 500 hours of work experience, you may be eligible for the ECE One Year Certificate
• Good character reference

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years. 

• 2. ECE One Year Certificate

ECEs are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in licensed child care programs for children 3 to 5 years of age and may work alongside an Infant Toddler Educator in licensed programs for children under 36-months.

If you have not completed 500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a Canadian certified ECE, you can apply for an ECE One Year Certificate. This certificate:

• Allows you to work as a fully certified ECE while completing your 500 hours
• Can only be renewed once, and only if you were reasonably unable to complete 500 hours of supervised work experience during the term of your certificate

Requirements

To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE, you must submit evidence of at least one of the following:

• Successful completion of a basic early childhood education training program recognized by the ECE Registry
• Successful completion of a training program deemed equivalent by the ECE Registry
• Valid certification or registration in another Canadian province or territory

And

• Good character reference

This certificate needs to be renewed within 1 year if you have not completed the 500 hours of supervised work experience to qualify for an ECE Five Year Certificate.

• 3. ECE Assistant Certificate

ECE Assistants work alongside ECEs and/or Infant Toddler Educators in licensed child care programs for children birth to 5 years of age.

Requirements

To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE Assistant, you must submit evidence of at least one of the following:

• Successful completion of at least one early childhood education course in child guidance; child health, safety, and nutrition; or child development, completed within the last 5 years at a program recognized by the ECE Registry
• Successful completion of one course within the last 5 years that is deemed equivalent by the ECE Registry
• Valid certification or registration in another Canadian province or territory

And

• Good character reference

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Specialized certificates

If you qualify for an ECE Five Year Certificate, you may also be eligible to apply for one or both of the specialized certificates. If you meet all the qualifications, you may apply for a specialized certificate at the same time as your ECE Five Year Certificate.

• 4. Infant and Toddler Educator (ITE)

Infant and Toddler Educators (ITE) are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in licensed child care programs for children birth to 5 years of age.

Requirements

To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE with ITE specialization, you must submit evidence of at least one of the following:

• Successful completion of an infant and toddler educator training program recognized by the ECE Registry
• Successful completion of a training program deemed equivalent by the ECE Registry
  • Must include a practicum focused on the education and care of children under 3 years old
• Valid certification or registration in another Canadian province or territory

And

• You must hold or be qualified to hold an ECE Five Year Certificate
  • You may apply for an ECE Five Year Certificate and an Infant and Toddler Educator Certificate at the same time
• Good character reference

An ITE Certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years. 

• 5. Special Needs Early Childhood Educator (SNE)

Special Needs Educators (SNE) are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in inclusive, licensed child care programs for children 3 to 5 years of age.