International Applicant: Apply for ECE/ECEA Certification in BC
Complete and submit your application
- Download the application and review the instructions to ensure all required documentation will be submitted with your application
- Complete and sign the application forms (forms can be printed and signed by hand or signed digitally if saved to your device and opened in Adobe)
- Enclose copies of your supporting documents with your application and mail your application to the ECE Registry at the contact information on the application form
Required forms:
- Early Childhood Educator Certification Application – Equivalency (PDF, 821KB)
- Program Confirmation (PDF, 854KB) (Not required for ECE Assistant applicants)
- Character Reference (PDF, 1MB)
- 500 Hour Work Experience Reference (PDF, 1.1MB) (ECE Five Year applicants only)
- Translation Subsidy Application (PDF, 102KB) (If applicable)
- Change of Information form (PDF, 1MB)
Important:
- It is your responsibility to ensure all required documentation is submitted as soon as possible
- Missing or incomplete documents will delay your application process
- Make sure you inform your references that a delay in the ECE Registry’s receipt of your reference forms will result in a delay in processing your application
- If you have any questions about requirements, please contact the ECE Registry.
- Your application will remain open for one year (12 months) from the date your first application document is received by the ECE Registry
- Incomplete applications are closed after 12 months
- If your contact information changes during the application process, you must submit a Change of Information form (PDF, 1.2MB) and a piece of valid government-issued photo identification
- Keeping your information current will allow the ECE Registry to contact you about your application
After you apply
Timelines
- Applications can only be assessed once all documentation is received
- Complete applications are assessed in date order
Assessment
- The ECE Registry will review your application to ensure that it is complete
- If your application is incomplete or if it is determined additional information is required, you will be contacted by the ECE Registry
- Add ECERegistry@gov.bc.ca to your email contact list to make sure you receive emails
- Incomplete applications will result in delays in processing and are closed if all required information is not received within 12 months of receipt of the first application document
- Once your application is complete, the ECE Registry will assess your application and supporting documents to determine if you meet all the legal requirements to be certified
- You will receive a letter that tells you if your application was approved or denied
Possible outcomes
The decision to approve or deny an application is based on:
- The Community Care and Assisted Living Act, Section 8
- The Child Care Licensing Regulation, Section 33
Learn more about the legal requirements to qualify for and maintain certification.
Certificate issued
If you meet all legal requirements, the ECE Registry will issue you a certificate and will mail your certificate to the mailing address noted on your application. Once issued, the status of your application can be validated by entering your last name, certificate (registration) number, and expiry date of your certificate.
In order to maintain your certificate, you must continue to meet all legal requirements and you must submit a renewal application and supporting documents. Your renewal requirements depend on your certification level and when you submit your renewal application. Learn more about how to renew your certification.
Certificate denied
If you do not meet all legal requirements, the ECE Registry may deny your application. If your application is denied, the ECE Registry will provide you with a written letter explaining the decision. You can dispute the decision by requesting reconsideration.
Moving to B.C.
Immigration and visa information
You do not have to be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada to apply for an ECE certificate in B.C. However, to be eligible to work in Canada, you must have or be eligible for one of the following:
- Canadian Citizenship
- Permanent Resident of Canada status
- A valid work permit authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to work in Canada in the ECE profession
Contact BC ECE Registry
Contact the ECE Registry
Contact the ECE Registry
Phone: Victoria: 250-356-6501
Toll-free: 1-888 338-6622
Email: ECERegistry@gov.bc.ca
Mail: PO Box 9961 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria, BC V8W 9R4
Duty to report
If you think a child is being abused or neglected, you have the legal duty to report your concern to a child welfare worker. Phone 1-800-663-9122 any time.
