Information you need to know to work as a Chemist

Who is the licensing body responsible for Chemists in Alberta?

In Alberta, Chemists are not required to be licensed; however, you must be registered with the Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) to practice as a Professional Chemist.

Note: many employers request the P.Chem. or CIT designation. Only registered members may call themselves a Professional Chemist (P.Chem.), Chemist-in-Training (C.I.T.), Provisional Professional Chemist (P.Chem.Prov.), Professional Technologist in Chemistry (P.Tech.Chem.), Registered Chemist (R.Chem), Registered Chemist-in-Training (R.C.I.T.), Registered Technologist in Chemistry (R.T.Chem.), or Chemical Technologist-in-Training (C.T.T.), or use the acronym that signifies these professions.

What are the requirements for Internationally Educated Chemists?

Internationally educated Professional Chemists must:

1. Apply to the ACPA.
2. Submit an International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) or World Education Services (WES) assessment of your education. This must include a completed Description of Course Work application.
3. Submit proof of language proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP)
4. Have a minimum of four years of experience, including a minimum of one year of Canadian experience, acceptable to ACPA before registering as a P.Chem.

Note: If applicants have the academic qualifications but lack the Canadian work experience, applicants may be eligible for the Chemist in Training (CIT) designation.

Note: Documents that are not in English must be translated by a certified translator. Translation services can be found on the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta website.

What are the training requirements for Chemists in Alberta?

Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards.

In Alberta, to become a Professional Chemist, applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree and/or graduate degree, meeting the minimum number of science and chemical sciences courses. For specific information, visit the Professional Development page of ACPA.

In Alberta, the following post-secondary institutions offer four-year degree programs in chemistry:

• Athabasca University distance education
• Concordia University of Edmonton in Edmonton
• MacEwan University in Edmonton
• King's University College in Edmonton
• University of Alberta in Edmonton
• University of Calgary in Calgary
• University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge

In Alberta, the following post-secondary institutions offer courses in chemistry:

• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary
• Red Deer College in Red Deer
• Mount Royal University in Calgary
• Keyano College in Fort McMurray

What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?

There are no formal English requirements for Chemists; however, Chemists must have a high level of English in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in order to be successful in the profession. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.

What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Chemists?

Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professionals fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork. Visit the Clear Communications for Business page for more information on this service and eligibility criteria.

What information resources are available for Chemists in Alberta?

• Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA)
• Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)
• International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
• ECO Canada

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit:

• Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) / Chemist
• Opportunity Alberta
• Occupations in Alberta