Foreign School Certificates

[Red Devil]

I schooled in England and thought I had to get an equivalency rating for my certificates but I was recently told that the Forces do their own interpretation of foreign qualifications.

Does anyone know whether I need to use a service like ICAS and if I do are ICAS acceptable to the Forces.

Thanks in advance.

 

[PuckChaser]

Calling the local Recruiting Center would probably give you the fastest answer on this.

 

[Red Devil]

I met a recruiter in Hamilton who told me I needed to get approval for my equivalent grades from an outside source. I then spoke to a recruiter from Toronto on the telephone who told me that I just needed to provide copies of my certificates and the forces would do the necessary inquiries. I may have misunderstood someone so I want to clarify the situation so that it doesn't cost me time in the recruitment process.

 

[FDO]

It will depend on what school and what country your diplomas are from as to whether you need to get an equivalency for them. Generally but not always, schools in the US or UK are taken as equal to Canadian. Again usually but not always Take all your paperwork in and let them decide.

 

[Red Devil]

Thanks Retired FDO. I guess that's the best option.

 

[2010newbie]

I applied in November of last year and I had just over a year of university from a school in the US completed. I had to get the transcripts sent to WES http://www.wes.org/ for an equivlancy evaluation. I was told by the recruiting centre that WES was the main one the CF used and I had to use them. They were very fast and professional.

 

[Red Devil]

Thanks Newbie,

I had been recommended to use WES by a friend. Unfortunately I had the replacement certificates sent directly to myself. I didn't know they should have gone directly to WES so it looks like I'm going to have to spend a few more dollars and get another set sent from England. It's all very frustrating because it took about 6 weeks to get the first set sent over!!!

Did you have your certificates sent to WES before you applied to CF or afterwards?

 

[2010newbie]

I was asked for the WES evaluation after I applied. I incorrectly assumed that my US transcripts would be sufficient. In the end it turned out well because the universities I applied to also needed them. I paid around $400 for the service. I paid for the course by course evaluation and the same-day rush service. I also paid extra to have my transcripts couriered overnight to WES so I could track them (the first set of transcripts were never received by WES). In total it probably cost me around $500 or so.

 

[Red Devil]

OUCH!!!!!!!!

I hope you got the job!!!!!!

 

[2010newbie]

Yes, I'm happy to say that I was selected for my chosen trade.