Working

Most jobs in Saskatchewan are not regulated.  In these occupations, employers decide if your qualifications and experience are suitable for a specific job.  Some occupations are regulated and you must have a license, certificate or registration to work in those occupations.  If your occupation is regulated, it is important to learn exactly what you will be required to do before you can begin working.

Some occupations are regulated in Saskatchewan.  By law, these occupations require a licence, certification, registration or membership before you can begin working in that occupation.  

A regulatory body sets standards for the occupation, and licences, certifies or registers workers.  Before you can work in a regulated occupation, the regulatory body must assess your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements.  You may find differences in the rules for each of the provinces in Canada. 

In Saskatchewan there are four compulsory apprenticeship trades: Electrician, Plumber, Refrigeration Mechanic and Sheet Metal Worker.  To work in a compulsory apprenticeship trade you must hold a journeyperson certificate or be registered as an apprentice with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.  Hairdressers must have a Journeyperson Certificate or a Learner's Certificate.  For all other trades, you can work without being an apprentice or journeyperson.  For answers to common questions about the trades, click here. 

This section includes detailed information about the licensing requirements and process for each of the regulated occupations in Saskatchewan. 

If you are looking for information about a health profession, click here. 

If you are looking for information about an occupation outside the health sector, including trades, see the table below.  

Click on the name of the occupation in table to find information about how to become licensed.  Inside each document, you will find this picture on the bottom, right-hand corner of each page.  Click on the picture to go back to the diagram at the beginning of each document.

Most occupations in Saskatchewan are not regulated.  You do not have to meet any specific legal requirements to work in these occupations.  Employers set the standards and decide how employees will best meet their requirements. 

Even in occupations where licensing or certification is not required by law, you may choose to go through the process to become certified.  For example, in the trades, you may want to get your journeyperson qualifications because employers may prefer people with those qualifications and workers who are certified may receive higher wages.

Some occupations also have a professional association that members can join voluntarily.  These associations do not grant licences but do provide members with information, continuing education programs and contacts with other people working in the same occupation.

If you are a member of a non-regulated occupation, you may still wish to see if there is a professional organization or association for your occupation.  This can help you make connections and, in some cases, obtain voluntary certification that employers may want their workers to have.