Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Jan 24th 2010 | 11:13 pm
#16
Happy
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,942
From: Nova Scotia
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Yes I agree, I was just making the point that CIMA advertises itself as such. I hope that I have not mis-informed anyone.
Feb 14th 2010 | 8:55 am
#17
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Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi, I am CIMA qualified and called the CMA in Halifax to ask about conversion as CIMA always advertises itself as a global qualification. My understanding from the conversation I had with CMA is that its a straight forward conversion with no extra exams as long as you also have a University degree.
Back a few years ago, I was doing ACCA before I switched to CIMA and I can honestly say, from my experience, that CIMA is more interesting and in my view less dry than ACCA. The exams are more palatable (to me). I dont think I would have completed ACCA but I stormed through CIMA (which two small children and a full time job, and I have to work to pass my exams)
Just my view, for what its worth
Back a few years ago, I was doing ACCA before I switched to CIMA and I can honestly say, from my experience, that CIMA is more interesting and in my view less dry than ACCA. The exams are more palatable (to me). I dont think I would have completed ACCA but I stormed through CIMA (which two small children and a full time job, and I have to work to pass my exams)
Just my view, for what its worth
I am aiming to complete the Managerial Level before moving to Canada so this will give me a higher degree. I will then be looking to finish off the Strategic Level and TopCIMA in Canada, however, I look also be looking into converting to CMA at this point.
Many thanks for you advice.
Amy
Feb 14th 2010 | 9:09 am
#18
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Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Unfortunately it is not that straightforward. When you get to Canada you will apply to join the CGA as a student. You then ask them to give you advanced standing based on the courses you have completed with the ACCA.
I did this quite a few years ago, before mutual recognition, and they were very stingy with the exemptions they gave me. Maybe with mutual recognition this has improved. You will also need a degree. Any subject will do and a degree from a UK university is perfectly acceptable. If you don't have a degree then you can combine your CGA study with a degree course.
The CGA courses are designed for people who are working full-time and gaining the experience needed to graduate. They say you should expect to spend 20 hours a week. IMO that is more than necessary for someone with a decent grasp of their subject. Even for the final papers I found 15 hours a week were perfectly adequate to prepare me for the exams.
For me, the biggest problem with the CGA courses is that they are all online. I know this is necessary to give everyone in Canada an equal opportunity to study but, even with the online community of students, you can feel very isolated. CGA-BC run lectures in Vancouver and this helped me a lot, but it is only any use to people within commuting distance. Check to see if your province does something similar. Also look at local tertiary educational places. Many colleges and institutes run courses that are recognized by the CGA, especially for levels 1/2/3.
I took several courses at BCIT in Vancouver. The BCIT pace is slower than the CGA (you take two semesters to pass a course that is only 12 weeks long in the CGA program) but it did mean I could do one CGA course, one BCIT course, do a full-time job, and still have (some sort of) a life. And, BCIT was a great place to meet people in a similar situation. I made several study buddies, and a couple are turning out to be life-long friends.
I did this quite a few years ago, before mutual recognition, and they were very stingy with the exemptions they gave me. Maybe with mutual recognition this has improved. You will also need a degree. Any subject will do and a degree from a UK university is perfectly acceptable. If you don't have a degree then you can combine your CGA study with a degree course.
The CGA courses are designed for people who are working full-time and gaining the experience needed to graduate. They say you should expect to spend 20 hours a week. IMO that is more than necessary for someone with a decent grasp of their subject. Even for the final papers I found 15 hours a week were perfectly adequate to prepare me for the exams.
For me, the biggest problem with the CGA courses is that they are all online. I know this is necessary to give everyone in Canada an equal opportunity to study but, even with the online community of students, you can feel very isolated. CGA-BC run lectures in Vancouver and this helped me a lot, but it is only any use to people within commuting distance. Check to see if your province does something similar. Also look at local tertiary educational places. Many colleges and institutes run courses that are recognized by the CGA, especially for levels 1/2/3.
I took several courses at BCIT in Vancouver. The BCIT pace is slower than the CGA (you take two semesters to pass a course that is only 12 weeks long in the CGA program) but it did mean I could do one CGA course, one BCIT course, do a full-time job, and still have (some sort of) a life. And, BCIT was a great place to meet people in a similar situation. I made several study buddies, and a couple are turning out to be life-long friends.
I thought that completing the higher degree stage of CIMA would be enough for the required degree I need but do I need another degree?
I have completed AAT and Nebosh which I believe are both degree level but I need to find out for certain.
It sounds like it worked out good for you as I guess meeting good friends is the hard part.
Many Thanks, Amy.
Feb 14th 2010 | 11:53 am
#19
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,646
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi, many thanks for this information and sorry for not replying sooner. I've started studying CIMA now and will hopefully have completed the Managerial Level prior to moving to Canada so I will have to look into converting to CMA.
I thought that completing the higher degree stage of CIMA would be enough for the required degree I need but do I need another degree?
I thought that completing the higher degree stage of CIMA would be enough for the required degree I need but do I need another degree?
Feb 14th 2010 | 9:56 pm
#20
Happy
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,942
From: Nova Scotia
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi, sorry for not replying for so long. Well, after a thorough investigation I decided to do CIMA. I'm currently studying for the may exams (managerial level) and I definitely believe I made the right choice as my working background as given me more knowledge than I actually thought I had. I read your message before making the decision and your opinion helped a lot so thank you very much.
I am aiming to complete the Managerial Level before moving to Canada so this will give me a higher degree. I will then be looking to finish off the Strategic Level and TopCIMA in Canada, however, I look also be looking into converting to CMA at this point.
Many thanks for you advice.
Amy
I am aiming to complete the Managerial Level before moving to Canada so this will give me a higher degree. I will then be looking to finish off the Strategic Level and TopCIMA in Canada, however, I look also be looking into converting to CMA at this point.
Many thanks for you advice.
Amy
Feb 15th 2010 | 7:49 am
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 176
From: Edmonton
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
I emailed CRSP - Canadian Registered Safety Professional - re the NEBOSH Cert, a few months back re the NEBOSH nat cert,they said will accept it as PD (personal development) but not as a standalone qualification.
May 16th 2010 | 8:23 am
#22
Just Joined
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi Amy
I am AAT qualified and I migrated to Canada 5 and a half years ago.
The CGA in British Columbia were very helpful and gave me credits roughly equivalent to level 3 of their 5 level study program.
The procedure for migrating in the skilled worker category was a bit daunting as you have to accumulate a bunch of points. If English is your main language, and you have completed A levels and the 2 or 3 year AAT course, and have more than 4 years experience working in accounting you should have enough points. The hardest part was the 2 year wait for the application to be processed.
When I arrived in Canada, I used the MAAT designation on my resume (Canadians like designations even if they don't really know what thy mean!)
I got temporary work to start with. Like you, I had been made redundant a number of times and was quite comfortable with temporary work. Within a few months of working here, I found a job as the financial controller of a small industrial company on $50,000 a year. I have changed jobs and now earn $58,000 on the outskirts of Vancouver, BC.
Good luck, Brian
I am AAT qualified and I migrated to Canada 5 and a half years ago.
The CGA in British Columbia were very helpful and gave me credits roughly equivalent to level 3 of their 5 level study program.
The procedure for migrating in the skilled worker category was a bit daunting as you have to accumulate a bunch of points. If English is your main language, and you have completed A levels and the 2 or 3 year AAT course, and have more than 4 years experience working in accounting you should have enough points. The hardest part was the 2 year wait for the application to be processed.
When I arrived in Canada, I used the MAAT designation on my resume (Canadians like designations even if they don't really know what thy mean!)
I got temporary work to start with. Like you, I had been made redundant a number of times and was quite comfortable with temporary work. Within a few months of working here, I found a job as the financial controller of a small industrial company on $50,000 a year. I have changed jobs and now earn $58,000 on the outskirts of Vancouver, BC.
Good luck, Brian
May 17th 2010 | 4:37 am
#23
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 20
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi Amy
I am AAT qualified and I migrated to Canada 5 and a half years ago.
The CGA in British Columbia were very helpful and gave me credits roughly equivalent to level 3 of their 5 level study program.
The procedure for migrating in the skilled worker category was a bit daunting as you have to accumulate a bunch of points. If English is your main language, and you have completed A levels and the 2 or 3 year AAT course, and have more than 4 years experience working in accounting you should have enough points. The hardest part was the 2 year wait for the application to be processed.
When I arrived in Canada, I used the MAAT designation on my resume (Canadians like designations even if they don't really know what thy mean!)
I got temporary work to start with. Like you, I had been made redundant a number of times and was quite comfortable with temporary work. Within a few months of working here, I found a job as the financial controller of a small industrial company on $50,000 a year. I have changed jobs and now earn $58,000 on the outskirts of Vancouver, BC.
Good luck, Brian
I am AAT qualified and I migrated to Canada 5 and a half years ago.
The CGA in British Columbia were very helpful and gave me credits roughly equivalent to level 3 of their 5 level study program.
The procedure for migrating in the skilled worker category was a bit daunting as you have to accumulate a bunch of points. If English is your main language, and you have completed A levels and the 2 or 3 year AAT course, and have more than 4 years experience working in accounting you should have enough points. The hardest part was the 2 year wait for the application to be processed.
When I arrived in Canada, I used the MAAT designation on my resume (Canadians like designations even if they don't really know what thy mean!)
I got temporary work to start with. Like you, I had been made redundant a number of times and was quite comfortable with temporary work. Within a few months of working here, I found a job as the financial controller of a small industrial company on $50,000 a year. I have changed jobs and now earn $58,000 on the outskirts of Vancouver, BC.
Good luck, Brian
Thanks for this reply, sounds like it worked out very well for you. Top idea about using the MAAT designation, I actually never thought of that!! I'm now studying CIMA which is recognised in Canada, however, we're going through the CI stream for Halifax, Nova Scotia instead of the points system. I didn't have enought points as I'd not been working in accounts for about 6 six years and you had to have recent experience to qualify. I will be made redundant this Dec which is when I will look for work in accounts to gain my experience as I'm currently doing completely different work. We are then hoping to be out by the end of next year.
Did you go on to further study i.e. CA or CMA? Or has AAT got you there in Canada?
Regards
Amy
May 17th 2010 | 6:02 pm
#24
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Posts: 6
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi Amy
It's a shame you don't have enough points. Do you have a partner, because you could use base your application on his points? I'm sure you will have thought about that.
At the top of my resume I put my full name with the MAAT and then, in a smaller font, Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. I think I was lucky because the first people who employed me in Canada did not realise I had been working in England, because my last employer was Canadian!
I studied for the CGA and took a couple of exams but narrowly failed them. I have given up - I am now in my mid-fifties and I would not get much value from completing the CGA.
A friend of my son's migrated from England a year ago on a student visa. He is a Microsoft certified computer technician and he got a job here, although he only had a couple of years relevant experience. He has just had the work visa extended (which was quite a hassle), but if you think this would be a possiblilty for you, I could get some details from about how he went about it.
Brian
It's a shame you don't have enough points. Do you have a partner, because you could use base your application on his points? I'm sure you will have thought about that.
At the top of my resume I put my full name with the MAAT and then, in a smaller font, Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. I think I was lucky because the first people who employed me in Canada did not realise I had been working in England, because my last employer was Canadian!
I studied for the CGA and took a couple of exams but narrowly failed them. I have given up - I am now in my mid-fifties and I would not get much value from completing the CGA.
A friend of my son's migrated from England a year ago on a student visa. He is a Microsoft certified computer technician and he got a job here, although he only had a couple of years relevant experience. He has just had the work visa extended (which was quite a hassle), but if you think this would be a possiblilty for you, I could get some details from about how he went about it.
Brian
May 18th 2010 | 12:40 am
#25
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: In a darkened room somewhere.............
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
So even if the OP had enough points, they may well not qualify as a Skilled Worker anyway.
May 19th 2010 | 2:21 pm
#26
Thread Starter
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Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Hi Amy
It's a shame you don't have enough points. Do you have a partner, because you could use base your application on his points? I'm sure you will have thought about that.
At the top of my resume I put my full name with the MAAT and then, in a smaller font, Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. I think I was lucky because the first people who employed me in Canada did not realise I had been working in England, because my last employer was Canadian!
I studied for the CGA and took a couple of exams but narrowly failed them. I have given up - I am now in my mid-fifties and I would not get much value from completing the CGA.
A friend of my son's migrated from England a year ago on a student visa. He is a Microsoft certified computer technician and he got a job here, although he only had a couple of years relevant experience. He has just had the work visa extended (which was quite a hassle), but if you think this would be a possiblilty for you, I could get some details from about how he went about it.
Brian
It's a shame you don't have enough points. Do you have a partner, because you could use base your application on his points? I'm sure you will have thought about that.
At the top of my resume I put my full name with the MAAT and then, in a smaller font, Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. I think I was lucky because the first people who employed me in Canada did not realise I had been working in England, because my last employer was Canadian!
I studied for the CGA and took a couple of exams but narrowly failed them. I have given up - I am now in my mid-fifties and I would not get much value from completing the CGA.
A friend of my son's migrated from England a year ago on a student visa. He is a Microsoft certified computer technician and he got a job here, although he only had a couple of years relevant experience. He has just had the work visa extended (which was quite a hassle), but if you think this would be a possiblilty for you, I could get some details from about how he went about it.
Brian
I will definitely do the same with the MAAT, although I haven't paid my subscriptions for a few years. Had you paid yours when you used it? I wouldn't think they would check but I suppose you never know. I can completely understand failing the exams, they are so hard. I have 2 next week and I have so much to get through it's frightening.
As the message says, the points system has all changed so that's why we're going through the CI stream as we knew we definitely wanted to be in Halifax anyway. We've visited a few times and have friends there so it makes sense to try it that way. I think we will keep trying until we can get permanent residency as we have a large dog and would struggle to rent a house so we are wanting to buy immediately, but many thanks for your help and advice. It's very much appreciated.
Amy
May 19th 2010 | 2:34 pm
#27
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
I have kept up my membership of the AAT. I think it is inconceivable that anyone would check you were a current member, and if you show them your pass certificate, that would be good enough for a prospective employer.
Good luck in your exams.
Good luck in your exams.
May 20th 2010 | 4:30 pm
#29
Thread Starter
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Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
Many thanks, I need all the luck offered!! I'm proper stressing about them, can't wait until next Wednesday night when the're done (for now) and I can enjoy a glass of wine!!
Take Care
Amy
May 21st 2010 | 2:37 am
#30
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Re: Is the AAT qualification or Nebosh recognised in Canada?
They don't have it here.
I've been here since January and have just got a job as an accountant for a helicopter company with my AAT & previous experience.
All the interviewers I have had accepted my explanation of what the qualification was, plus it still helps towards the full Canadian certification.
Being called in for an interview when they will not underestand the letters on your resume may be the hard part if you have no accounting background
I've been here since January and have just got a job as an accountant for a helicopter company with my AAT & previous experience.
All the interviewers I have had accepted my explanation of what the qualification was, plus it still helps towards the full Canadian certification.
Being called in for an interview when they will not underestand the letters on your resume may be the hard part if you have no accounting background
