Job requirements Illustrator And Graphic Designer in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as an illustrator and graphic designer in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Graphic designers and illustrators (NOC 52120).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications or cartooning or completion of a college diploma program in graphic arts is required.
  • Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
  • In addition to the arts, training in biology, engineering, architecture or a scientific field is usually required for medical, technical and scientific illustrators.
  • Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required for graphic designers and illustrators.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.

Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada

If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.

The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.

Did you know?

Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:

Ontario

Job title Registered Graphic Designer

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey

Page details

Date modified: