Since the minimum degree requirement to earn an AIC designation is a four year University degree (typically 120 credits) at the Baccalaureate level, individuals who hold other degrees may still qualify for an AIC designation upon completion of additional credits. In Quebec, a typical 90 credits baccalaureate degree combined with a DEC (equivalent to 30 credits) will be considered as a four year University degree (120 credits).
Three Year Degrees
While individuals who hold a three year degree may join the Institute as a Candidate member (see the Candidacy Requirements page), designation requires additional university-level credits. You may ONLY earn a designation by completing additional credits to bring your overall post-secondary education to the equivalent of 120 credits in total. For example, if you hold a three year (90 credits) degree from an Ontario university at the Bachelor's level (90 credits) you require a minimum of 30 additional credits through additional university studies. These can be accumulated through completion of the AIC curriculum requirements at UBC, (typically 3 or 6 credits per course).
Applied Degrees from Community or University Colleges
While individuals who hold an applied degree (i.e. an undergraduate bachelor (baccalaureate) degree equivalent) as are now granted by community colleges and university colleges in several provinces may join the Institute as a Candidate member (see the Candidacy Requirements page), designation may require additional university-level credits. Depending on the length and terms of the applied degree, additional credits (equivalent to 120 credits in total) may be required. These additional credits may be acquired through the completion of AIC curriculum requirements at UBC (or through other education partners.
Note: The 30 credit per year system is fairly standard among Canadian universities; e.g. five two term courses @ 6 credits each, 10 single term courses at 3 credits each, or a combination adding up to 30 credits. Credit definitions may vary between educational institutions, but most are easily compared to the 30 credit system.
What Next?
In order to have your degree properly evaluated and to plan your path to designation, you must contact your local Provincial association. Staff is prepared to assist you in planning these next steps to ensure that you meet your educational requirements and stay on track as you work towards earning your designation.
May 17 2012