TAC offers international recognition to graduates

27, Jan, 2021

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) announced today an agreement in which graduates of eligible TAC national accredited programs will have their academic credentials internationally recognized under the Sydney and Dublin Accords. The recognition applies to graduates from TAC accredited programs from 1 January 2021. This offers an expedited path to professional certification in accord signatory countries. Currently there are eleven signatories which make up the Sydney Accord and nine signatories of the Dublin Accord.

The Sydney and Dublin Accords focus on the mutual recognition of the academic programs/qualifications that underpin the educational base for engineering technologists and engineering technicians, respectively. Eligible TAC accredited programs are engineering technology programs that have met the national accreditation criteria, including advanced math.

“This is an especially significant milestone for Technology Accreditation Canada,” said Stephen Morley. Morley is the TAC board of directors chair. “International recognition enhances the value of TAC accreditation, creating a unique opportunity for graduates of TAC accredited programs to become certified in a signatory country.”

Under the agreement, as the accrediting body for Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession, TAC will be responsible for implementing the accords’ provisions. These duties will include:

• undergoing a continuous review process of TAC’s accreditation program by the International Engineering Alliance (IEA)
• providing reviewers for international reviews; and
• mentoring accreditation organizations in other countries.

“In its role as Canada’s official signatory to the IEA Accords, the former CCTT (now part of TPC), through this agreement, delegates to TAC the responsibility for the implementation of international recognition of qualifying educational programs,” Morley said. “This collaboration represents a major step forward in expanding world-class, internationally recognized accreditation throughout Canada.”

“This is a very important agreement, and will be well received by all stakeholders,” said Dr. Patrick Kelly, dean of the school of engineering technology & applied science at Centennial College. “This will greatly support mobility of our graduates to both work and study abroad.”