What is the I-ADVANCE™ Certification Program?

The I-ADVANCE™ Certification Program is a voluntary professional recognition program that builds provides a single, integrated certification to ICT practitioners and managers. It serves to measure their technical, business and interpersonal competencies to national industry standards. It also helps assess skills gaps.

Who is I-ADVANCE™ for?

I-ADVANCE™ is available to ICT practitioners with a minimum of 2+ years of relevant industry experience (nationally or internationally) and seeking an independent validation of their skills to advance their careers in Canada’s ICT industry.

How is I-ADVANCE™ being funded?

I-ADVANCE™ is funded under the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program to help create a skilled workforce that will position Canada as a global leader in the digital economy.

How was I-ADVANCE™ developed?

I-ADVANCE™ is guided by the standards of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) 17024 which outline the required principles to successfully develop a professional certification program. ICTC engaged a wide range of subject matter experts (SMEs) from across Canada to design and develop the program. They represent Canadian ICT industry, academia and other stakeholders. Through ICTC’s national reach and extensive networks with ICT employers, practitioners, educators and industry groups, we also gather labour market information, develop competency profiles and support the immigration initiatives that complement the design and development of I-ADVANCE™.

How does I-ADVANCE™ differ from other certifications?

I-ADVANCE™ provides a broader view of the ICT industry by validating the business and communication skills (commonly known as soft skills) in addition to the technical skills required in the full range of ICT industry roles. I-ADVANCE™ will work hand-in-hand with other certifying bodies by complementing existing ICT vendor and professional certifications.

How does certification differ from obtaining a certificate?

Certification is the result of an industry-wide assessment process that recognizes an individual’s skills, knowledge and competencies in a specific task. It requires professional experience and is generally awarded by a third-party organization within the industry. A certificate is awarded by an educational organization after a defined period of study. It demonstrates the individual’s knowledge of the course content developed by that institution.

How can I get involved?

If you would like to get involved in supporting the launch of I-ADVANCE™ as a Subject Matter Expert, contact us at i-advance@ictc-ctic.ca.