How to become a career development practitioner or career counsellor
Official title: Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
Also called: Career coach, Job counsellor, Relocation counsellor, Outplacement counsellor, Career group facilitator, Rehabilitation counsellor, Employment group counsellor, Career development counsellor, Workforce development officer, Career development facilitator, Employment outreach counsellor, Career development practitioner
Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education) provide assistance and information to job seeker clients on all aspects of employment search and career planning. They also provide advice and information to employer clients regarding employment issues and human resources. They are employed by public or private employment agencies, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, human resource departments of establishments, consulting firms, correctional facilities and by federal and provincial governments. Supervisors of career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education) are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Interview clients to obtain employment history, educational background and career goals
- Identify barriers to employment and assist clients with such matters as job readiness skills, job search strategies, writing résumés and preparing for job interviews
- Assess need for assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid or further training and refer clients to the appropriate services
- Provide established workers with information and strategies for maintaining a job or moving within an organization, dealing with job dissatisfaction, making mid-career changes and adjusting to workplace transitions
- Collect labour market information for clients regarding job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information
- Advise employers on human resource and other employment-related issues
- Provide consulting services to community groups and agencies, businesses, industry and other organizations involved in providing community-based career planning support or resources
- May administer and interpret tests designed to determine the interests, aptitudes and abilities of clients
How to become one
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in employment counselling, career development or in a related field, such as human resources development, psychology, education or social services is required. A master's degree in counselling psychology or a related field such as educational psychology, developmental psychology or social work may be required. Vocational rehabilitation professional certification may be required by employers. In Quebec, membership in l'Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d'orientation du Québec is mandatory to use the titles ''vocational counsellor'' and "vocational guidance counsellor". In New Brunswick, membership in the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the title "Licensed career counsellor". In Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, Certified Career Development Professional/Practitioner (CCDP) certification may be required by employers.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: In New Brunswick, membership in the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the title "Licensed career counsellor".
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,403 a year The middle half earn $51,558 to $66,242.
- About 20,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 22,500 are projected by 2033. (+7.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a career development practitioner or career counsellor?
A bachelor's degree or college diploma in employment counselling, career development or in a related field, such as human resources development, psychology, education or social services is required. A master's degree in counselling psychology or a related field such as educational psychology, developmental psychology or social work may be required. Vocational rehabilitation professional certification may be required by employers. In Quebec, membership in l'Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d'orientation du Québec is mandatory to use the titles ''vocational counsellor'' and "vocational guidance counsellor". In New Brunswick, membership in the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the title "Licensed career counsellor". In Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, Certified Career Development Professional/Practitioner (CCDP) certification may be required by employers.
How much does a career development practitioner or career counsellor earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,403 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,558 to $66,242.
Is a career development practitioner or career counsellor a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 20,900 to about 22,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a career development practitioner or career counsellor?
Usually. 65% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03