Skills, Education and Experience

Drafting technologists

• Completion of a 2 to 3 year college program in engineering design and drafting technology or in a related field is usually required for drafting and design technologists

Drafting technicians

• Completion of a 1 to 2 year college program in drafting
  OR
• Completion of a 3 to 4 year apprenticeship program in drafting. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training and experience with in-class instruction
  OR
• Completion of 4 to 5 years of related experience plus completion of college or industry courses in drafting are usually required for drafting technicians.

The profession is not regulated in British Columbia.

Although certification is not mandatory it is often requested by employers. In British Columbia certification is carried out by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Professional designations granted by ASTTBC include Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and Certified Technician (CTech). In BC, it is illegal to use these professional designations without being certified.

AScT and CTech certification requirements include academic qualifications either as a technologist (diploma) or a technician (certificate) from a recognized academic institution. The applicant also requires a minimum of 2 years of related work experience, with at least 1 year at the level of registration and in a Canadian work environment.

For more information see:

Internationally trained professionals must undergo an evaluation of credentials and experience to determine if you meet the standards for certification in British Columbia. A minimum of 12 months of relevant experience in a Canadian work environment is required. If you have not completed the required work experience in Canada, you may be eligible for the trainee category of registration while you work to obtain the required work experience.  

Further information on the certification process for internationally trained technologists and technicians: