People enter the archival profession from many different backgrounds and experiences. Often, individuals have a university education and commonly hold a master's level degree. However, there are many avenues you can pursue to obtain positions within archives and archival related fields.

Education

Various educational backgrounds can aid in becoming an archival practitioner. Post-graduate education is not a strict requirement, as much of the pathway into the profession also depends on the type of archive you seek to work in. Technician programs or certifications, along with work experience, can also lead to positions in archives. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common forms of training and education individuals can pursue on their path to becoming an archivist.

Diploma

Diploma programs are often offered through colleges and can be helpful if you are pursuing a career as an archives technician or archival assistant. These roles usually involve aiding archivists in acquiring, processing, and providing access to archival records. In some instances, there may be regional variances as to where diplomas can be earned.

Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC)

In Quebec, vocational certifications in archival technician programs, such as a DEC in Information and Library Technologies, can be earned from a Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CÉGEP). Generally, admission requirements are a high school diploma or a high school vocational school diploma.  Many people pursuing a DEC in archival technician programs may also have another DEC or a University Degree prior to enrolling in one of these programs, although this is not a requirement.  Depending on the program there can also be a focus on document management and preservation management.

Diplomas

Across Canada there are colleges that offer various archival technician programs, some of which also offer distance learning. Like the DEC, admission requirements are usually a high school diploma.  

Post-graduate Level

Master’s degree

Attaining a master’s degree is common in the profession. These degrees are earned through iSchools, or graduate programs, usually with options to focus on archival studies. Master's level programs require one to two years of full-time study. Part-time programs are also available at some universities. Entry into graduate level programs requires a bachelors/undergraduate degree. There are iSchools/Archival Studies programs at several universities across Canada.

Master’s degrees are generally course based or can require both coursework and a thesis. There are also programs that allow individuals to combine archival studies with other focuses in related professions, such as museum studies or library and information studies. Some programs have an internship or practicum component that provides work placement opportunities. These can be paid or unpaid.

PhD

Doctoral level studies are also offered through many of the same institutions that offer master’s level programs. A doctoral degree involves both coursework and a heavy research and independent study component in original research related to the profession. Doctoral programs involve a minimum of four years of full-time study with various levels of funding available.

Certification Programs

Certification programs are usually targeted towards working professionals who are seeking to upgrade their skills in information management or require only basic knowledge of archives. Certifications are often seen as a form of continuing education. Many of the institutes that offer diploma or degree programs also offer certificates in specific areas of archival work. Professional associations or private organizations may also provide some form of additional training.

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