CareerHex

Sources and credits

The main sources behind CareerHex, with a link to each so you can check it yourself. Last checked October 16, 2026. On this page, “we” means Monolen, the business that makes CareerHex.

How much to trust what you read here

  • The questions are our own, written for people of any age and based on the Holland (RIASEC) model. They have not been tested with real users yet.
  • Pay bands and demand are our own estimates for Canada. We are checking each one against Job Bank data, and each career links to its Job Bank page so you can see the real numbers for your province.
  • School paths were checked in October 2026 against official and school pages where we could find them. Each career’s sources are listed below. Rules change, so confirm with the school before you apply.

Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it.

The research behind the quiz

The six interest types, what interest fit can and can’t tell you, and how we wrote the 30 questions.

  • A theory of vocational choiceJohn L. Holland, Journal of Counseling Psychology, 6(1), 35-45, 1959The original paper describing the six interest types (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) that the quiz is built on.
  • Making vocational choices (3rd edition)John L. Holland, Psychological Assessment Resources, 1997The full Holland model, the hexagon on the result page, and the idea that people tend to be happier in work that fits their interests.
  • Vocational interests and performance: a quantitative summary of over 60 years of researchNye, Su, Rounds and Drasgow, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7(4), 384-403, 2012How much interest fit matters: a real but modest link with doing a job well and staying in it. This is why we never call a result a verdict.
  • O*NET® Interest Profiler ManualJames Rounds, Kevin Hoff and Phil Lewis (editors), National Center for O*NET Development, 2021Rules for writing interest questions: about activities, not ability or pay, at a reading level a 14 year old finds easy. Also the advice that interests keep changing in the teen years, so it’s worth retaking the quiz.
  • Development of an O*NET® Mini Interest Profiler (Mini-IP) for mobile devicesJames Rounds and colleagues, National Center for O*NET Development, 2016Why our answer scale runs from Strongly dislike to Strongly like, and how many questions per type a short quiz can use. We checked that none of our questions copy theirs.
  • Development of the 36-item ACT Interest Inventory (High School Version)ACT, Technical Brief R2411, 2024How a test maker writes interest questions for high school students: everyday activities they know, no job titles, and a check for gender balance. Used as guidance only; no ACT questions are used.
  • O*NET® Interest ProfilerU.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training AdministrationA free, longer interest quiz from the U.S. government, if you’d like a second opinion.

Career pay and job outlook

Pay bands and demand in the full report are our own estimates for Canada. We are checking each one against these sources.

School paths and licensing in Canada

Training routes are written for Ontario. We checked them against the official bodies below, and against the college and university program pages listed under each career further down.

Design and software

The typeface and icons are free to use under open licences. Their notices are at the bottom of this page.

Sources for each career

The pages we checked for each career’s training time and school paths in the full report. Pay and demand are covered under career pay and job outlook above.

Software developer 2 sources
  • Seneca Computer Programming & Analysis is an Ontario College Advanced Diploma, 6 semesters (3 years). senecapolytechnic.ca
  • Waterloo CS needs Grade 12 Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, a 4U English and one other 4U course. uwaterloo.ca
Data analyst 2 sources
Cybersecurity analyst 2 sources
  • Fanshawe Cyber Security CYB1: Ontario College Advanced Diploma, 3 years, Grade 12 English and math required. fanshawec.ca
  • CompTIA Security+ certification; related roles include Security Analyst. comptia.org
Network / IT support technician 1 source
  • Algonquin Computer Systems Technician: 2-year Ontario College Diploma, aligned with CompTIA A+, Network+; ENG4C and MAP4C required. algonquincollege.com
Electrician 5 sources
  • 309A: 9,000 hours (8,160 on the job + 840 in school), about 5 years, Red Seal (Construction Electrician). skilledtradesontario.ca
  • Red Seal list includes Construction Electrician and Industrial Electrician. red-seal.ca
  • Pre-apprenticeship is free, up to 52 weeks, an option for those without skills or experience. ontario.ca
  • Apprentices need age 16+, a sponsor; about 80% on-the-job and paid while learning. skilledtradesontario.ca
  • OYAP lets grade 11/12 students (15+, 14 credits) start a trade through co-op. ontario.ca
Plumber / HVAC technician 5 sources
Civil engineering technologist 2 sources
  • Algonquin Civil Engineering Technology: 3-year advanced diploma, OACETT recognized for C.E.T.; ENG4C, MAP4C. algonquincollege.com
  • Seneca CVT pathways to McMaster BTech, Queen's BASc Civil, Lakehead BEng. senecapolytechnic.ca
Mechanical / electrical engineer 3 sources
  • Ontario engineering requires ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, SCH4U, SPH4U plus one more 4U/M. uoguelph.ca
  • PEO: CEAB-accredited degree, 48 months experience, NPPE exam, Canadian experience no longer required (May 2023). engineerscanada.ca
  • PEO removed Canadian work experience requirement; previously 48 months incl. 12 in Canada. cicnews.com
Aircraft maintenance engineer 3 sources
  • List of Transport Canada approved Ontario AME programs and experience credit (18 or 24 months). tc.canada.ca
  • AME licence needs required civil maintenance experience, task records, technical and regulatory exams. tc.canada.ca
  • Mohawk AME program: 2-year Ontario College Diploma, TC approved, 18 months credit toward 48 months required experience. mohawkcollege.ca
Heavy equipment operator / mechanic 3 sources
  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician: Red Seal, non-compulsory, about 7,000 hours (3.5 years). skilledtradesontario.ca
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator): Red Seal, non-compulsory, about 2,560 hours (1.5 years). skilledtradesontario.ca
  • Ontario college heavy equipment programs and credentials; apprenticeship after college. ontariocolleges.ca
Registered nurse 3 sources
  • Queen's BScN: ENG4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, any 4U math. ouinfo.ca
  • CNO RN requirements: nursing education, registration exam, jurisprudence exam, Transition to Practice and language requirements. cno.org
  • IENs whose education is not equivalent use CNO-approved IEN pathways with a 400-hour clinical placement. cno.org
Medical laboratory technologist 2 sources
  • Conestoga MLS: 3-year Advanced Diploma; graduates write CAMLPR national exams; CMLTO registration required in Ontario. conestogac.on.ca
  • CMLTO registration pathways for EQual-accredited program graduates. cmlto.com
Physiotherapist 2 sources
  • U of T MScPT: bachelor's required, 2 years full-time, graduates eligible for PCE. sgs.calendar.utoronto.ca
  • New applicants in Ontario take the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CAPR) to practise independently. collegept.org
Pharmacist 4 sources
  • U of T: about 2 years undergrad (8 FCEs), 3-year PharmD, PEBC, grade 12U English, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, MHF4U, MCV4U. pharmacy.utoronto.ca
  • U of T three-year PharmD, first admitted August 2025. pharmacy.utoronto.ca
  • Waterloo PharmD: minimum 8.0 FCEs, apply in second year, co-op components. uwaterloo.ca
  • OCP requirements: education, jurisprudence exam, PACE, PEBC Qualifying Exam. ocpinfo.com
Physician 3 sources
  • NOSM University: MCAT not an admissions requirement; MD program is four years. nosm.ca
  • McMaster MD is three years, runs 11 months a year; needs at least 3 years of undergrad. future.mcmaster.ca
  • Residency is 2 years for Family Medicine, 4 to 7 years for other specialties. postgrad.med.ubc.ca
Teacher (elementary or secondary) 3 sources
  • Ontario certification: degree of at least 3 years plus a four-semester teacher education program; must apply to OCT and pay fees. oct.ca
  • New 3-semester, 12-month teacher education model starts May 1, 2027; 4-semester courses offered until Sept 30, 2028; 80-day practicum kept. oct.ca
  • Bill 101, Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026 lets regulations set the timing and length of teacher education. ola.org
Social worker / counsellor 4 sources
  • Registration needs a social work degree from a CASWE-accredited Canadian program (or an approved equivalent). ocswssw.org
  • A CASWE-accredited social work degree meets the academic requirement (degree level not limited). ocswssw.org
  • Beginning in fall 2028, ALL applicants must complete an entry-to-practice exam. ocswssw.org
  • Official name: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). ocswssw.org
Early childhood educator 1 source
  • Graduating from an ECE diploma at an Ontario college meets the education requirement for registration. college-ece.ca
Police officer 3 sources
  • OACP Certificate is a mandatory pre-screening for many Ontario police services; must meet CSPA minimum qualifications. jobs.oacp.ca
  • OACP Certificate / Constable Selection System replaced older testing in 2020 (oacpcertificate.ca). oacp.ca
  • Recruit training: 10 weeks Basic Constable Training at OPC within about 4 to 5 months total. niagarapolice.ca
Paramedic 1 source
  • Centennial Paramedic: 2 years, Ontario College Diploma, prepares for Ministry of Health A-EMCA exam. centennialcollege.ca
UX / product designer 2 sources
  • Web designers (NOC 21233) outlook in Ontario 2025-2027 is Limited: employment decline, few retirements. bc.jobbank.gc.ca
  • Sheridan Digital Product Design: 1-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate covering UX design; portfolio required. sheridancollege.ca
Graphic designer 2 sources
  • Algonquin Graphic Design: 3-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma; ENG4C and 10 to 15 piece portfolio. algonquincollege.com
  • Job Bank rates the Ontario outlook for graphic designers (NOC 52120) very limited for 2025 to 2027, citing falling employment and restructuring in tech and video games. jobbank.gc.ca
Architect 3 sources
  • OAA path to licensure FAQ: education, IAP, ExAC. oaa.on.ca
  • ExAC eligibility: Intern Architect status plus 2,800 IAP hours; exam held each November. oaa.on.ca
  • 3,720 hours, professional degree plus CACB certification, Admission Course (2026 IAP Appendix B). oaa.on.ca
Interior designer 5 sources
  • RIDA steps: CIDA degree or ICRS, IDER experience, RIDA exam (alternative to NCIDQ). arido.ca
  • Intern membership: education standard, IDER, qualifying exams. arido.ca
  • ARIDO-recognized Ontario programs (Algonquin, Conestoga, Fanshawe, Georgian, Humber, OCAD U, TMU, Sheridan, Yorkville), all degrees. arido.ca
  • Conestoga Bachelor of Interior Design: 4 years, CIDA-accredited, portfolio. conestogac.on.ca
  • Title 'Interior Designer' restricted to ARIDO members (Bill Pr6, 1999). ola.org
Video editor / motion designer general advice

This route is general advice with no single official source. Ask the schools and employers you are interested in.

Journalist / reporter 3 sources
  • Journalist Ontario outlook Limited 2025 to 2027; employment decline. jobbank.gc.ca
  • Conestoga Journalism: 2-year Ontario College Diploma. conestogac.on.ca
  • Carleton School of Journalism offers a BJ program. carleton.ca
Content creator / marketing creative general advice

This route is general advice with no single official source. Ask the schools and employers you are interested in.

Game developer 2 sources
  • Canadore Game Design and Development: 3-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma. canadorecollege.ca
  • Job Bank's Ontario outlook for graphic designers (NOC 52120) says restructuring in tech, including the video game industry, will reduce job opportunities. jobbank.gc.ca
Marketing manager 2 sources
  • NOC 10022 marketing managers: degree or diploma in business with sales/marketing specialization plus several years of experience. jobbank.gc.ca
  • Ontario Business - Marketing is a two-year Ontario College Diploma (60 weeks). fanshawec.ca
Sales / account executive 1 source
  • NOC 64101: secondary school required; university degree or college program may be required; sales experience usually required; voluntary CPSA certification. jobbank.gc.ca
Entrepreneur / founder 1 source
  • Survival rates of new Canadian businesses: 94.8% at 1 year, 68.0% at 5 years, 48.2% at 10 years, 24.2% at 21 years. ised-isde.canada.ca
Real estate agent 1 source
  • Approved providers: Algonquin College, Career College Group, Fleming College, Humber Polytechnic; 5 courses, 2 simulations, 6 exams; finish within 24 months; OSSD or GED required. reco.on.ca
Product manager (tech) 1 source
  • NOC 20012: bachelor's or master's in computer science, business, commerce or engineering plus several years of experience. jobbank.gc.ca
IT / engineering manager 1 source
  • NOC 20012: bachelor's or master's in CS, business, commerce or engineering; several years of experience including supervisory experience; not regulated. jobbank.gc.ca
Lawyer 1 source
  • TMU Lincoln Alexander Law: all applicants must take the LSAT; no minimum score. torontomu.ca
Accountant / CPA 1 source
  • CPA Ontario sets the requirements to enter the CPA Professional Program, with registration routes for high school students, post-secondary students and working professionals; a new CPA Professional Program starts in January 2027. cpaontario.ca
Bookkeeper / payroll specialist 1 source
  • Conestoga Bookkeeping: 1-year Ontario College Certificate with payroll; leads into the Payroll and Bookkeeping diploma. gateway.conestogac.on.ca
Database / systems administrator 3 sources
  • Lambton Computer Systems Technician: 2-year diploma covering SQL databases, servers and cloud. lambtoncollege.ca
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, exam AZ-104. learn.microsoft.com
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate. aws.amazon.com
Logistics / supply chain coordinator 1 source
  • Ontario program standard for Supply Chain Management is an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. ontario.ca
Financial analyst / banker general advice

This route is general advice with no single official source. Ask the schools and employers you are interested in.

Pilot 2 sources
  • Conestoga Commercial Flight Operations: 2-year diploma, flight fees about $80,000 plus tax, not covered by OSAP. gateway.conestogac.on.ca
  • Transport Canada: commercial pilot licence (aeroplane) minimum age 18. tc.canada.ca
Chef / cook 1 source

Licences and notices

Open Government Licence - Canada

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Canada. CareerHex is not connected to or endorsed by the Government of Canada.

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O*NET®

Our answer scale, from Strongly dislike to Strongly like, follows the one used by the O*NET® Interest Profiler. The questions are our own, and no O*NET® questions or data are used on this site. O*NET® is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). CareerHex is not connected to or endorsed by USDOL/ETA.

O*NET® Interest Profiler

Bricolage Grotesque

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Lucide and Feather icons

Lucide: Copyright (c) 2026 Lucide Icons and Contributors, ISC License. Icons derived from Feather: Copyright (c) 2013-present Cole Bemis, MIT License.

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