51101

Conservators and curators

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Art, culture, recreation & sport

5 › 51 › 511 › 5110

Definition

Conservators restore and conserve artifacts belonging to museums, galleries and owners of cultural property. Curators recommend the acquisition of museum artifacts and gallery works of art and research their artistic history. Conservators and curators are employed in museums, art galleries, archives, libraries, government agencies and universities. Conservators may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conservators
Examine artifacts, determine their condition, suggest methods for treating them and recommend preventive conservation techniques to their owners
Restore and conserve paintings, photographs, books, papers, sculptures, furniture, pottery or other museum and art gallery artifacts as per particular field of specialization
Provide advice on display and storage of museum and gallery artifacts to ensure proper maintenance and preservation
Explore new conservation and restoration techniques
Provide consultation to museums, art galleries or private individuals
Supervise conservation technicians and other museum technicians.
Curators
Recommend the acquisition of paintings, photographs, sculptures, documents and other museum and art gallery artifacts
Conduct research into objects' methods of construction techniques, structure and materials to understand its physical and chemical makeup
Develop storylines and themes and organize displays and exhibitions
Coordinate the storage of collections and the setting up of displays and exhibitions
Oversee the conservation, display and circulation of collections
Supervise curatorial assistants and other museum technicians.

Example job titles

•art gallery conservator
•art objects conservator
•conservator - museum
•curator
•historical artifact conservator
•natural history museum curator

Overview

NOC 51101 (Conservators and curators) is classified under TEER 1 of Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, representing professional occupations that typically require a university degree. Curators in this unit group are responsible for recommending the acquisition of museum and gallery artifacts, researching collections, and organizing exhibitions in museums, art galleries, and archives. Conservators specialize in the preservation, restoration, and scientific examination of artworks, historical documents, and archaeological specimens, working within cultural institutions or private practices.

To qualify under this NOC code for Canadian immigration, applicants must meet specific educational and employment standards. Curators generally require a master's degree in museology, art history, or a related discipline, while conservators typically need a master's or bachelor's degree in art conservation or a relevant scientific field. Because NOC 51101 is a skilled TEER 1 occupation, eligible candidates can apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.