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NOC 51101: Conservators and curators
NOC 51101 is a TEER 1 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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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.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- art gallery conservator
- art objects conservator
- conservator - museum
- curator
- historical artifact conservator
- natural history museum curator
Also included: assistant curator
Not this code
Close occupations that have their own code
- Curatorial assistant → 53100 Registrars, restorers, interpreters and other occupations related to museum and art galleries
- Museum designer → 53123 Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
- Museum educator → 11202 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
- Restaurateur - food services → 60030 Restaurant and food service managers
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.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 51101 is on IRCC's high-wage occupations list at the 1.3x level. From November 3, 2026, at least 12 months (1,560 hours) of Canadian work in it adds 20 points to your Canadian work experience points in the CRS, and a valid job offer in it is worth 50 points; the higher of the two counts. No LMIA is needed.
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
- Conservators require a master's degree in art conservation or completion of a two-year college program in conservation technology and several years of experience in conservation work.
- Conservators may be accredited by the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators.
- Curators require a master's or bachelor's degree in museology, art history or a field related to their specific area of work.
Good to know
- Progression to museum or art gallery management positions is possible with experience.
- Conservators and curators may specialize in a particular type of collection or material, such as furniture, weapons, books, paintings and musical instruments.