1. Becoming a Professional Engineer
For graduate students
January 2018
Kate MacLachlan, Ph.D., P.Geo.
Director of Academic Review

2. Who is APEGS ?
Why is there licensing of engineers ?
How to become registered
Q & A

3. APEGS Organization
Approximately 13,300 individual members (as of Nov. 2017)
~ 10,000 P.Eng.
~ 1,800 Engineer-in-Training
~ 700 P.Geo.
~ 200 Geoscientist-in-Training
~ 90 Eng & Geo Licensees
~ 30 Temporary Licensees
~ 1000 Life Members
~ 1,300 Certificate of Authorization (corporate)
Non-profit organization
Financed by member fees

4. Investigation Committee
Executive Committee
Education Board
Council
Discipline Committee
Image & Identity Board
Investigation Committee
Governance Board
K - 12
Student Development
Professional Development
Equity & Diversity
Professional Edge
Connection & Involvement
Communications & PublicRelations
Awards
Registrar’s Advisory
Licensee Admissions
Environment & Sustainability
Professional Practice Exam
Experience Review
Academic
Review
Legislative
Liaison

5. Why Does APEGS exist? Role of Society Privilege of Self regulation
What is a profession?
The Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act (the Act)
Right to practice

6. Role of Society
Through an Act of the Provincial Legislature the people of Saskatchewan have given the professions the privilege and authority of self regulation.
Through the Act there is a “Social contract” between the public and the professions

7. Self Regulation
All professions in Canada are self-regulating under provincial / territorial legislation
Members of the profession regulate themselves by ensuring:
only qualified people are licensed
all those practicing are licensed
professional practitioners are in the best position to judge who is competent to practice

8. What is a Profession?
A profession is a calling requiring specialized knowledge and long academic preparation
Professionals assign their highest obligation to society above all others
In cases of conflicting responsibilities / interests, public safety, health and welfare, and the environment are paramount

9. The Act
APEGS is legally responsible to the people of Saskatchewan for licensing engineers and geoscientists in the province, and for regulating the practice of these professions in the public interest (i.e., to protect, the health, safety, financial wellbeing of the people and protect the environment).
APEGS is governed by the “Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act”
The regulatory and administrative bylaws that govern the association can be found on our website
The purpose of APEGS is regulate the professions to ensure that the public and the environment are protected. Although we strive to provide good service to our members and potential members, that is not our primary role or primary legal responsibility. That is an important thing to keep in mind as you go through this process. APEGS is legally responsible to the people of Saskatchewan to make sure we can demonstrate that anyone who gets a license is properly qualified. We are not providing a service for your benefit.

10. Right to Practice IT’S THE LAW!
If you are doing work that would be considered profession engineering you must be licensed as a professional engineer.
If you are not licensed, then you must be supervised by someone who is taking responsibility for your work.
IT’S THE LAW!

11. The Act Definition of the practice of engineering - section 2(m):
Any act of planning, designing, composing, measuring, evaluating, inspecting, advising, reporting, directing or supervising, or managing any of the foregoing; that
requires the application of engineering principles
concerns the safeguarding of life, health, property, economic interests, the public interest or the environment.

12. The Act Protection of title (Section 26):
No other person other than a professional engineer shall use the title:
Professional Engineer
Engineer
Consulting Engineer
P.Eng.
…either alone or in combination with any other word, title, designation… to imply that he or she is a professional engineer

13. The Act Protection of title (Section 26):
Title that engineer-in-training can use:
“Engineer-in-Training” written out in full
Can be used along with a title containing the word “Engineer” (such as Project Engineer) as long as the Engineer-in-Training title is also included.
“EIT” is not a publicly recognized acronym.
Caution that use of title allowed is different in other provinces

14. The Act Further protection of title (Section 26):
No sole proprietorship, partnership, association of persons or corporation shall use the word or phrase:
engineer, engineering
P.Eng.
consulting engineer…
…either alone or in combination with any other word, title, designation… to imply that the corp., etc or any of its members are professional engineers

15. The Act Authority for scope of practice (Section 27):
No person who is not a member shall hold himself or herself out as being a member
No person who is not a licensed professional engineer shall engage in the practice of professional engineering
This means that even if you are not using the protected titles, you still need to be registered (or supervised by a registered professional) in order to practice engineering.

16. The Act As it pertains to Engineers-in-Training:
Are full, licensed members with the rights and responsibilities to:
Vote for Council
Run for Council (member-in-training position)
Vote at Annual / Special meetings of the Association
Seal engineering work

17. The Act Provides the authority for the creation of Bylaws:
Regulatory Bylaws
Code of Ethics (section 20)
Administrative Bylaws

18. Professional Ethics
Work to only the areas you are competent. Work under the supervision of a competent engineer in the areas you are not independently competent.
All actions must be in accordance with the Code of Ethics
Recognize and support the role of the Association as delegated by society.

19. Code of Ethics – Key words
Way of life
Honourable
Ethical
Honest
Trustworthy
Safeguard human life, welfare and the environment
Competent
Confidentiality
Avoid conflict of interest

20. Code of Ethics – Key words continued
Fair
Courteous
Give credit where credit is due
Honest and fair professional criticism
Build your reputation
Compete fairly considering all relevant factors, not just fees

21. Code of Ethics – continued
You are responsible to:
Society and the public
Employer and clients
Colleagues and peers
Employees and subordinates
APEGS
Yourself
Report illegal, incompetent and unethical practice
Be accountable, assume leadership

22. Structure of the Profession
Engineering is regulated on a provincial / territorial basis
“Engineers Canada” is the federation of the provincial and territorial engineering Associations
Accreditation Board (CEAB)
Qualifications Board (CEQB)

23. Canadian Mobility Agreement on Internal Trade
Labour mobility provisions effective April 2009
Removes all mobility barriers.
Once become a professional engineer in one province, apply directly as such in other provinces.
Most Associations also accept engineer-in-training under mobility

24. International Mobility
Academic level agreements (18 countries):
Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, France, Hong Kong, China, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA
Professional level agreements (6 countries):
Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, USA – Texas only

25. Becoming a Professional Engineer
HOW?
Education
Experience
Experience Reporting
Professional Practice Exam
English competence
Professional Application
Proefessional References
Good Character

26. Becoming a Professional Engineer
HOW?
Education
Experience
Experience Reporting
Professional Practice Exam
English competence
Professional Application
References
Good Character

27. Education
“Bachelor level university program of study in engineering recognized by Council”

28. Application Process
All applicants must apply as a member-in- training, regardless of years of experience, unless registered elsewhere in Canada.
Good character – assessed through any information that comes to light during application process
Good Character Guideline

29. How to apply as Engineer-in-Training
– Apply – International Engineering Graduates or Canadian grads:
Member-in-training application - online
Application fee $ (includes GST)
Academic Assessment fee ($210) – after you apply, will let you know if this is required - for IEGs only

30. What is an International Grad?
An international engineering graduate (IEG) is a person who completed his or her relevant Bachelor level university education outside of Canada*.
*Even if you have a Canadian graduate degree you are still considered an international graduate

31. Documents Required – Cdn grads
Confirmation of graduation
Sent directly to APEGS from the university
Proof of ID
form + copy of picture ID signed by Guarantor

32. Documents Required - IEGs
Standard Application Process
Member-in-training application form and fee ($210)
World Education Services(WES) 
ICAP course-by-course credential assessment.
If you have a WES ECA report you must upgrade to ICAP course-by- course. ECA report is not acceptable.
Academic Assessment fee ($210)
Self-assessment
Official program syllabus
required if you graduated within the past 10 years
Proof of Identification Form
Resume

33. Documents Required - IEGs
Special Case #1 Four year bachelor in Eng plus Canadian Grad Degree in related discipline
WES assessment
ICAP document-by-document
includes copies of academic documents
Canadian transcript
sent to APEGS directly from university
must include confirmation of graduation
Proof of ID
Resume

34. * WES assessment not required if:
1- if you have a NCEES Record in the United States 2 - you qualify under a professional level Mutual Recognition Agreement (Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, Texas)

35. Registrar’s Acceptance List (Academic Assessment not required)
Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) accredited Bachelor’s degree
Engineer-in-training with another Canadian jurisdiction
Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) accredited bachelor degree
PE designation* (US)
PhD faculty* member at Canadian University
4 year Bachelors* according to WES assessment and Canadian / MRA engineering graduate degree in similar discipline
Previously recognized by Council
*Bachelor’s Degree must be in Engineering

36. Academic Assessment – IEGs only
Once all of the required documentation is received by APEGS, application becomes “In Progress”
Your file goes to Reviewers then ARC
Depending on the individual academic background, 2 to 12 months for results, may have to write technical exams
** The academic assessment result is NOT necessarily “accept/reject”, but may result in the requirement for technical exams, work experience review, or additional course work

37. Possible academic review results
Deficiencies
must be fulfilled by writing exams, taking acceptable university courses, or by Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Once deficiencies are fulfilled, applicant moves to the “confirmatory exam” stage
If there are more than six deficiencies, application is denied

38. Confirmatory Exams – IEGs only
After deficiencies fulfilled OR
if there are no deficiencies
Typically 3 exams from the discipline that you were assessed in (discipline of bachelors degree)

39. Confirmatory exams may be waived if:
graduate degree(s) in engineering
performance in fulfilling deficiencies / previous confirmatory exams
5 years of acceptable work experience (anywhere in the world)
Detailed experience reports approved by ERC

40. Becoming a Professional Engineer
HOW?
Education
Experience
Experience Reporting
Professional Practice Exam
English competence
Professional Application
References
Good Character

41. Experience Review 4 years of “acceptable” work experience
Experience before registration as an engineer-in-training is eligible for review
At least one year Canadian or “equivalent to Canadian” (US, in certain circumstances int’l)
At least some “recent” (two years) at time of professional application
P.Eng. or P.Geo. sign off:
Supervisor OR
Mentor (exceptions – pre-grad and international experience)

42. Other Experience Credit
Pre-grad experience credit – max 12 months
write reports ASAP, hold until approved as EIT
No opportunity for “mentor” arrangement with pre-grad. Have to be supervised by a P.Eng. or P.Geo. (or work closely with one)
Only from after half done degree
Thesis-based Masters – max 12 months
PhD – max 24 months
but graduate studies max total 24 months

43. Experience Reporting At least 3 experience reports required:
1 yr, 2yr, 4 yr points
more reports if you change employers or have a change in job function (separate reports for separate jobs)
Final Report most important / critical

44. Experience Reporting Experience Review Committee feedback provided
Experience is measured against:
Definition of practice of engineering
Experience Guideline 2 – Components of Acceptable Engineering Work Experience

45. Experience Reporting
Experience Guideline 2 - Components of Acceptable Engineering Work Experience includes:
Application of theory
Practical experience
Management of Engineering
Social implications
Communication skills

46. Role of Mentor
When the supervisor is not a P.Eng. or P.Geo. (registered anywhere in Canada), P.Eng. or P.Geo. “mentor” required
Provides a recommendation as to whether or not the experience is acceptable engineering as per definitions from the Act and Guideline 2
If this person is actually a “career” mentor, that is not the concern of APEGS for experience review purposes
Note: no opportunity for mentor arrangement with pre- grad experience credit

47. Selection of a Mentor
Order of preference (section 4 of Exp Guideline 1):
P.Eng. or P.Geo. within the same company, ideally someone parallel to the supervisor. Mentor does not have to work in the same office.
Note – a P.Eng. or P.Geo. above is the second supervisor, not a mentor
P.Eng. or P.Geo. who works for a different company but does work with your company.
P.Eng. or P.Geo. who is a former or current colleague.
P.Eng. or P.Geo. that you know through other means
APEGS list of volunteer mentors

48. Becoming a Professional Engineer
HOW?
Education
Experience
Experience Reporting
Professional Practice Exam
English competence
Professional Application
References
Good Character

49. Professional Practice Exam
3 hour, closed book exam on Canadian law and ethics
Questions are a combination of True/False, short answer, multiple choice, long answer, one essay
65% passing mark
Two sittings per year – Regina and Saskatoon both times (alternate locations can be arranged)

50. Professional Practice Exam
In order to be eligible to write:
must be registered as a member-in-training
Have at least one post-bachelors experience report submitted to the APEGS office by the exam application deadline

51. Professional Practice Exam
Law and Ethics Seminar
2 days long, approx. 6 weeks before the exam
In Saskatoon mid-April, in Regina late September
Excellent seminar which helps prepare you for professional practice

52. Becoming a Professional Engineer
HOW?
Education
Experience
Experience Reporting
Professional Practice Exam
English competence
Professional Application
References
Good Character

53. English competence First language English
university degree where the language of instruction was English
Acceptable English test
handwritten appeal c/w professional reference
Must be satisfied for the professional member application stage

54. Becoming a Professional Engineer
HOW?
Education
Experience
Experience Reporting
Professional Practice Exam
English competence
Professional Application
References
Good Character

55. Professional Application
Once all requirements are completed, submit the application for registration as a professional member
References from at least 3 P.Eng. or P.Geo.
One of the references must be from a previous P.Eng. or P.Geo. supervisor or mentor
Good character – assessed through references and any information that comes to light during application process
Good Character Guideline

56. When can I start working as an engineer?
Anytime, as long as you are supervised by a P.Eng. or P.Geo.
You do not need to be an engineer-in-training to do supervised engineering work
The P.Eng. supervising the engineering work needs to be registered in the province or territory where the project or property is located
Use title containing the word “Engineer” only if you are an engineer-in-training (or P.Eng)

57. When can I apply as an EIT?
any time after your bachelor degree is complete
If you apply before your Cdn Masters of PhD is complete, you are assigned confirmatory exams, and if your Masters/PhD will be needed in order to waive confirmatory exams, then your file can sit and wait until your Masters/PhD is complete
If you are assigned deficiencies and you need more than your Masters/PhD, then you can select courses to fulfill deficiencies while you are doing your Masters/PhD

58. Professional Development
All members required to participate in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program
Annual reporting of professional development “points”

59. A story of an engineering grad…

60. Questions. Don’t rely on second-hand information from your friends
Questions? Don’t rely on second-hand information from your friends! Each applicant has a different background.
Contact Information
All registration info under “Apply” on web site
Presentation: see Public, University Students
Phone: or
Website: