Getting Licensed as a Professional Engineer, Geologist, or Geophysicist with APEGGABill Santo, P.Eng.APEGGA Assistant Director of Registration

The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta

AGENDAOverview of the Canadian engineering and geoscience licensing systemIntroduction to APEGGARegistration with APEGGA process, procedure, formsQuestions and answersFocus helping you understand how to become licensed with APEGGA

Engineering Licensure in Canada

Licensure in CanadaFor Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists

The Canadian SystemIn Canada engineering and geoscience are regulated professionsNo one can practice engineering or geoscience without being licensed RIGHT TO PRACTICENo one can call themselves and engineer or geoscientist without being licensed RIGHT TO TITLEThe licensing system was developed to ensure that only qualified and capable individuals are allowed to practice in the professions.

The Canadian SystemIn Canada the engineering and geoscience professions are regulated provincially.There is a regulatory body in each province and territory.There is separate and unique legislation in each province/territory.The professions are self regulated and self governing.There is no federal regulatory body.

The Canadian SystemIn Alberta APEGGA has been given the authority and responsibility to regulate the professions of engineering, geology and geophysics.

APEGGA is the only body in Alberta or Canada that has the authority to issue a license to practice engineering, geology or geophysics.

PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC IS PARAMOUNT

The Canadian SystemBeing licensed in any one province does not give you the right to practice in any other province.You must be licensed in each province that you practice in.You can be licensed in all provinces/territories if necessary.Most common is licensure in 2 or 3 provinces where work is being performed.

The Canadian SystemIn order to obtain a license in Alberta you will need to apply to APEGGA.In order to obtain a license in another province you will need to apply to the association representing that province/territory.Caution: Each province has slightly different requirements.

Engineers CanadaEngineers Canada formerly CCPE Canadian Council of Professional Engineers.Engineers Canada is not a regulatory body and has no jurisdiction and no authority.Engineers Canada was created by the 12 provincial regulatory associations to act as a resource and assist in standardizing requirements across Canada.

Engineers CanadaInitial/Informal Assessment (IA)An academic assessment for immigration purposesA positive IA assessment meant that the person was suitable for immigration. It does not mean that the person was fully qualified for licensure in any Canadian jurisdiction.It has no bearing on APEGGAs evaluation of qualifications for licensure.

Engineers CanadaEIEAP Replaced the IA program.Not an assessment of academic qualifications for licensure in Canada.Assessment for immigration purposes to help people to make informed choices when applying for entrance to Canada.

Geoscientists CanadaGeoscientists Canada (formerly Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists) is not a regulatory body and has no jurisdiction and no authority.Geoscientists Canada was created by the 12 provincial regulatory associations to act as a resource and assist in standardizing requirements across Canada.

Academic AssessmentsAPEGGAs Board of Examiners is the only body under the EGGP Act that has the authority to evaluate qualifications for licensure.Evaluations done by other bodies have no bearing on whether a person meets the qualifications for licensure with APEGGA.CCPE IA or EIEAPIQASWES

Summary the Canadian SystemRegulated ProfessionProvincial JurisdictionMust be licensed in each provinceAPEGGA in Alberta

APEGGA

APEGGA Who and What are We?Created in 1920 by the Alberta GovernmentCreated to regulate the practice of engineering, geology and geophysics in Alberta.Governed by the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Act of Alberta (EGGP).Primary role is to ensure the protection of the public by ensuring that professional members are qualified, capable and practice competently and ethically.

APEGGA Who and What are We?Currently over 59,000 members.Over 6000 applications for licensure were received in 2010.Of those applications approximately one-third (2000) were from foreign trained graduates in all three professions.APEGGA has offices in Calgary and Edmonton with approximately 60 staff overall.

APEGGA Who and What are We?Registration evaluates qualifications for licensure.Discipline monitors members to ensure they are practicing skillfully, ethically and professionally.Investigation works in coordination with discipline to investigate complaints against members.Compliance policing non-licensed individuals or businesses that are practicing the professions or using a professional designation.

Registration

Five criteria for LicensureAcademicsRequire original transcriptsExperienceRequire Work Experience RecordsReferences for all work to be countedCharacterFrom references and self declarationEnglish LanguageTOEFL or Handwritten letterProfessional PracticeNPPE

Professional LicensureProfessional Engineer, Geologist or GeophysicistCanadian Citizen or Permanent ResidentMust meet the FIVE CRITERIA

Foreign LicenseeNot a Canadian Citizen or Permanent ResidentMust meet the FIVE CRITERIA

Professional LicensureMember In TrainingEngineer in Training EITGeologist in Training GeolITGeophysicist in Training GeophIT

Must satisfy only TWO CRITERIAAcademicsGood CharacterNote: Experience is not reviewed or considered.

Professional LicensureProfessional Licensee.Minimum academics required are two years of post secondary education acceptable to the Board of Examiners.Six years of experience related to the profession.Assigned a specific Defined Scope of Practice.License to practice independently within that scope of practice.Has the same duties, obligations and responsibilities as a professional member.

Professional LicensureProvisional Licensee.Granted to foreign trained individuals who meet all of the requirements for membership except the one year Canadian experience.

A designation that can show potential employers that APEGGA has qualified your credentials and only the one year of Canadian experience is required before full licensure.

Board of ExaminersExecutive Board of ExaminersDetermines whether applicants meet the requirements for registration20 Academic Examiners20 Experience Examiners3 Public Members Meets 11 times per year (once per month except July)Full Board of ExaminersDeals with policy issues and appealsIncludes the executive Board plus 3 public members and 3 Members at Large.

RegistrationProcessing.All documents receivedFile sent to Academic examiner - recommendationFile sent to experience examiner recommendationFile to Board of ExaminersTimes vary based on the number of applicationsTime to receive documents translations, referencesComplications with an application

ACADEMICS

Academic Requirements(Engineering)-How Does APEGGA Evaluate These?CEAB- Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (Canadian engineering programs)MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreements) with US, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, HK, South Africa France Japan and SingaporeFDL (Foreign Degree List) undergraduate degrees in engineeringNon-FDL - undergraduate degrees in engineering not found in one of the three categories aboveNon-Engineering Degrees eg. NAIT/SAIT technology diploma, Math degree, Physics degree

Academic Requirements-Starting Point Evaluations for Engineering onlyCEABMRAFDLNon-FDLNon-degree-0 examsProbably 0 exams-FE Exam-FE ExamUp to 24 exams(course-by-course)-0 examsProbably 0 exams-FE Exam-FE ExamUp to 24 exams(course-by-course)

FE Confirmatory Exam-Why is it Assigned?Confirm the quality and understanding of your undergraduate engineering degreeThe assumption is you have an undergraduate degree in engineering. If you dont have this you will be assigned exams (up to 24) on a course-by-course basisCovers broad range of material already taken in your degreeMust write exam, can not take university course equivalent instead

Fundamentals of Engineering ExamAdministered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).8 hours long, problem solving type of exam.4 hour morning session - general - all disciplines.4 hour afternoon session choice of specific discipline or general engineering.70% required for a pass.2 exam sessions per yearApril/May and October/NovemberInformation at www.ncees.org

Geoscience Confirmatory ExamsSince there is no accreditation anywhere in the world for geology or geophysics education a three exam confirmatory assessment is given to foreign trained graduates.A course by course gap assessment is done for those graduates from institutions in North America.Geoscientists Canada maintain a national educational knowledge base of required courses that satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in Canada.

Course-by-Course ExamsAssigned to fill academic deficiencies not to confirm an undergraduate engineering degree

Can either write APEGGA exams or take approved university course equivalents

APEGGA Technical Exams3 hours long, problem solving type of examstechnical exams in your engineering discipline at a level taken by Canadian engineering students in their undergraduate degreeprepared by professors at the U of Calgary and U of Alberta that teach those subjects2 exam sessions per year April/May and October/November

Waiving FE ExamWaive Exams?Masters or PhDCEAB or MRA institution-technical in nature (containingsignificant engineering design and analysis)-course work must be complete

EXPERIENCE

Experience: Quantity4 years required once academically qualified

At least one year equivalent North American engineering experience in most cases this means one year Canadian engineering experience

Must be Referenced

Experience: Quality - the 5 Elements1. Application of Technical Theory2. Practical Experience3. Development of Management Skills4. Development of Communication Skills5. Development of the Understanding of Societal Implications

Experience - QualityThe Board of Examiners places more emphasis on the first two elements than on the last 3 elementsThe Board wants to see evidence of direct engineering experienceUnderstanding of first principlesProblem solvingRefer to Experience Requirements for Licensure- A Guideline for more detailed information

Levels Of ExperienceTechnologist Level - technician or technologist levelcapped at 12 months maximum

Professional Level - professional level-typically 36 months required-minimum 24 months required if experience credit given for post-graduate degree

Post-Graduate Degree Experience CreditOnly available for Completed Masters or PhD degree not available for partially completed Masters or PhD degree

Only available for Full Time Studies

Post-Graduate Degree Experience CreditCEAB/MRA Accredited InstitutionMust be technical in naturefor course based only Masters there must be evidence of significant engineering design and analysis involved in the courses taken towards the Masters degree similar for Geoscience

Post-Graduate Degree Experience CreditMust be specifically requested via Application Form Number 3aMaximum credit available:Masters (course based only) max 6 monthsMasters (course & project based) max 12 monthsMasters (course and thesis)max 18 monthsPhD (course and thesis)max 24 months

Post-Graduate DegreeExperience Credit-Documentation RequiredTranscripts and Course Outline or official description of all Graduate Courses taken towards the Post-Grad degreeThesis/Project Info Letter from Thesis Supervisor Apply for Post-Grad Experience Credit at time you apply for P.Member not MIT status

Application of TheoryWhat Does the Application of Theory Mean?The application of theory includes:Selecting solutions and solving problemsPreparing and checking engineering designs or interpretationsShowing evidence of sound technical judgment and practicesDemonstrating familiarity with the use and application of pertinent technologies, procedures, systems and programs.May also include the collection and analysis of information and data. However, data collection and analysis should not be the major component of your experience for a significant period of time

Construction Engineering & Management

This type of work must have the following attributes to be acceptable for full credit.Has full knowledge of the project and liaises with the project owner. Responsible for planning, implementing and finalizing projects. Ensures timeliness, cost, quality and safety. Includes risk assessment, project scope and deliverables, scheduling, site inspections, procurement, resource management, managing people and environmental considerations.Application of theory must be present.Minimum 1 year of theory along with 3 years Construction E & MCan be factored if there is no evidence of the application of theory in the work..

Supply Chain ManagementIncludes purchasing, contract administration, quality control and inspection Generally little evidence of the application of theory Factoring is to start at 0.25 and can be raised by the examiner if there is better evidence of the application of theory Must have a minimum of two years of the application of theory in your discipline and the rest in this field factored at 25%

Project/Cost Controls EngineeringIncludes cost estimating, cost tracking, planning, scheduling, change management and management progress reportingMinimum of 2 years of application of theory with the remaining project/cost controls engineering experience to be factored at 0.25 Factoring is to start at 0.25 and can be raised by the examiner if there is better evidence of the application of theory

Sales EngineeringA salesperson with technical knowledge.Has technical knowledge about the product and service being sold.Uses this knowledge to determine a clients needs Sees a project through from the first contact with the buyer, through to completionIdentifies technical issues and solves problems. Can be factored if there is no evidence of the application of theory in the work

Waiving Exams Based on ExperienceWaive Exams?Experience RequiredAt least 10 years for FDL degrees, geology and geophysics degreesAt least 12 years for non-FDL degreesOverseas experience will be counted if referencedMust be solid engineering level workIncreasing technical competence and levels of responsibilityMust be referenced

Experience

In all of the cases above the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate the application of theory in their experience.

One Year Equivalent NorthAmerican Engineering Experience1 year Canadian experienceWhy?What?-Codes and standards-climate conditions-culture-ethics-business practices-work environment-engineering level

-under supervision and control of a P.Eng.

-P.Eng supervisor will be required to supply a ReferenceQuestionnaire

One Year Equivalent North American Experience

Must gain this experience working under the supervision and control of a professional member.Post graduate experience for a completed Masters or PhD does not satisfy the one year equivalent North American experience requirement.Acceptable experience can be obtained in a university setting but it must be outside the Masters or PhD program.

Description of Work ExperienceMust use the prescribed Work Experience Record form no other form is acceptableWork Experience Summary single pageWork Experience Record Details one page for each job or positionRequire detailed chronological information on job positions, titles, job descriptions, assignments, and duties and responsibilities with emphasis on the engineering content of the work experienceEvidence of Increasing Technical Competency and Levels of Responsibility

Description of Work ExperienceThe experience record must focus on the application of engineering or geoscience principles.

Detail the actual duties that you performed

Focus on the 5 quality elements of experience

References-Who Can Be a Reference?Reference must have first-hand personal knowledge of your work experienceReferences should be from engineers or geoscientists supervisors or clientsPreferred references are from Professional Members in supervisory rolesIf Reference Questionnaire is completed in a language other than English APEGGA will have it translated at our expense

References-How Many are Needed?Minimum of 3 references but more might be requiredProvide reference names and addresses on the Work Experience Record.KEY- need references to cover the entire work historyTIP: If you want the Board to consider waiving exams based on 10 years of experience we will need references to cover at least 10 years of experienceeg if you had 6 jobs over 10 years we will need at least 6 references

Discuss registration requirements with your Supervisor to ensure you are getting the right type of training and experience for registrationMost Supervisors know they will be asked to be a Reference but it is a good idea to confirm this with them nowContact references ahead of time to advise them they will be receiving Reference Questionnaire forms from APEGGA and ask them to complete and submit those forms to APEGGA as quickly as possible

Waiving Examinations-Based on ExperienceIf you want the Board to consider waiving exams based on experience you should apply for P.Eng or FLIC, not EIT. This is because experience is not a requirement for EIT status and the Board does not evaluate experience for EIT applicants.

Reconsiderations & AppealsIf you think that there has been information missed or not reviewed you can request a Reconsideration of a Board decisionMust provide new or additional information within 30 days of receipt of your letter.$150 reconsideration feeIf the Reconsideration is denied you can request an Appeal to the Full Board from an unsuccessful ReconsiderationMust provide new or additional information within 30 days of receipt of your letter$150 reconsideration fee

English Language Competency (ELC)ELCTOEFLHandwritten LetterandCanadian P.Eng. References-600 on paper test-250 on computerTest-100 on internet test-letter explaining why you areCompetent in the English language

-Canadian P.Eng references also comment on your ability to communicate in EnglishOR

Professional Practice Exam

Professional Practice Examination (PPE)All applicants must write PPETests applicants knowledgeof law, ethics, and professionalism

Professional Practice Exam- ContentProfessionalismProfessional PracticeRegulatory Authority RequirementsLaw and Legal ConceptsThe EGGP ActStudy Kit - $150 Purchase through APEGGA office

Professional Practice Examination -Exam Type and Format100 question, multiple choice2 hours, closed bookPass/Fail with 65% minimumGrade is FinalOffered 4 times per year, typically in up to 20+ locations around North America

Applying to Write PPE-EIT, Exam Candidate or Student or active applicant for P.Eng or EITApply using PPE Application Form found in Application for Registration packagePPE fee - $130For forms and more information refer to APEGGA web-site at www.apegga.org/members/registration/professional.htm

General InformationApply using Application for Registration formavailable in hard copy by request from APEGGA Calgary and Edmonton officesalternatively can download Application documentation from APEGGA web-siteExperience Requirements for Licensure - A Guidelineavailable in hard copy or on the APEGGA web-site (part of Application for Registration package)

Application for Registration -Documents to CompleteApplication for Registration formName and contact information of at least 3 references (more than 3 references may be required)Request for Academic Documents form - send it to your university not to APEGGACopy of proof of Canadian Citizenship or permanent resident statusapplication feeELC documentation at some point

Applicant Identification

Once you have submitted your application to APEGGA you will receive a member number.MxxxxxxUse this number for any correspondence with APEGGA.

Transcripts andCertificates of GraduationAPEGGA must receive original transcripts and Certificates of Graduation directly from your institutions

Use the Request for Academic Documents form to instruct your institutions to send your transcripts and Certificates of Graduation directly to APEGGA

Transcripts andCertificates of Graduation

-APEGGA will get them translated at APEGGAs expense

If APEGGA does not receive direct confirmation from your university, the Board will not waive exams based on experience and will also specify which exams you must write

Documentation-SummaryAcademicsExperienceCharacterPPEELC-transcripts/cert of graduation

Experience recordsreferences-application form-references- PPE exam

TOEFL-letter plus referencesOther-Can citizen/PR Card

Length of Time to Evaluate ApplicationsUsually takes 6 to 12 months to complete the evaluation of an applicants qualificationsWill vary depending on how long it takes to receive all the required documentationMay take longer if translations required

Writing Exams - GuidelinesExam assessments must be started within 2 years of the Board review date.A course by course exam assessment can be satisfied by taking university level equivalents or by writing the APEGGA exams.A confirmatory assessment can only be satisfied by writing the FE exam.

Eligible for Registration - What Does This Mean?Job advertisements often indicate that an applicant for the job must be eligible for registration with APEGGA. What does this mean?It means different things to different employersTo some employers this might mean a person must be eligible for registration immediatelyTo other employers it might mean that they think the person has the skills & abilities to do the job and as long as the person is willing to apply to APEGGA thats okay even if they have to write exams or meet other requirements

APEGGA Services & Benefits-Mentoring programs-Resume Referral Service-Insurance Program & other Member Benefits

Refer to APEGGA web-site for more infowww.apegga.org/members/memberservices.html

APEGGA Mentoring ProgramsPool A: employed membersWork related soft skillsPool B: unemployed membersJob search related skillsResume preparationInterviewingNetworkingFor more information contact: Arlene Lack. E-mail alack@apegga.org

APEGGAResume Referral ServiceComputerized job registry systemEmployers list positions and contact informationIndividuals list 50 word descriptionsSearchable by key words, geographic areas and other variablesOver 1000 job postings this year so far

APEGGAResume Referral ServiceSearchable by both the employers and the individuals Individuals can search the posted jobsIndividual can contact employer directlyEmployers can search the 50 word descriptions supplied by individualsEmployer can ask APEGGA to send them the individuals resume

APEGGAResume Referral ServiceFor more info contact:

Sandy Roth at sroth@apegga.org

Or see the Careers section of our web-site

Mobility Within CanadaMust be licensed in each province in which you practiceCan be registered in more than one province at the same timeInter-Association Mobility Agreements (IAMA)signed in 1999 for P.Engsigned in 2001 for P.GeoAIT/NWPTA transfers streamline the application and evaluation process

Mobility Within Canada-AIT/NWPTA applies only to individuals who are registered as P.Engs/P.Geos in good standing in their home association

TIP: If you move to another province you should get registered in that province first before you cancel your APEGGA registration

Mobility With the USANo formal Mobility Agreements signed with US State Boards yet but were working on itCheck with the appropriate US State BoardAPEGGA is now offering FE and PE exams for NCEES- contact Dr. Milt Petruk at mpetruk@apegga.orgFor more information refer to APEGGA Web-site: www.apegga.org/members/ncees_exam.htm

Contact InformationAPEGGA Web-site www.apegga.org IEG sectionApplication Forms and instructionsMark Tokarik, LL.B., P.Eng Director of Registrationmtokarik@apegga.orgBill Santo, P.Eng Assistant Directorbsanto@apegga.orgPark Powell, P.Eng Assistant Directorppowell@apegga.org1-800-661-7020 or 780-426-3990

Questions?

Thank You!