Getting Licensed as a Professional Engineer, Geologist, or Geophysicist with APEGGA

1
Getting Licensed as a Professional Engineer,
Geologist, or Geophysicist with APEGGA

• Bill Santo, P.Eng.
• APEGGA Assistant Director of Registration
• The Association of Professional Engineers,
  Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta

2
AGENDA

• Overview of the Canadian engineering and
  geoscience licensing system
• Introduction to APEGGA
• Registration with APEGGA process, procedure,
  forms
• Questions and answers
• Focus helping you understand how to become
  licensed with APEGGA

3

• Engineering Licensure in Canada

4

• Licensure in Canada
• For Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists

5
The Canadian System

• In Canada engineering and geoscience are
  regulated professions
• No one can practice engineering or geoscience
  without being licensed RIGHT TO PRACTICE
• No one can call themselves and engineer or
  geoscientist without being licensed RIGHT TO
  TITLE
• The licensing system was developed to ensure that
  only qualified and capable individuals are
  allowed to practice in the professions.

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The Canadian System

• In 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.

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The Canadian System

• In 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

8
The Canadian System

• Being 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.

9
The Canadian System

• In 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.

10
Engineers Canada

• Engineers 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.

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Engineers Canada

• Initial/Informal Assessment (IA)
• An academic assessment for immigration purposes
• A 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.

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Engineers Canada

• EIEAP 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.

13
Geoscientists Canada

• Geoscientists 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.

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Academic Assessments

• APEGGAs 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 EIEAP
• IQAS
• WES

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Summary the Canadian System

• Regulated Profession

Provincial Jurisdiction
Must be licensed in each province
APEGGA in Alberta
16

• APEGGA

17
APEGGA Who and What are We?

• Created in 1920 by the Alberta Government
• Created 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.

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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.

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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.

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• Registration

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Five criteria for Licensure

• Academics
• Require original transcripts
• Experience
• Require Work Experience Records
• References for all work to be counted
• Character
• From references and self declaration
• English Language
• TOEFL or Handwritten letter
• Professional Practice
• NPPE

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Professional Licensure

• Professional Engineer, Geologist or Geophysicist
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must meet the FIVE CRITERIA
• Foreign Licensee
• Not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must meet the FIVE CRITERIA

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Professional Licensure

• Member In Training
• Engineer in Training EIT
• Geologist in Training GeolIT
• Geophysicist in Training GeophIT
• Must satisfy only TWO CRITERIA
• Academics
• Good Character
• Note Experience is not reviewed or considered.

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Professional Licensure

• Professional 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.

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Professional Licensure

• Provisional 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.

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Board of Examiners

• Executive Board of Examiners
• Determines whether applicants meet the
  requirements for registration
• 20 Academic Examiners
• 20 Experience Examiners
• 3 Public Members
• Meets 11 times per year
• (once per month except July)
• Full Board of Examiners
• Deals with policy issues and appeals
• Includes the executive Board plus 3 public
  members and 3 Members at Large.

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Registration

• Processing.
• All documents received
• File sent to Academic examiner - recommendation
• File sent to experience examiner recommendation
• File to Board of Examiners
• Times vary based on
• the number of applications
• Time to receive documents translations,
  references
• Complications with an application

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• ACADEMICS

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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 Singapore
• FDL (Foreign Degree List) undergraduate degrees
  in engineering
• Non-FDL - undergraduate degrees in engineering
  not found in one of the three categories above
• Non-Engineering Degrees eg. NAIT/SAIT
  technology diploma, Math degree, Physics degree

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Academic Requirements-Starting Point Evaluations
for Engineering only
CEAB
-0 exams
-0 exams
MRA

• Probably 0 exams

• Probably 0 exams

FDL
-FE Exam
-FE Exam
Non-FDL
-FE Exam
-FE Exam
Non-degree

• Up to 24 exams
• (course-by-course)

• Up to 24 exams
• (course-by-course)

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FE Confirmatory Exam-Why is it Assigned?

• Confirm the quality and understanding of your
  undergraduate engineering degree
• The 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 basis
• Covers broad range of material already taken in
  your degree
• Must write exam, can not take university course
  equivalent instead

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Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

• Administered 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 year
• April/May and October/November
• Information at www.ncees.org

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Geoscience Confirmatory Exams

• Since 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.

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Course-by-Course Exams

• Assigned to fill academic deficiencies not to
  confirm an undergraduate engineering degree
• Can either write APEGGA exams or take approved
  university course equivalents

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APEGGA Technical Exams

• 3 hours long, problem solving type of exams
• technical exams in your engineering discipline
• at a level taken by Canadian engineering students
  in their undergraduate degree
• prepared by professors at the U of Calgary and U
  of Alberta that teach those subjects
• 2 exam sessions per year
• April/May and October/November

36
Waiving FE Exam
Waive Exams?
Masters or PhD

• CEAB or MRA institution
• -technical in nature (containing
• significant engineering design
• and analysis)
• -course work must be complete

37

• EXPERIENCE

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Experience Quantity

• 4 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

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Experience Quality - the 5 Elements
1. Application of Technical Theory 2. Practical
Experience 3. Development of Management Skills 4.
Development of Communication Skills 5.
Development of the Understanding of Societal
Implications
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Experience - Quality

• The Board of Examiners places more emphasis on
  the first two elements than on the last 3
  elements
• The Board wants to see evidence of direct
  engineering experience
• Understanding of first principles
• Problem solving
• Refer to Experience Requirements for Licensure-
  A Guideline for more detailed information

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Levels Of Experience

• Technologist Level - technician or technologist
  level
• capped at 12 months maximum
• Professional Level - professional level
• - typically 36 months required
• - minimum 24 months required if experience
  credit given for post-graduate degree

42
Post-Graduate Degree Experience Credit

• Only available for Completed Masters or PhD
  degree
• not available for partially completed Masters
  or PhD degree
• Only available for Full Time Studies

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Post-Graduate Degree Experience Credit

• CEAB/MRA Accredited Institution
• Must be technical in nature
• for 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

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Post-Graduate Degree Experience Credit

• Must be specifically requested via
• Application Form Number 3a
• Maximum credit available
• Masters (course based only) max 6 months
• Masters (course project based) max 12 months
• Masters (course and thesis) max 18 months
• PhD (course and thesis) max 24 months

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Post-Graduate DegreeExperience
Credit-Documentation Required

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

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Application of Theory

• What Does the Application of Theory Mean?
• The application of theory includes
• Selecting solutions and solving problems
• Preparing and checking engineering designs or
  interpretations
• Showing evidence of sound technical judgment and
  practices
• Demonstrating 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

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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 M
• Can be factored if there is no evidence of the
  application of theory in the work..

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Supply Chain Management

• Includes 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

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Project/Cost Controls Engineering

• Includes cost estimating, cost tracking,
  planning, scheduling, change management and
  management progress reporting
• Minimum 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

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Sales Engineering

• A 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 completion
• Identifies technical issues and solves problems.
• Can be factored if there is no evidence of the
  application of theory in the work

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Waiving Exams Based on Experience
Waive Exams?
Experience Required

• At least 10 years for FDL degrees, geology and
  geophysics degrees
• At least 12 years for non-FDL degrees
• Overseas experience will be counted if referenced
• Must be solid engineering level work
• Increasing technical competence and levels of
  responsibility
• Must be referenced

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Experience

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

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One Year Equivalent NorthAmerican Engineering
Experience
1 year Canadian experience
Why?
What?
-engineering level -under supervision and
control of a P.Eng. -P.Eng supervisor will be
required to supply a Reference Questionnaire
-Codes and standards -climate conditions -culture
-ethics -business practices -work environment
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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.

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Description of Work Experience

• Must use the prescribed Work Experience Record
  form no other form is acceptable
• Work Experience Summary single page
• Work Experience Record Details one page for
  each job or position
• Require detailed chronological information on job
  positions, titles, job descriptions, assignments,
  and duties and responsibilities with emphasis on
  the engineering content of the work experience
• Evidence of Increasing Technical Competency and
  Levels of Responsibility

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Description of Work Experience

• The 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

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References-Who Can Be a Reference?

• Reference must have first-hand personal knowledge
  of your work experience
• References should be from engineers or
  geoscientists supervisors or clients
• Preferred references are from Professional
  Members in supervisory roles
• If Reference Questionnaire is completed in a
  language other than English APEGGA will have it
  translated at our expense

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References-How Many are Needed?

• Minimum of 3 references but more might be
  required
• Provide reference names and addresses on the Work
  Experience Record.
• KEY- need references to cover the entire work
  history
• TIP 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
  experience
• eg if you had 6 jobs over 10 years we will need
  at least 6 references

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• Discuss registration requirements with your
  Supervisor to ensure you are getting the right
  type of training and experience for registration
• Most Supervisors know they will be asked to be a
  Reference but it is a good idea to confirm this
  with them now
• Contact 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

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Waiving Examinations-Based on Experience

• If 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.

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Reconsiderations Appeals

• If you think that there has been information
  missed or not reviewed you can request a
  Reconsideration of a Board decision
• Must provide new or additional information within
  30 days of receipt of your letter.
• 150 reconsideration fee
• If the Reconsideration is denied you can request
  an Appeal to the Full Board from an unsuccessful
  Reconsideration
• Must provide new or additional information within
  30 days of receipt of your letter
• 150 reconsideration fee

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English Language Competency (ELC)
ELC
Handwritten Letter and Canadian P.Eng. References
TOEFL
OR
-600 on paper test -250 on computer Test -100 on
internet test
-letter explaining why you are Competent in the
English language -Canadian P.Eng references also
comment on your ability to communicate in
English
63

• Professional Practice Exam

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Professional Practice Examination (PPE)
All applicants must write PPE
Tests applicants knowledge of law, ethics, and
professionalism
65
Professional Practice Exam- Content

• Professionalism
• Professional Practice
• Regulatory Authority Requirements
• Law and Legal Concepts
• The EGGP Act
• Study Kit - 150
• Purchase through APEGGA office

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Professional Practice Examination -Exam Type and
Format

• 100 question, multiple choice
• 2 hours, closed book
• Pass/Fail with 65 minimum
• Grade is Final
• Offered 4 times per year, typically in up to 20
  locations around North America

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Applying to Write PPE

• - EIT, Exam Candidate or Student or active
  applicant for P.Eng or EIT
• Apply using PPE Application Form found in
  Application for Registration package
• PPE fee - 130
• For forms and more information refer to APEGGA
  web-site at www.apegga.org/members/registration/pr
  ofessional.htm

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General Information

• Apply using Application for Registration form
• available in hard copy by request from APEGGA
  Calgary and Edmonton offices
• alternatively can download Application
  documentation from APEGGA web-site
• Experience Requirements for Licensure - A
  Guideline
• available in hard copy or on the APEGGA web-site
  (part of Application for Registration package)

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Application for Registration -Documents to
Complete

• Application for Registration form
• Name 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 APEGGA
• Copy of proof of Canadian Citizenship or
  permanent resident status
• application fee
• ELC documentation at some point

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Applicant Identification

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

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Transcripts andCertificates of Graduation

• APEGGA 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

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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

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Documentation-Summary
Academics
-transcripts/cert of graduation

• Experience records
• references

Experience
-application form -references
Character
PPE
- PPE exam

• TOEFL
• -letter plus references

ELC
Other
-Can citizen/PR Card
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Length of Time to Evaluate Applications

• Usually takes 6 to 12 months to complete the
  evaluation of an applicants qualifications
• Will vary depending on how long it takes to
  receive all the required documentation
• May take longer if translations required

75
Writing Exams - Guidelines

• Exam 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.

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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 employers
• To some employers this might mean a person must
  be eligible for registration immediately
• To 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

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APEGGA Services Benefits

• -Mentoring programs
• -Resume Referral Service
• -Insurance Program other Member Benefits
• Refer to APEGGA web-site for more info
• www.apegga.org/members/memberservices.html

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APEGGA Mentoring Programs

• Pool A employed members
• Work related soft skills
• Pool B unemployed members
• Job search related skills
• Resume preparation
• Interviewing
• Networking
• For more information contact Arlene Lack.
  E-mail alack_at_apegga.org

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APEGGAResume Referral Service

• Computerized job registry system
• Employers list positions and contact information
• Individuals list 50 word descriptions
• Searchable by key words, geographic areas and
  other variables
• Over 1000 job postings this year so far

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APEGGAResume Referral Service

• Searchable by both the employers and the
  individuals
• Individuals can search the posted jobs
• Individual can contact employer directly
• Employers can search the 50 word descriptions
  supplied by individuals
• Employer can ask APEGGA to send them the
  individuals resume

81
APEGGAResume Referral Service

• For more info contact
• Sandy Roth at sroth_at_apegga.org
• Or see the Careers section of our web-site

82
Mobility Within Canada

• Must be licensed in each province in which you
  practice
• Can be registered in more than one province at
  the same time
• Inter-Association Mobility Agreements (IAMA)
• signed in 1999 for P.Eng
• signed in 2001 for P.Geo
• AIT/NWPTA transfers streamline the application
  and evaluation process

83
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

84
Mobility With the USA

• No formal Mobility Agreements signed with US
  State Boards yet but were working on it
• Check with the appropriate US State Board
• APEGGA is now offering FE and PE exams for NCEES-
  contact Dr. Milt Petruk at mpetruk_at_apegga.org
• For more information refer to APEGGA Web-site
  www.apegga.org/members/ncees_exam.htm

85
Contact Information

• APEGGA Web-site www.apegga.org
• IEG section
• Application Forms and instructions
• Mark Tokarik, LL.B., P.Eng Director of
  Registration
• mtokarik_at_apegga.org
• Bill Santo, P.Eng Assistant Director
• bsanto_at_apegga.org
• Park Powell, P.Eng Assistant Director
• ppowell_at_apegga.org
• 1-800-661-7020 or 780-426-3990

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Questions?

• Thank You!