The licensure process
The list of requirements for licensure can seem daunting, but don’t worry — Pathway to Engineering has got you covered. There are resources and support all around you, and we’ve compiled them all here to make your journey as successful as possible.
Each of Canada’s provinces and territories have an engineering regulator who licenses and regulates the practice of engineering in their jurisdiction. It’s important to learn about the specific engineering regulator where you wish to practice, as each province and territory has its own rules. While each regulator has their own processes, every prospective engineer must satisfy five criteria in order to successfully obtain a P.Eng.
Academics
This qualification is one you may be close to completing, or one you have already completed some time ago. All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the academic qualifications for licensure. Graduates of programs accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board automatically satisfy this criteria. All others will have their academic qualifications assessed by the regulator to whom they are applying. Congratulations on your successful completion of step one!
Work experience
This qualification is the core of the licensure process. Every engineering graduate must demonstrate experience performing engineering work under the supervision of a licensed engineer. Where applicable, the best way to complete this requirement is to enroll in an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or Member-In-Training (MIT) program offered by your regulator, as the specific requirements and processes can vary. The EIT and MIT programs will help you and your supervisor keep on track to ensure you achieve all the work hours and competency-based skills necessary to qualify. Go to our Work Experience page for more information!
Professionalism and ethics
You must pass the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE). Every regulator uses the same PPE, so there will be no surprises here. The PPE tests your knowledge of the laws that affect the engineering profession, the professional standards to which you will be held accountable, ethical standards, and other topics such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Go to your province or territory’s regulator site to find practice questions and a syllabus to use for studying. Tip for success: don’t attempt the PPE too early—most applicants don’t try to pass the test until they’re at least halfway through their required work experience!
Good character
Applicants must demonstrate good character. What does “good character” mean? We have the definition here. To demonstrate this qualification, most applicants must respond to character questions and provide character references.
Language
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work in either English or French, depending on the province or territory in which they apply for licensure. If you graduated from a CEAB-accredited program, then you’ve already demonstrated the ability to work in the language in which the program was offered.
You're on your way
Remember, on your journey to becoming a P.Eng., you’re not travelling alone. You have a community of engineers in the form of mentors, regulators, and peers who are available to help you successfully achieve your license and become a licensed P. Eng. Altogether, the length of time for completing licensure will depend mostly on whether you have completed your engineering degree and the length of time required by the regulator to fulfill the work experience requirements.
While this may seem overwhelming, know that the engineering regulators provide support at different points of your journey to licensure. Every individual will experience their journey differently, based on a number of different factors, but you’re not alone. From mentorship programs to pre-assessment tools and more, you can feel equipped, prepared, and supported along your journey.