Demonstrating good character
The requirement to “demonstrate good character” may sound vague and undefined. It is, however, an essential requirement for licensure as a professional engineer. Licensed engineers are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards and are duty-bound to protect public safety.
Good character demands the ability to assess—within the context of the practice of engineering—issues which are in the best interests of the public as a whole. Applicants will be judged on moral and ethical strength and traits such as integrity, candour, honesty, and trustworthiness. Part of good character is ensuring that your work as an engineer has a positive impact on all of society, while considering the effects of your work on different groups with unique needs and circumstances. The technicalities of engineering are not only with regard to design, but also about embedding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the engineering profession.
| Process for demonstrating good character | Regulator |
|---|---|
| Require one or more character references | Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia |
| Require a character assessment form to be completed | Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Yukon |
| Require both character references and an assessment form | Quebec, Saskatchewan |
| Require both a character assessment form and a background check | Northwest Territories and Nunavut |
| Require character references, an assessment form, and a background check | Manitoba |