How to Become an Engineer in Canada

Engineers in Canada must be licensed.

A professional engineer (P. Eng or Eng. in Quebec) is a licensed engineer who is legally allowed to practice engineering in Canada and take responsibility for his or her work. There are about 160,000 professional engineers in Canada. Each province and territory has its own licensing body and specific requirements for professional engineers. The basic steps to become a professional engineer are the same in every region of Canada.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor of engineering or Bachelor of applied science from accredited engineering program
• Assessment fees
• Engineer-in-training application from from local licensing body.

1. Obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program. There are more than 200 engineering programs offered at Canadian universities. If you studied outside Canada, the Engineering International-Education Assessment Program will evaluate your educational qualifications. Contact the provincial licensing body for more information about academic equivalency. It is easier to receive equivalency for your studies if you graduated from an accredited program in a Washington Accord country.

2. Register as an engineer-in-training with the provincial licensing body. This step allows you to apply for internships and complete the work experience necessary to qualify for a professional engineer's license. The licensing body verifies your good character and reputation. This usually includes a criminal and reference check.

3. Complete an internship under the supervision of a professional engineer. The duration of the internship depends on the provincial licensing body, but ranges from two to four years. Work experience from outside Canada may be considered; however, at least 12 months of the internship must be completed in Canada.

4. The professional practice exam tests your education, experience, knowledge of law, and professional ethics and language skills. The test is available only in English, except in Quebec, where it is available only in French. In New Brunswick, the test is available in French and English.

5. Pay the fees to become a member of the licensing body. You will receive a license to practice and a seal to stamp the drawings and designs you create.

Tips & Warnings

• Engineers are required to keep professionally current through continuing professional development.

• The licensing of professional engineers is the responsibility of each province and territory, so an engineer must contact the relevant licensing body if you wish to move your practice to a new region.

References

• P.Eng: The Four Steps to Becoming a P.Eng.
• Engineers Canada: Frequently Asked Questions