P.Eng. License Steps Explained – For Canadian and International Grads

Getting your PEng license in Canada is rewarding, and perhaps a goal you've had for a long time.  So that we're on the same page, PEng (or P.Eng. as it should be written) stands for professional engineer.

Let's look at what's involved.

PEng License Steps

There are mandatory steps that you will need to meet in order to earn your PEng licence.  Other steps, like technical exams, might only apply to certain applicants.

There are two common paths to getting your license — yours will depend on if you received your university degree in Canada or abroad.  I'll put the challenging steps in bold, so you know those steps take more time and effort.

International Grad — Steps to a P.Eng.:

1. Submit PEng license application
2. Academic assessment
3. Write technical exams (if applicable)
4. Submit your Competency-Based Assessment (CBA)
5. Write National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE)
6. Wait for board approval

Canadian Grad — Steps to a P.Eng.:

1. Submit PEng license application
2. Write National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE)
3. Submit Experience
4. Wait for board approval

Let's look at each step individually.

Submit PEng License Application

---(step 1 for both types of grads)---

Submitting your application is fairly straightforward.  You'll fill out a form (might be PDF or in a members' portal) and provide the following:

• name
• proof of identity
• address
• academic background
• transcripts (international grads only.  Translation may be required if they are not in the language of your association)
• employment details
• references
• good character declaration
• application fee

Academic assessment

---(step 2 for international grads)---

Canadian engineering grads don't have to worry about this step if they completed an accredited engineering program (which is most engineering schools in Canada).  For those educated outside of Canada, you'll typically have your school send your association transcripts and arrange for translation (if required).  Your association will compare your courses with a Canadian equivalent degree.  If there are any gaps, they may assign you technical exams which we'll talk about next.

Write technical exams

---(step 3 for international grads, if applicable)---

International grads who are missing courses, when compared to a Canadian engineering degree, may be asked to write anywhere between 1 and 10 technical exams (some associations limit it to 4).  Typically, they are required to write some basic studies (e.g. mathematics), complimentary studies (e.g. economics) and technical topics that relate to their degree (e.g. civil, mechanical, electrical).

If you would like to see the level of difficulty, here is a collection of old technical exams (questions only).  For help with over 40 exam topics, please visit our technical exam solutions page.

Submit your Competency-Based Assessment (CBA)

---(step 4 for international grads; step 2 for Canadian grads)---

The Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) reporting system is used in most provinces across Canada.   While there are slight variations between provinces, you can expect to write between 22 to 34 highly specific examples (e.g. Tell us when you used codes and standards to solve a problem).  The common themes you will be writing about fall into these categories:

• Technical Competency
• Communications
• Project & Financial Management
• Team Effectiveness
• Professional Accountability
• Social, Economical, Environmental & Sustainability
• Personal Continuing Professional Development

For help with this licensing step, we have the following courses:

• 34 CBA Course (PEO, EGBC (engineers only), APEGNB, APEGS, EGM, PEGNL or Engineers PEI)
• 22 CBA Course (APEGA, NAPEG, or Engineers Yukon)

NPPE

---(step 5 for international grads; step 3 for Canadian grads)---

This step is often referred to as the law and ethics exam.  It consists of 110 multiple-choice questions that span the topics of law, ethics and professional practice as they relate to engineers and geoscientists.  If possible, allow 5 weeks of study at 1 hour per day.  You can get started with our free NPPE mini-course to get our lessons and practice questions related to syllabus topic one which covers professionalism.

Wait for board approval

---(step 6 for international applicants; step 4 for Canadian applicants)---

All your documents are in by this time, and you've met the licence requirements.  The staff at your association have recommended you receive your licence.  The final step is board approval.  The board sits about once a month but may take off the month of December.  Waiting for this step can take up to 2 months.

Where should you apply for your PEng license?

If you haven't selected your association yet, it is advisable to pick one based on where you live and plan on doing most of your projects.  This is normally dictated by where your company's office or projects are.  Talk to your manager to see what makes the most sense with your company.  Below is a map of Canada to show the concentration of engineers across Canada.

What part of the licensing journey are you most concerned about?  Please leave us a comment below or contact us with your questions.