Continuing professional development (CPD)

It is important to our profession as engineers and geoscientists to maintain our value to society in the form of competence, trust and protection.  In addition, society also allows us to self regulate our profession, which is a highly regarded freedom.  

In return, and as professionals we must maintain high levels of competence by continually improving skills and knowledge, even soft skills  This is achieved through a continuing professional develop program professional development hours.    

Ultimately you as a professional are solely responsible for improving your competence.  However, your Association has a responsibility to support your efforts.  

CPD PROGRAMS

Engineers Canada does not mandate the type of CPD program for the Associations.  Some Associations are indeed mandatory and some are voluntary programs.  It is left to the legislation of each province or territory as Engineers Canada simply represents the Associations.    

Engineers Canada does however, provide the framework for a CPD program and the methods should include:

• Professional Practice - on the job technical work in your area of practice.  

• Formal Education - some sort of training with an evaluation process such as seminars, courses, workshops, university courses.  Typically offered by an educational organization.

• Informal Education - activities other than offered by a educational organization such as self directed technical readings, conferences or workshops without a evaluation process.

• Public, Community and Professional Service - some sort of involvement with an association that enables interaction with peers and involves community.  

• Contribution to Knowledge - writing, publication or presentation of technical knowledge in the form of papers, code, or patents.

Below I will outline some of the larger CPD programs amongst Canada.  If you would like me to expand, definitely mention so in the comments.  

PROVINCIAL & TERRITORIAL PROGRAMS

APEGA'S CPD PROGRAM

• Mandatory program.
• Detailed mandatory reporting.
• Applies to all members but members in training.  

• 240 PDH over 3 years.

ASET'S CPD PROGRAM

• Mandatory program.
• Yes or No yearly reporting upon membership renewal.  
• Applies to all members but technicians in training.

• 2 CPD activities per year.

PEO'S CPD PROGRAM

• Voluntary program.
• Program is under review as there is a wish to be mandatory.

APEGBC CPD PROGRAM

• Voluntary program.
• 240 PDH over 3 years.

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING

Most Associations have their members report their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours and communicate their professional status (practicing or non-practicing) upon renewal of their licenses each year. This ensures the licensed members are keeping up with technology and are practicing as professionals by offering the opportunity to take a “non practicing” status.

Most members are not aware however, that each year your association randomly audits the reported information of a small sample population of members.  Remember that big brother is watching!

If you are found not to be reporting or lying in the reporting of CPD hours, there are no clear answers.  However, feel rest assured that you will go through your Association's Review Process and this may call into question your professionalism, resulting in discipline as severe as being struck from the register.    

Keep it honest out there people.  CPD is a nice way of forcing your company to pay for some training as in most provinces and territories it is a requirement for you to practice professionally.