NPPE Exam Dates

The NPPE Exam is the professional certification exam required for licensing as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P. Geo.) in all Canadian provinces and territories, excluding Quebec.

It assesses candidates' knowledge of professional practice, law, ethics, accountability, and enforcement procedures related to engineering practice in Canada.

With this license, the engineer becomes qualified and eligible for exclusive benefits: the ability to stamp and seal drawings, own an engineering firm, have access to upper-level engineering management positions, and can often include an increased salary.

The dates for the NPPE Exam are:

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NPPE Exam dates for 2025

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The exam is administered online with remote proctoring, where applicants write the exam from their homes.

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(NOTE: if you're already preparing, then try our premium NPPE Exam Study Guide and Practice Exams)

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The registration process for the NPPE exam is straightforward:

• Step 1: Academics. Ensure that your degree is accredited by CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board) accredited. Almost all Canadian degrees are. International applicants will have an additional accreditation process. Geoscientists have a different process, but must prove a four-year B.Sc. degree in geoscience.
• Step 2: Register. Apply and register with the regulatory body in the province or territory in which you wish to practice engineering or geoscience.
• Step 3: Experience. Work underneath a professional engineer or geoscientist.
• Step 4: Examination. Pass the National Professional Practice Exam, the NPPE Exam.
• Step 5: Application. Once you met all the requirements, submit your final application and pay the required fees.

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NPPE Exam FAQ

What grade do I need to pass the NPPE?

A grade of 65% in each section is required to pass the exam. You will be notified of the results by email within 2–4 weeks.

Pass rates range from 89% to 97%, as described in 3 separate analyses, pointing to the high success among NPPE exam candidates.

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Is the NPPE exam the same for each Association, Province, and Territory?

Yes, the NPPE Exam is standardized across all jurisdictions. It consists of a closed-book format with 110 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 2.5 hours. The additional essay question(s) previously used by EGBC and PGO have been discontinued.

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How Many Times Can You Take The Exam?

Most associations allow applicants 4 attempts to pass the NPPE Exam (three attempts in British Columbia). If unsuccessful after the permitted attempts, you will need to submit a new application for membership to make further attempts.

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Who Can Take The Exam?

All professional membership applicants must pass the NPPE before they can be licensed to practice in Canada. Registration to write the exam is available after you’ve submitted an approved application with your association.

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How Much Does The Exam Cost?

The cost of exam registration varies with your location (as of May 2025, GST and HST included):

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Why should I become licensed?

First, and generally most important to most professionals, achieving professional status often leads to a salary raise. Second, becoming licensed is a legal requirement to practice engineering or geoscience in Canada. After graduation, it is essential to obtain a license to legally call oneself an engineer or geoscientist. A professional engineer or geoscientist license demonstrates that you have fulfilled the educational requirements and undergone a supervised process. It signifies your commitment to upholding a strict code of ethics.