We are living in a rapidly changing world.  Engineers play a big role in the advancement of our society by pushing technology forward to feats that were not thought to be possible even ten years ago. 2015 has already seen some of these incredible feats with many more to come in the remaining months.  

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). This exam has evolved over time, from the Engineer In Training (EIT) exam several years ago to the present-day computer based test. This six hour, closed book, multiple choice examination challenges even experienced engineers. 

As of January 1, 2014, The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) transitioned from the pencil and paper format of the FE, or Fundamentals of Engineering, examination to a Computer Based Training (CBT) format. This transition came after four years of content survey and review, policy change and coordination with Pearson VUE, the company that administers the exam.

A few years back I worked as a project engineer for a company that designed, fabricated, and assembled compressor packages in Calgary, Alberta.  We did this for domestic and even sometimes international customers.  

The job included designing and fabrication of pressure vessels, pressure piping, structural skids and rotational equipment mounting.  We assembled these components and shipped them to customers.  

The design work was communicated by issuing drawings for the vessels, piping and skids and also included process and instrumentation diagrams, and what we called service flow diagrams as well.  Occasionally we were asked to stamp or authenticate the design and we always argued which diagrams we should be stamping.  

Engineering is a noble profession that comes with prestige and tradition . However, one of the challenges of entering the field or changing jobs is finding employment. Which disciplines will be easier to find employment and where will the jobs be located? 

For many, the questions are: 

Conflicts of interest are a part of practical professional practice.  They are not something to hide from. and to avoid at all costs.  A conflict of this nature is not like the Goonies character ... shamed and thrown in the basement.  You simply need to handle them in a professional and ethical manner. 

The ongoing needs for qualified engineers in Canada makes it a favoured destination for graduates from a variety of countries. There are some things you will have to do to obtain a license as a professional.  

In Canada, in order to "practice" engineering, one must be licensed with the provincial or territorial Association.  These professions are regulated and thus protected by provincial law.  Simply put if you practice without a licence and your provincial Association finds out, they will indeed bring the pain.  

They are not jerks, they are not bullies, maybe they are, I actually don't know them personally.  They will inform you and propose the correct action before any legal action would be considered.  However, for repeated offenders most of the Associations have been forced to take legal action in the past. 

There exists a huge burden for the Associations to keep professional members familiar with the boundaries of the Act.  After all we do practice in a regulated profession and the Association is well within its legal framework to dictate standards of practice.  

One such standard is professional advertising.  Advertising of professional services has a very real potential to influence the public's perception of our profession.  It also has a very real potential to influence the client's perceptions and expectations.  

It is not shocking that all eleven Associations have verbiage surrounding the member's duty to uphold the honour and dignity of the profession.  Therefore there will be best practices for professional advertising.  

Let's have a look at what is kosher and what is not.  

I personally know there is a lot ignorance with regard to interprovincial practice in Canada.  

Why ... you ask ?  

I have practiced in three provinces that I was not licensed to practice and have seen scores of my colleges do the same in the past.  We simply were not aware of the regulations and our employer was not either.