There's confusion around this title and it's time to clear it up. So first...
What is a P. Eng?
P. Eng. is simply an abbreviation for a Professional Engineer.
In Canada, a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) is issued a licence to practice by one of the regulatory associations. The P. Eng. designation is a step taken to protect the public by ensuring only qualified individuals practice engineering.
In Canada, a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) is issued a licence to practice by one of the regulatory associations. The P. Eng. designation is a step taken to protect the public by ensuring only qualified individuals practice engineering.
How Long Does it Take to Become a P. Eng.?
It can take just 4 years after graduation to become an P. Eng. if you're educated in Canada (CEAB accredited). Just ensure you've registered with your association as a Member in Training (E.I.T. or M.I.T.) and you're working under the supervision of a licenced engineer.
If you're internationally educated, it can still take just 4 years after graduation. Yet, be sure to register with your association early as it can take 12-24 months for them to perform an academic review and an experience review.
If you're internationally educated, it can still take just 4 years after graduation. Yet, be sure to register with your association early as it can take 12-24 months for them to perform an academic review and an experience review.
Important: you can work in Canada without the P. Eng. designation...
... just be sure to register with your association and ensure you'll work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer.
Here are the steps to register for the P. Eng. exam and to apply for the professional engineer designation...
Step 1: Obtain an Approved Engineering Education
If you have an engineering degree from Canada, then ensure it's CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board) accredited. Don't worry almost all Canadian Engineering degrees are accredited and you can confirm that here...
If you're an internationally educated engineer you'll go through a more elaborate academic assessment process that often involves forwarding your degree credentials and sometimes transcripts.
This will take time, so be sure to register with your association right away.
PS: each regulator has its own academic assessment processes and some are a lot tougher than others. Alberta has one of the most thorough processes, keep that in mind if you're moving from another province.
This will take time, so be sure to register with your association right away.
PS: each regulator has its own academic assessment processes and some are a lot tougher than others. Alberta has one of the most thorough processes, keep that in mind if you're moving from another province.
Step 2: Register With Your Association
In Canada, be sure to check with your specific regulatory association first, as some have specific requirements.
Here's a list of the regulatory associations...
Here's a list of the regulatory associations...
Here's the fine print on the specific requirements...
Step 3: Work Underneath a Professional Engineer
You'll need four years of work experience under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and 1 of those years must be in Canada.
Step 4: Pass the P. Eng. Exam
As an outcome of their academic assessment, your association will assign the P. Eng. exam (known as the NPPE exam or PPE exam) and possible some technical exams. This will come in the form of an email or a physical letter.
So head over to your association's website, log in, apply and pay for the exams you must write.
Here's a guide on P. Eng. study courses and what it takes to pass these exams...
So head over to your association's website, log in, apply and pay for the exams you must write.
Here's a guide on P. Eng. study courses and what it takes to pass these exams...
The cost to register for the exam varies (as of September 2019):
British Columbia |
$325 |
Nova Scotia |
$200 |
Alberta |
$230 |
Nfld & Labrador |
$225 |
Saskatchewan |
$320 |
NWT & Nunavut |
$242 |
Manitoba |
$260 |
Yukon |
$242 |
New Brunswick |
$266 |
PEI |
$220 |
Step 5: Submit Your Final Application
Once you've passed the exams, submit your application and pay the required fee.
How Do I Get A P. Eng. in Ontario?
Here's the go to resource for achieving your professional designation in Ontario...
Professional Engineering in Canada: P. Eng. Alberta, P. Eng. British Columbia, ...
Below is a seminar that we held for Professional Engineering exam (that is everywhere except Ontario and Quebec).
- We share exam pass rates -> this drastically changes your approach and time spent studying.
- You'll learn what products are available and select the best method for you.
- Find out if you should buy the textbooks (HINT: you can save ~$250, and avoid pain of reading 1000 pages of ethics and professionalism).
- Discover the #1 reason for failure and learn how to avoid it, before you start studying.
P. Eng. Exam Preparation
Here is a summary of the available preparation products for the P. Eng. exams in various locations.
