Guide to the Required Experience for Licensing as a Professional Engineer in Ontario

Ontario law requires that you have four years of engineering work experience before you can obtain your professional engineering licence. At least one year of your experience must be obtained in a Canadian jurisdiction. This ensures that you have sufficient exposure to Canadian engineering codes, legislation, technical standards and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for my licence?
You do not have to wait to acquire your work experience before you apply for your licence. Application directly after graduation and registration in the association's Engineering Intern Training program (EIT) is the next phase in your transition from engineering student through to licensed professional. The EIT program provides annual reviews and guidance on the quality of experience you are receiving. Enrolment can also connect you with the engineering community through publications and Chapter membership.

For details on the EIT program, email eit@peo.on.ca or call (416) 224-1100.

Are There Any Exemptions?
You may be credited with 12 months of experience if you have a postgraduate engineering degree or degrees. Please note that this experience credit cannot replace the requirement for 12 months of engineering experience in a Canadian jurisdiction under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer.

What Kind Of Experience Should I Get?
PEO evaluates your engineering experience based on:

• application of engineering theory
• practical experience
• management of engineering works
• communication skills
• social implications of engineering

What about my PreGraduation Experience?
PEO considers experience gained before graduation when assessing the quality of the required four years of satisfactory engineering experience.

Please note:

• only pregraduation engineering experience gained after the mid-point of the bachelor's degree course is eligible for assessment.
• a maximum of 12 months is eligible for assessment.
• Pregraduation experience cannot be credited in lieu of the required minimum 12 months of Canadian experience.
  
  You are encouraged to download and print the form and record your experience as you earn it. Keep these records until after your graduation at which time you should attach them to your application.

Download: Guide to the PreGraduation Experience Record Guide & Forms Pregraduation Experience Record Form Your Rights and Obligations as an Applicant

If you have more questions regarding experience requirements, click here to contact PEO.