Is the Limited Licence Right for You?
The limited licence is a professional pathway for a broad range of applicants with significant practical experience. It permits the holder to engage in professional activities within a defined area of professional engineering or scope of services that aligns with their field of expertise. This pathway is ideal for those who have gained experience under the supervision of a professional engineer (P.Eng.) and wish to assume professional responsibilities.
It allows:
- Independent professional engineering within a defined scope of practice
- Use of a distinctive seal that highlights the holder’s licence status and scope of practice, allowing them to approve engineering work within their practice area
- Taking responsibility for engineering services offered to the public as the holder of a certificate of authorization (C of A)
- Use of the recognized professional designation LEL or LET
It does not allow:
- Professional engineering work outside of the defined scope of practice
- Use of the protected title “Professional Engineer” or “P.Eng.,” reserved for those licensed as professional engineers (P.Engs) in Ontario.
Understanding The Scope of Services
Limited licence holders must practise engineering within a clearly defined area or scope of services. Practising within the scope is a key distinction of the licence. As an applicant, you must draft and submit a “Scope of Services” that clearly defines the professional engineering activities you will perform within your field of expertise. Key aspects to note about the Scope of Services include:
- Your academic qualifications and experience must align with it.
- A current P.Eng. licensed in Canada must endorse the engineering work it describes.
- Its approved wording will appear in PEO’s public directory and your licence certificate, as well as on your seal.
Refer to our Scope of Services guide for more information.
Limited Licence Titles: LEL and LET
There are two classes of limited licences, each with a distinct protected title:
- The standard limited licence, LEL
- One reserved for engineering technologists, LET
The permissions and rights for each type are the same, as are the eligibility and submission requirements, except for the C.E.T. distinction of the LET.
The LET is a specialized class of limited licence tailored to individuals who meet all LEL requirements and are certified engineering technologists (C.E.T.s). They must also be in good standing with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). The LET recognizes the professional standing of OACETT members while ensuring they meet rigorous standards for engineering practice.
If an LET holder is no longer in good standing with OACETT or ceases to hold the C.E.T. title, their licence will be reissued as a standard limited licence (LEL). Conversely, an LEL holder who becomes a C.E.T. can request to have their licence reissued as an LET, provided they meet all requirements and pay the applicable fee for a new certificate and seal.
Submission Requirements
To qualify for a limited licence, you must meet the following requirements:
Scope of Services
- You must submit a complete Scope of Services Form that clearly defines the professional engineering activities you will perform. Review the accompanying guide to understand how to complete the form.
- A current P.Eng. licensed in Canada must endorse the professional engineering work described in your proposed scope of services.
Education
- You must hold a three-year degree in engineering, technology or science, such as a B.Tech, with knowledge that aligns with the defined scope of services.
- You must arrange to have the following academic documents sent directly to us from the institution:
- Canada or U.S: Official transcripts
- International: A World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) report for each academic program
Experience
- You must have at least eight years of professional engineering experience, with a minimum of six years in the defined scope of practice.
- You must provide a current resume or CV.
- We use a competency-based assessment (CBA) model to assess engineering experience. Your CBA must demonstrate your knowledge of standards related to your Scope of Services. For instance, if your scope covers acoustical engineering, you must demonstrate understanding of acoustical engineering standards.
- Your CBA will include:
- Self-assessment
- Work examples
- Validator information
- You must complete the Competency-Based Assessment Form and the Experience Records Form. Refer to the CBA Applicant Guide for more information.
National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE)
- You must pass the NPPE. We will provide instructions for registering for the NPPE when we confirm your application is complete.
- Refer to the National Professional Practice Examination webpage to learn more about the exam, access study materials and see the exam schedule.
Good Character
You must submit a completed Good Character Form with your application and provide identity documents, typically a copy of a government-issued ID.
How to Apply
To apply for a limited licence:
- Complete the Limited Licence Application Form.
- Ensure you have completed all the documents listed in the “Application Checklist.”
- Email all documents to [email protected].
Application Checklist
You must submit the following documents with your application:
- Limited Licence Application Form
- Scope of Services Form
- Academic documents (to be sent to us directly from the institution)
- Competency-Based Assessment Form
- Experience Records Form
- All validator responses (must be received and accepted by PEO)
- Current resume or CV
- Good Character Form
- Identity documents
Refer to the “Submission Requirements” section for more information about the items listed in the checklist.
Timelines
| Duration | Application Phase |
Application Submission
| |
| 10 days | 10-Day Review
|
| No time limit | NPPE
|
| 90 days | Assessment
|
| Allow approximately eight weeks for the mailing of your stamp and certificate after your final approval and payment of fees. | |