On July 1, 2026, we are moving the minimum required engineering experience from four years to two years. Applicants for licensure must still complete our competency-based assessment (CBA) and demonstrate competence in 34 competencies to show readiness for entry into professional practice.
This update changes the minimum time threshold. It does not change the CBA, the 34 competencies applicants must demonstrate or our standards for licensure.
What this does not mean
The update does not mean applicants are automatically eligible for licensure after two years.
We expect that most applicants will need more than two years of experience to meet the requirements of the CBA. On average, applicants need three to four years of experience to develop demonstrable competence in all 34 CBA competencies.
For applicants who can demonstrate the required competencies after two years, the updated requirement removes an unnecessary time threshold once competence has been shown.
Why CBA matters
We introduced CBA as the method for assessing engineering experience in 2023. The framework includes 34 competencies across seven categories and is designed to assess whether applicants have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed for entry to professional practice.
Through CBA, applicants provide detailed examples from their engineering work to show how they have developed the required competencies. This supports a fair, transparent and consistent licensing process focused on demonstrated competence rather than time alone.
Why PEO made this update
We reviewed the time-based experience requirement, considering our CBA model, stakeholder input—including the Ontario Fairness Commissioner, Engineers Canada and peer regulators—the fact that the mid-1990s change from two to four years was not evidence- or risk-based and our responsibility to regulate the profession in the public interest.
Our review found that the four-year minimum was no longer necessary for applicants who can demonstrate the required competencies earlier through CBA. The updated two-year minimum balances the value of engineering experience with the central role of demonstrated competence in licensing decisions.
What this means for applicants
Applicants should focus on developing competence and documenting their work experience early.
Starting July 1, applicants can begin building their CBA in the application portal when they start an application. They no longer need to wait until they have accumulated the minimum number of years before beginning their CBA.
Applicants will be able to mark the experience requirement as complete only when they have entered at least two years of eligible experience, and their CBA has been completed and validated.
Applicants are encouraged to review our experience requirements, read the CBA Applicant Guide and start preparing competency examples early.
How study-related engineering experience is considered
Undergraduate experience obtained before the conferral of a bachelor’s degree, such as a co-op or internship, does not count toward the two-year minimum. However, it may be applied toward the CBA if it meets the criteria.
Eligible engineering experience gained during graduate study, such as during a master’s or doctoral program, may count toward both the two-year minimum and the CBA if it meets the criteria.
We do not grant experience credit solely for completing a graduate degree. Only eligible engineering work that meets the CBA criteria will be considered.
The key factor in determining whether engineering experience is eligible is whether it meets the CBA criteria.
Learn more
Applicants can learn more about our experience requirements and download the CBA Applicant Guide by visiting our experience requirements web page.