Important changes coming to PEO’s licensing processes
PEO is introducing changes to our licence application process that will make applying for an engineering licence more efficient, transparent and fair for all applicants. Starting May 15, 2023, PEO’s modernized application process will ensure new applicants receive a registration decision within six months of submitting a completed licence application.
The new application rules for obtaining a P.Eng. licence also comply with new requirements set by the provincial government under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act (FARPACTA).
PEO will launch an improved online application system on July 1, 2023.
Please continue to monitor the main P.Eng. licensing process webpage and the FARPACTA webpage for more information as it becomes available.
The P.Eng. applicant who has not completed a bachelor's degree in an engineering program accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (Non-CEAB) will have their academics assessed by PEO to determine whether their academic background is equivalent to PEO’s academic requirement in the discipline of engineering being assessed. The applicant may be required to write and pass up to 18 examinations and submit an acceptable engineering report to satisfy PEO’s academic requirement.
Please note, there are currently zero graduate degree engineering programs accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.
The minimum educational level required to submit an application for licensure is:
- A three-year diploma in technology from a college of applied arts and technology; or
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant science area; or
- Academic qualifications deemed by the Council to be equivalent to a diploma or degree.
Three different outcomes (A, B or C) to PEO's academic assessment:
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Based on the ARC assessment, the applicant has met the academic requirement and advances to the Professional Practice Examination.
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Based on the academic assessment, the applicant does not satisfy PEO’s academic requirement and is assigned examination(s) to demonstrate whether the applicant has the equivalent academic background and knowledge required for licensing.
PEO has two streams of examination programs:
Confirmatory examination program: The applicant is assigned four examinations to confirm that the content of their engineering studies is equivalent to that of a graduate of a CEAB-accredited program. If the applicant assigned a confirmatory exam has more than five years of engineering experience, they may be referred to an experience assessment interview for PEO's academics requirements for licensure to determine if, through their work experience, they demonstrate a practical application of engineering principles that is sufficient to warrant waiving the examination program.
Specific examination program: The applicant is assigned examination(s) to remedy any identified deficiencies in their academic background and knowledge required for licensure. This examination program may comprise up to 18 exams, which may include basic studies exams, technical exams, complementary exams, and/or an engineering report.If the applicant assigned a specific exam exam has more than 10 years of engineering experience, they may be referred to an experience assessment interview for PEO's academics requirements for licensure to determine if, through their work experience, they demonstrate a practical application of engineering principles that is sufficient to warrant waiving some or all of the examination(s).
Applicants assigned any basic studies exam(s) must complete their basic studies exam(s) first. After completion of the basic studies exam(s), the applicant will be assessed by PEO and, if eligible, referred to an experience assessment interview for PEO's academics requirements for licensure.
Applicants that have completed a doctoral degree in engineering and assigned zero basic studies exams may be eligible to be referred to an experience assessment interview for PEO's academics requirements for licensure. - Based on the academic assessment, the applicant does not meet the minimum academic requirement for licensure.
The applicant will be issued a notice of determination to be refused to be issued a licence, and the application will be closed. Please note, all PEO fees are non-refundable.
Upon PEO confirming the applicant has met PEO’s academic requirement, the applicant will advance to the next stage - writing the professional practice exam (PPE).