The term ‘‘Professional Engineer’’ is protected by provincial law. To use it, and practice engineering, you must complete certain requirements. Basically, this entails

• Complete one of the accredited EngineeringPrograms
• Register with a ProfessionalAssociation as an EngineerInTraining
• Complete the EngineerInTraining program
• Write the ProfessionalPracticeExam
• Prepare and submit your WorkExperienceRecord
• Pay your dues :)

Some advice:

• Register as soon as you graduate, even if you don’t have a job. There is a bunch of paperwork and a test that has to be done anyway.
• Recreate the work experience form in the word processor of your choice. Fill it in as you work through your 6 months. Remembering specific things you’ve done and your PS/PD points is a huge pain after the fact
• Send in your forms on time. Don’t wait, or you’ll forget. On that note, keep on top of your supervisor, don’t let them get behind!
• If you have problems, email or call the association. They’re there to help, and are very friendly.
• Take the professional practice exam as soon as you can. It’s only offered twice a year, and you have to register well in advance. If you can borrow the books off a friend, or get them used, it might be best to do so.
• When you get down to the end, pick 2 or 3 people that you know will make great references. I’m told you may be asked for people in particular, but I wasn’t.
• Don’t get behind on those PS/PD points, especially the professional service. Register with the Innovators in the Schools (can’t find a link now) to be informed when stuff like science fairs come around. Easy points, and they’re fun.

I’d really like to thank Marc for being my surrogate supervisor when all the Engineers left. Extra special thanks to Shirley at the APEGM office for all her efforts and answering all my questions.

Sean P.Eng.