Applicants whose academic qualifications fall between a technology diploma and an engineering degree will be assigned a specific exam program (SEP). This program may consist of up to 18 basic, technical and complementary exams and an engineering thesis. Basic studies exams are a prerequisite and must be addressed first.
Applicants with at least 10 years of engineering experience who have been assigned a SEP with no basic studies exams may be referred to PEO’s Experience Assessment Department for review. Applicants with at least 10 years of engineering experience who have completed the entire basic studies portion of their assigned exam program may have their application referred for an experience assessment.
Applications referred for an experience assessment will be evaluated to determine whether the applicant’s engineering experience is sufficient to satisfy the knowledge requirements necessary to pass the assigned technical exams. The department will decide whether the technical exam program can be waived or reduced or if the program stands. Basic studies exams and the engineering report cannot be waived for this assessment.
Applicants who wish to take courses at a university in place of their assigned SEP must obtain PEO’s prior approval. Courses cannot replace basic studies exams.
PEO offers technical exams twice annually (in spring and winter) at several provincial centres. PEO will send applicants assigned exam information, including when they may begin writing, the time limits for completing an exam program and other guidelines. PEO may close the applications of applicants who do not adhere to the strict time limits in PEO’s governing legislation.
Interviews with the Experience Requirements Committee (ERC) to assess the possibility of waiving assigned confirmatory exam programs or specific exam programs are optional. Applicants may choose to write the corresponding exam programs without attending ERC interviews.