Important changes coming to the P.Eng. licensing process as of May 15, 2023
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).
The licence application changes include:
Application eligibility—Prospective applicants must demonstrate the required academic and experience qualifications before applying.
Academic requirements—The academic requirement to apply for a P.Eng. licence will be a bachelor’s degree in an engineering program that is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) or a bachelor’s degree that meets PEO’s acceptance criteria* plus successful completion of a confirmatory examination program.
*As of May 15, 2023 (or earlier), prospective applicants can check on our website to determine if their bachelor’s degree is CEAB-accredited or meets PEO's acceptance criteria.
Experience requirements—The minimum engineering work experience necessary will remain 48 months. However, at time of application, all applicants (including both Canadian and international applicants) will now be required to demonstrate completion of 48 months of experience that meets requirements for engaging in the practice of professional engineering, as evidenced by a competency-based assessment. CBA is a tool to assess readiness for licensure that examines engineering competencies across several categories (technical, communication, project management, professional accountability, etc.) in which all professional engineers must be competent to support effective practice and public safety.
Prospective licence applicants will have until May 12, 2023, to apply under the current licensing process.
Current P.Eng. applicants: Current P.Eng. applicants will continue to have their application assessed under the existing process until further notice.
Please continue to monitor this webpage and the FARPACTA webpage for updates.
P.Eng. Licence Application Form
As of July 11, 2022, PEO has implemented a new, fully online P.Eng. application system through the PEO portal. New applicants will need to create an account to access the PEO portal. Once you have registered for an account, you may log in and navigate to the application tab to start the P.Eng. licensing application.
After PEO confirms that all required P.Eng. application information is received and the application fee is paid and processed, you will become a PEO P.Eng. applicant and we will provide you with an update on your status.
Please note, all PEO fees are non-refundable. For more information, see PEO fees.
Individuals may only call themselves a professional engineer, or a P.Eng., if they possess a P.Eng. licence from the Canadian province or territory in which they reside. To become a P.Eng. in Ontario, the person must be licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
Requirements for Licensure
To be granted a P.Eng. licence, the applicant must:
- be at least 18 years old.
- be of good character.
- meet the academic requirement
- pass the National Professional Practice Exam
- satisfy the experience requirements
P.Eng. Application Process
PEO’s P.Eng. application process has four sequential stages. The order of the stages is meeting the academic requirement, passing the National Professional Practice Exam, satisfying the experience requirement, and then the licence review and approval.
During the application process, the applicant will be assigned deadlines to meet PEO’s requirements and submit additional information as required. If the deadlines are not met, the application may be closed.
Academic requirements: CEAB vs non-CEAB program graduates
The P.Eng. application process is determined by whether the applicant has met PEO’s academic requirement.
Applicants holding a bachelor's degree in engineering from a Canadian university program accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) will meet the academic requirement.
Click here to see if your bachelor’s degree in engineering is CEAB-accredited.
Applicants holding a bachelor's degree in engineering from a program that is not a CEAB-accredited engineering (non-CEAB) program will have their academics assessed against the Canadian Engineering Qualification Board criteria to determine whether the applicant meets PEO’s academic requirement under their engineering program.
Click here for more information about non-CEAB academics assessment (Technical Exam program).