If you want to be licensed as an engineer in Canada, you will soon realise that it is the provinces, not the federal government, that regulates this field. There are other regulators, but the more well-known one is PEO Canada. It’s important to note that the rules and procedures for engineers differ from province to province.

How Does Provincial Engineering Regulation Work in Canada?

Engineering is regulated in provinces and territories in Canada. So each province would have the equivalent of PEO in Ontario, APEGA in Alberta, EGBC in BC for example.

The intent and fundamental purpose of all regulators are the same, the application processes/timeframes and administrative requirements may vary.

However, there are professional standards and mobility agreements that ensure that licensure is equivalent from province to province.

PEO vs Other Provincial Regulators – What to Expect Differently

One of the biggest adjustments engineers see with PEO Canada is the format of the application. Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) tends to have more requirements for documentation, especially if you are an internationally trained engineer. This might involve comprehensive records of experience, competency based assessments and systematic reviews.

There may be around faster processing times or =different models of assessment offered by the other provincial regulators. Some provinces, for example, seem to emphasize interviews more, while others rely more on written demonstrations of competencies. Although the methods of achieving this may differ, in the end all the results are the same - that is to protect the public and ensure that the profession is competent.

Experience Evaluation and Licensing Fees

Applicants must meet the experience requirement in EIT with PEO, which includes exercising the practice of engineering in the Canadian environment. This may include knowledge of local codes, standards, communications and professionalism.

Other provincial regulators also have experience requirements, but how they are evaluated may differ. Some provinces may have a more robust recognition of international experience and others may put more focus on structured mentoring or employer validation. 

Which Regulator is Right for You?

The decision between PEO Canada and another provincial regulator is typically informed by where you intend to live and work. If you do a job in Ontario then Professional Engineers Ontario is the right and sensible choice for you.

A number of internationally educated engineers also select provinces with quicker processing times as their initial destination, and then move. It can be done, but it requires thoughtful planning, and a solid understanding of mobility rules.