If you are going to be practicing engineering, geology or geophysics in Alberta, you will need a licence to do so. It is illegal to practice these professions if you are not registered with The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA).

Under the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions (EGGP) Act, an Alberta government statute, APEGGA ensures only properly qualified engineers, geologists and geophysicists are allowed to practice, and that they do so according to professional standards and a Code of Ethics. By licensing companies providing these services in Alberta, APEGGA also ensures similar high standards of corporate practice. The Association has the power and an obligation to withdraw the right to practice from members found guilty of unskilled practice or unethical conduct.

To apply for a licence to practice in Alberta, contact the nearest APEGGA office to ask for an application package. Generally speaking, applicants are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Citizenship: Canadian citizenship or Landed Immigrant status is required when requesting registration as a Professional Member. If you do not hold either status, apply for registration as a Foreign Licensee.
  
  
• Post-secondary education: An undergraduate degree from a recognized accredited engineering, geology or geophysics program is required. You must provide either a Certificate of Graduation or official transcripts.
• Experience: To request registration as a Professional Member or Foreign Licensee, you will have completed four years on-the-job work experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. To apply for Member-In-Training status, a brief summary of your work experience to date will confirm that you have applied for the right category of membership.
• Character: You must be of good character and reputation. Good character connotes moral and ethical strength and includes integrity, candor, honesty and trustworthiness. Character is what a person is, while reputation is what others believe that person to be. All APEGGA members are held accountable to the Code of Ethics that governs the way an individual practices their profession.
• Knowledge of Law and Ethics: You must demonstrate knowledge of professional law and ethics. This may be accomplished by passing the Professional Practice Examination.
• English Language Competency: You must be fluent in the English language. If your native language is not English you must demonstrate fluency in writing or provide TOEFL examination results that indicate competency.

There are a few exceptions, however:

• If you are a former member of APEGGA whose membership has lapsed less than seven years ago, the office will require a letter asking for reinstatement indicating the dates of your previous registration and the full details of your work experience since your membership lapsed.
  
  
• If you are a professional engineer licensed elsewhere in Canada or the United States, a registration package has been designed to reflect the need for increased mobility expressed in the Interprovincial Mobility Agreement and the North American Free Trade Agreement. Simply request this package when making your inquiry.
  
  
• If you are a student at the University of Calgary or University of Alberta and have obtained your bachelor's degree and are attending the Graduating Student Luncheon, you will be provided with an application package that emphasizes the four-year experience and professional practice examination requirements.
  
  
• If you are applying for registration as a Registered Professional Technologist (engineering) in a defined scope of practice, you should use the Registered Professional Technologist (Engineering) registration package.
  
  

Once you have received a registration package, complete the application form and provide the required documentation to support your application, then return the package with the applicable registration fees to APEGGA for processing. If you have any questions while completing your application, please contact the office to speak with one of our staff.

Once received in the APEGGA office, your application is acknowledged in writing and the fees are receipted. From there, your application for registration is reviewed to ensure you meet the necessary academic, experience, citizenship, knowledge, character and language requirements.

If your application meets the necessary registration requirements, it is forwarded to APEGGA's Board of Examiners for registration approval. If you are deficient in an area, your file will be assessed by academic or experience examiners, character committee, or experience committee. You may be requested to complete additional courses, write a professional practice examination, or a combination thereof, in order to meet the necessary registration requirements.

Membership in APEGGA denotes that you have acquired the academic knowledge, work experience and depth of moral character necessary to be granted professional status. It is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Your professional designation is an exclusive title that allows you to practice engineering, geology or geophysics in Alberta.

APEGGA's strength is in its membership. In adhering to this philosophy, services are designed to enhance professional and personal development. Meetings, workshops, achievement awards, and other programs are provided for this purpose. The Association newspaper, The PEGG, and other publications, inform members on matters concerning the professions. Members may also participate in sponsored group auto and homeowner insurance, life and liability insurance, registered retirement savings plans, extended health care, travel medical insurance, small business insurance and auto purchase/lease plans. A resume referral service and annual salary survey are also available to members.