Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta facts for kids

Since its inception in 1920, The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) has been serving the public interest by regulating the practices of professional engineering and geoscience in Alberta. Professional Engineers and Professional Geoscientists contribute significantly to Alberta's economic success and the enhanced quality of life enjoyed by all Albertans.

APEGA receives its mandate from the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act (EGP Act), which includes registering, setting practice standards, and determining disciplinary actions, when necessary, for its members.

APEGA also maintains a national voice on broader issues regarding the engineering and geoscience professions through involvement with Engineers Canada, Geoscientists Canada, and technical societies.

Governance

APEGA's mission, vision, and guiding principles are set by an elected Council and Executive Committee and are carried out by staff members, all of whom abide by the EGP Act.

The EGP Act is a Government of Alberta statute that empowers APEGA to regulate the professions of engineering and geoscience in Alberta. Only individuals and companies licensed by APEGA can practice those professions or use the professional designations related to those professions.

Executive Committee and Council

APEGA conducts an annual election for its council, which consists of the Executive Committee and Councillors. The Executive Committee is made up of the President, Past-President, President-Elect, and Vice-President. Members on the Executive Committee hold a one-year term, and Councillors hold a three-year term.

The Executive Committee and Councillors are elected by professional members of APEGA. Individuals interested in running for Council must be in good standing and have the professional designation of Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Licensee.

Certification

The designations P.Eng., P.Geo., P.Geol., P.Geoph., Licensee, and Professional Licensee, or a Permit to Practice in the case of a company, ensure that legal, academic, and experience requirements to practice have been met. They also signify adherence to the standards and ethics of the engineering and geoscience professions. In Alberta, only individuals licensed by APEGA can practice or use titles relating to those professions.

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)

This licence allows qualified engineers to independently practice engineering in Alberta and to take professional responsibility for their work and the work of others.

• Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.)

This licence allows qualified geoscientists to independently practice geoscience in Alberta and to take professional responsibility for their work and the work of others. The P.Geol. (Geologist) and P.Geoph. (Geophysicist) designations have been grandfathered under the P.Geo. designation.

• Licensee

A Licensee has all of the practice rights and obligations of a professional member, except for the right to participate in APEGA elections. This designation is for those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

• Professional Licensee

This licence allows qualified technologists to independently practice engineering or geoscience in Alberta within approved, defined scopes of practice and to take professional responsibility for their work.

• Permit to Practice (Corporate)

This licence allows qualified corporations to provide engineering and/or geoscience services to the public.

Members of APEGA maintain their licences through continuing professional development (CPD). They comply with a professional code of ethics that serves the public interest above all. Members are subject to investigation and discipline for unskilled or unethical practice of the professions.