This page contains the background information on the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) system for Engineers-in-Training and Geoscientists-in-Training. For applicants who are applying after 01/01/2022, who are ready to use the system, click here.
Introduction
Prior to being granted a licence, an APEGNB applicant must demonstrate their ability to practice engineering or geoscience. The onus is on the applicant to provide evidence that they possess, through experience, a satisfactory capability to practice at a professional level.
Many of Canada’s engineering and geoscience regulators have implemented or are moving toward competency-based assessment of acceptable experience.
Benefits of Competency-Based Assessment
Competencies are observable and measurable skills, knowledge, abilities, motivations or traits required for professional registration that are demonstrated through the actions and behaviours of the applicant. The competency-based assessment system:
- permits a more quantitative assessment of applicants using a more precise measuring system than the current APEGNB experience review guidelines.
- more explicitly described and defined measurement tool to assess readiness for licensure.
- makes the assessment more objective, transparent and consistent and increases the confidence of all who participate in the process including applicants, validators, employers and assessors on the Board of Admissions.
Description of the Competency-Based Assessment Framework
Achievement of each category is measured through a Competency Rating Scale that outlines six different levels of competence (0-5). A successful candidate must meet each of the competencies in each category at a minimum level of 1 on the Competency Rating Scale, while achieving the required minimum category average ‘entry to practice’ rating level of 2 or 3, depending on the category.
FOR ENGINEERING
The competency assessment framework makes use of seven Competency Categories, which are groupings of a total of 34 competencies or skills:
1) Technical competence [10 competencies]
2) Communication [3 competencies]
3) Project and financial management [5 competencies]
4) Team effectiveness [2 competencies]
5) Professional accountability [6 competencies]
6) Social, economic, environmental and sustainability [5 competencies]
7) Personal continuing professional development (CPD) [3 competencies]
FOR GEOSCIENCE
The competency assessment framework makes use of four Competency Categories, which are groupings of a total of 29 work experience competencies:
- Professional Competencies (7 Competencies)
- Competencies in Scientific Method (5 Competencies)
- Competencies in Area of Geoscience (7 Competencies)
- Complementary Competencies (10 Competencies)
The four categories represent the areas in which professional geoscientists of all disciplines must be competent to ensure effective practice and public safety. Each competency category contains a list of work experience competencies required in that area.
Online Submission
The CBA experience submission is done through the online portal at https://competencyassessment.ca.
Ensure that you have read thoroughly and understand all experience reporting guidelines before beginning your work experience submission. This will greatly increase the chance of success and reduce the risk of being required to re-submit.