How to Become a Professional Engineer in British Columbia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC to work as a professional engineer in British Columbia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“The seal and signature of a designated structural engineer is typically required on all plans and supporting documentation prepared by or under the direct supervision of that individual, and submitted for a building permit application for a Part 3 Building as defined in the BC Building Code.”
From egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $325 (2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $325 (2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Annual fees
-
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, practising: $535 (practising)
Source
“D.2 Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) Practising $535.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, non-practising: $133.75 (non-practising)
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, reduced: $267.50 (reduced fee based on active income level)
- Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) annual fee: $300 (in addition to professional engineer annual fee)
Source
“D.4 Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee) $300.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) annual fee: Practising: $535
- Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.): Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee): $300
Source
“| Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee) | $300.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, practising: $535 (practising)
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $325
- 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 3 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $835
- Listed time: 6 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)
-
You must have graduated from a university-level bachelor degree program in applied science or engineering or a four-year, full-time post-secondary degree program.
Source
“To apply for registration as a professional engineer, you must have graduated from a university-level bachelor degree program in applied science or engineering or a four-year, full-time post-secondary degree program in geoscience, science, or technology.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... -
You complete the Employment History section, a Competency Self-Assessment using examples from your work experience, and include at least four validators who can confirm your work experience.
Source
“Complete the Employment History section; Complete the Competency Self-Assessment using examples from your work experience to show how you have achieved each key competency; Include names of at least four validators who can confirm your work experience.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... -
You meet the legal and ethical requirements by successfully writing the National Professional Practice Examination.
- National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE): $300 (per examination)
Source
“B.2 National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) Per examination $300.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Source
“You can meet our legal and ethical requirements by: Successfully writing the National Professional Practice Examination; and Completing the Professional Practice Online Seminar.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... - National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE): $300 (per examination)
-
You complete the Professional Practice Online Seminar, which is mandatory for all new applicants to Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.
- Professional Practice Online Seminar: $325
Source
“Successful completion of this online seminar is mandatory for all new applicants to Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia as per Bylaw 11(e) (6).”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Programs-And-Resources/Examinations-Seminars/P... -
You submit your application for registration online with your personal information, education, employment history, regulatory history, and payment.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) application fee: $525 (first-time applicant)
Source
“A.2 Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) First-time applicant $525.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Source
“Personal information (legal name, date of birth, mailing address, email, phone) Post-secondary education Employment history Regulatory history Debit/credit card for fee payment”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) application fee: $525 (first-time applicant)
-
Engineers and Geoscientists BC reviews your application once all required documents are received, which may take approximately six months, and if approved sends a notification email with a seal and certificate of registration.
Time: 6 monthsTime source
“Due to the volume of applications we receive, it may take approximately six months for us to review your application.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...Source
“We will review your application once we have received all of your required documents. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it may take approximately six months for us to review your application.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $325
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | $325 | 100% |
| One-time total | $325 | 100% |
2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $835 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 4 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, practising: $535 (practising)
Source
“D.2 Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) Practising $535.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, non-practising: $133.75 (non-practising)
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, reduced: $267.50 (reduced fee based on active income level)
- Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) annual fee: $300 (in addition to professional engineer annual fee)
Source
“D.4 Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee) $300.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) annual fee: Practising: $535
- Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.): Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee): $300
Source
“| Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee) | $300.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Trained outside Canada
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $325
- 2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 3 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $835
- Listed time: 6 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)
-
Applicants educated outside Canada can meet the academic requirements with an engineering degree from another country recognized by an accreditation body with a mutual recognition agreement, such as Washington Accord signatories or CTI France.
Source
“You have an engineering degree from another country recognized by an accreditation body that has a mutual recognition agreement with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, such as the: Washington Accord signatories; or Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI) France.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... -
You complete the Employment History section, a Competency Self-Assessment using examples from your work experience, and include at least four validators who can confirm your work experience.
Source
“Complete the Employment History section; Complete the Competency Self-Assessment using examples from your work experience to show how you have achieved each key competency; Include names of at least four validators who can confirm your work experience.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... -
You meet the legal and ethical requirements by successfully writing the National Professional Practice Examination.
- National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE): $300 (per examination)
Source
“B.2 National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) Per examination $300.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Source
“You can meet our legal and ethical requirements by: Successfully writing the National Professional Practice Examination; and Completing the Professional Practice Online Seminar.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... - National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE): $300 (per examination)
-
You complete the Professional Practice Online Seminar, which is mandatory for all new applicants to Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.
- Professional Practice Online Seminar: $325
Source
“Successful completion of this online seminar is mandatory for all new applicants to Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia as per Bylaw 11(e) (6).”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Programs-And-Resources/Examinations-Seminars/P... -
You submit your application for registration online with your personal information, education, employment history, regulatory history, and payment.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) application fee: $525 (first-time applicant)
Source
“A.2 Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) First-time applicant $525.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Source
“Personal information (legal name, date of birth, mailing address, email, phone) Post-secondary education Employment history Regulatory history Debit/credit card for fee payment”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) application fee: $525 (first-time applicant)
-
Engineers and Geoscientists BC reviews your application once all required documents are received, which may take approximately six months, and if approved sends a notification email with a seal and certificate of registration.
Time: 6 monthsTime source
“Due to the volume of applications we receive, it may take approximately six months for us to review your application.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...Source
“We will review your application once we have received all of your required documents. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it may take approximately six months for us to review your application.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $325
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | $325 | 100% |
| One-time total | $325 | 100% |
2 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $835 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 4 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, practising: $535 (practising)
Source
“D.2 Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) Practising $535.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, non-practising: $133.75 (non-practising)
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) annual fee, reduced: $267.50 (reduced fee based on active income level)
- Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) annual fee: $300 (in addition to professional engineer annual fee)
Source
“D.4 Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee) $300.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) annual fee: Practising: $535
- Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.): Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee): $300
Source
“| Annual fee (in addition to professional engineer annual fee) | $300.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Academic examination fee: $460 (per examination)
- Examination deferral fee: $220 (defer examination to a subsequent session)
- Examination re-read fee: $330 (request examination re-read per examination)
- Remote registration interview fee: $200 (remote registration interview by videoconference)
- Registration interview rescheduling fee: $200 (for applicant-initiated postponement or cancellation of a confirmed interview)
Source
“Registration interview rescheduling fee (for applicant-initiated postponement or cancellation of a confirmed interview) $200.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Working in Canada Seminar, per unit: $50
- One-time registration/licence fee: $270 (all registrations and licenses with the ability to engage in reserved practice (P.Eng., P.Geo., P.L.Eng., and P.L.Geo.))
Source
“One-Time Fee per Registration/Licence – Includes Seal, Certificate, and Induction Ceremony All registrations and licenses with the ability to engage in reserved practice (P.Eng., P.Geo., P.L.Eng., and P.L.Geo.) $270.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Designated Structural Engineer application fee: $500
Source
“Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.) Application fee $500.00”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - BC Codes and Practices Exam fee: $500
- Designation assignment fee: $200 (includes seal & certificate)
- Additional certificate of registration: $25
- Rush order fee: $20 (available for stamp orders only, per type of item)
Source
“Rush order fee (available for stamp orders only) $20.00 per type of item”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - 30 mm rubber stamp: $30
- 30 mm self inking stamp: $50 (black ink unless specified)
- 50 mm rubber stamp: $35
- 50 mm self inking stamp: $55 (black ink unless specified)
- Long reach seal: $85
- Professional licensee rubber stamp: $40
- Professional licensee self inking stamp: $50
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.): First-time applicant: $525
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.): Applicant registered or licensed as P.Eng., P.Geo., ing., or géo in another Canadian province/territory: $300 (for applicants registered or licensed in another Canadian province/territory)
Source
“| Applicant registered or licensed as P.Eng., P.Geo., ing., or géo in another Canadian province/territory | $300.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Academic Examinations: Per examination: $460
- National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE): Per examination: $300
- Professional Practice Online Seminar: Online seminar: $325
- Working in Canada Seminar: Four-unit seminar: $200
- One-Time Fee per Registration/Licence – Includes Seal, Certificate, and Induction Ceremony: $270 (for all registrations and licenses with the ability to engage in reserved practice (P.Eng., P.Geo., P.L.Eng., and P.L.Geo.))
Source
“| All registrations and licenses with the ability to engage in reserved practice (P.Eng., P.Geo., P.L.Eng., and P.L.Geo.) | $270.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Designated Structural Engineer (Struct.Eng.): Application fee: $500
- Late Reporting Fees: Failure to provide certain information published on the register or a personal and unique email address: $100
Source
“| Failure to provide certain information published on the register or a personal and unique email address | $100.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Late Reporting Fees: Failure to provide required information (i.e., failure to submit Annual Reporting): $100
Source
“| Failure to provide required information (i.e., failure to submit Annual Reporting) | $100.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Late Reporting Fees: Failure to submit a Continuing Education Program declaration: $100
Source
“| Failure to submit a Continuing Education Program declaration | $100.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees - Late Completion Fees: Failure to complete Continuing Education plan, Continuing Education hours, or activities: $200
Source
“| Failure to complete Continuing Education plan, Continuing Education hours, or activities (including required ethical learning, required regulatory learning, required technical learning (in the case of a designated structural engineer)) | $200.00 |”
egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees
Requirements
Education
To apply for registration as a professional engineer, you must have graduated from a university-level bachelor degree program in applied science or engineering or a four-year, full-time post-secondary degree program.
Source
“To apply for registration as a professional engineer, you must have graduated from a university-level bachelor degree program in applied science or engineering or a four-year, full-time post-secondary degree program in geoscience, science, or technology.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Experience
You need four years of work experience, and up to one year of pre-graduation or co-op experience may count toward it if it was supervised by an appropriate professional.
Source
“Up to a maximum of one year of pre-graduation or co-op experience may be counted towards your four years of work experience if it was supervised by an appropriate professional and if it satisfies the experience criteria detailed by Engineers and Geoscientists BC.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...Designated Structural Engineer applicants must demonstrate six years of structural engineering experience, at least two of which must be in responsible charge of significant engineering work.
Source
“Demonstrate 6 years of structural engineering experience, at least two of which must be in responsible charge of significant engineering work”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Good character
All applicants must show that they are of good character and good repute.
Source
“All applicants must show that they are of good character and good repute. Engineers and Geoscientists BC will review the information provided in your application to ensure you meet these standards.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Other
Applicants for the Designated Structural Engineer designation must be registered as a professional engineer in British Columbia.
Source
“Be registered as a professional engineer (P.Eng.) in British Columbia”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated by the regulator Check with EGBC
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with EGBC
Exams
-
National Professional Practice Examination
Source
“You can meet our legal and ethical requirements by: Successfully writing the National Professional Practice Examination; and Completing the Professional Practice Online Seminar.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...Which provinces ask for the National Professional Practice Examination
-
Professional Practice Examination
Source
“The other qualifying requirements are: Academic Experience Character Language, and The Professional Practice Examination”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Programs-And-Resources/Examinations-Seminars/P... -
Institution of Structural Engineers' Chartered Membership Examination
Source
“Have successfully completed the Institution of Structural Engineers' Chartered Membership Examination; or”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... -
NCEES PE Structural Exam
Source
“Have successfully completed the NCEES PE Structural Exam.”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... -
BC Codes and Practices Examination
Source
“Successfully complete the BC Codes and Practices Examination”
egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with EGBC
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with EGBC
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with EGBC
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $37.00 | $52.88 | $84.13 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $28.00 | $50.00 | $82.42 | — |
Professional engineers in other provinces and territories
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Licence required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Designated Structural Engineer egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apply to Be a Professional Engineer in BC egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Register-As-An-Engineer/Professional-Engineer/... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Fees egbc.ca/how-to-apply/fees · fetched October 10, 2026
- Professional Practice Online Seminar egbc.ca/How-To-Apply/Programs-And-Resources/Examinations-Seminars/P... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a professional engineer in British Columbia?
Yes. Registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC is required to practise in British Columbia.
Which exams are required?
National Professional Practice Examination, Professional Practice Examination, Institution of Structural Engineers' Chartered Membership Examination, NCEES PE Structural Exam, BC Codes and Practices Examination.
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