Common APEGA Terminology

Below is a list of APEGA terms and abbreviations found in APEGA publications meant for the general public or media.

Other defined terms are identified with italics and can be found in the full APEGA Dictionary.

View the APEGA Dictionary Return to the Media Room page

Legislated Definitions of Engineering & Geoscience

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APEGA Dictionary

Engineering

The legal definition in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act states that the practice of engineering means:

  1. reporting on, advising on, evaluating, designing, preparing plans and specifications for or directing the construction, technical inspection, maintenance or operation of any structure, work or process
    1. that is aimed at the discovery, development or utilization of matter, materials or energy or in any other way designed for the use and convenience of humans, and
    2. that requires in that reporting, advising, evaluating, designing, preparation or direction the professional application of the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics or any related applied subject, or
  2. teaching engineering at a university

–Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, Section 1, pg. 8

Geoscience

The legal definition, as provided in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, states that the practice of geoscience means:

  1. reporting, advising, evaluating, interpreting, processing, geoscientific surveying, exploring, classifying reserves or examining related to any activity
    1. that relates to the earth sciences or the environment,
    2. that is aimed at the discovery or development of oil, natural gas, coal, metallic or non-metallic minerals, precious stones, other natural resources or water or that is aimed at the investigation of surface or subsurface conditions of the earth, and
    3. that requires, in that reporting, advising, evaluating, interpreting, processing, geoscientific surveying, exploring, classifying reserves or examining, the professional application of the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics or biology through the application of the principles of geoscience, or
  2. teaching geoscience at a university

Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, Section 1, pg. 8

APEGA Designations & Common Abbreviations

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APEGA Dictionary

APEGA Dictionary

APEGA

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta regulates the practices of engineering and geoscience in Alberta. APEGA has served the public since 1920. Each province and territory has an association or associations that similarly regulate engineering, geoscience, or both.

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EGP Act

The Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act defines APEGA's scope and responsibilities as a regulator to ensure that engineering and geoscience in Alberta are done by licensed, qualified, and competent professionals. Both APEGA and ASET act as regulators as outlined in the Act. This is sometimes referred to as the one act, two associations regulatory model.

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P.Eng.

The abbreviated form of Professional Engineer.

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P.Geo.

The abbreviated form of Professional Geoscientist.

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M.I.T.

The abbreviated form of Member-in-Training.

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E.I.T.

The abbreviated form of Engineer-in-Training.

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G.I.T.

The abbreviated form of Geoscientist-in-Training.

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FEC

A Fellow of Engineers Canada, a designation bestowed by Engineers Canada. Engineers Canada is not a regulator of engineering.

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FGC

A Fellow of Geoscientists Canada, a designation bestowed by Geoscientists Canada. Geoscientists Canada is not a regulator of geoscience.

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ASET

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta regulates the practices of science and engineering technology in Alberta

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Additional Terms to Know

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APEGA Dictionary

APEGA Dictionary

Branch

APEGA's 10 Branches represent APEGA in their respective geographic areas, primarily in communication, outreach, and professional development. Branches have a chair and executive, elected annually by the Branch membership.

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Council

APEGA's Council consists of 16 elected Professional Members and three public representatives appointed by the Government of Alberta.

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ePEG

The ePEG is a weekly digital newsletter that keeps you in the know about the developments in Alberta’s engineering and geoscience industries, APEGA branch events and activities, and the achievements of APEGA members who move the needle. All registered APEGA members are automatically subscribed to the ePEG newsletter.

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Permit Holder

A partnership or other association of persons, or a corporation that holds a Permit to Practice under the Engineering and Geoscience Professions (EGP) Act. The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) permit holders, as defined in Section 86(4) of the EGP Act, are not included.

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Professional Member

A licensed professional with a designation of Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) who is licensed to practise engineering or geoscience in Alberta. The designations Professional Geologists (P.Geol.) and Professional Geophysicists (P.Geoph.) are grandfathered and now fall under P.Geo.

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Responsible Member

A licensed professional who is responsible for providing oversight of the practice of engineering or geoscience by the permit holder and meets the specification in Part 7, Section 48(1)(c) of the General Regulation. A Responsible Member must be qualified by education and experience in the profession of engineering or geoscience in which the partnership, corporation, or other entity intends to engage; designated in writing by the permit holder; and registered with APEGA as a Responsible Member.

The Responsible Member must have a sufficiently close relationship with the permit holder to undertake the roles and responsibilities associated with acting as a Responsible Member. The role of Responsible Member may not be delegated to other licensed professionals who are not Responsible Members.

A Responsible Member can be:

  • a full-time, permanent employee of the permit holder
  • a member of the permit holder
  • a sole practitioner
  • an individual providing professional services to the permit holder through a contractual arrangement or as a part-time employee

The permit holder’s Responsible Members direct, supervise, and control all or part of a permit holder’s professional practice in accordance with the permit holder’s Professional Practice Management Plan and all relevant legislation, regulations, and codes.

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