APEGA Terminology

Below is a list of commonly used designations, acronyms, and terms.

Definition of Engineering

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

(i) 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

(A) 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

(B) 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

(ii) teaching engineering at a university

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

Definition of Geoscience

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

(i) reporting, advising, evaluating, interpreting, processing, geoscientific surveying, exploring, classifying reserves or examining related to any activity

(A) that relates to the earth sciences or the environment,

(B) 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

(C) 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

(ii) teaching geoscience at a university

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

Designations


  • Professional Engineer
    Only someone licensed by APEGA can practise engineering in Alberta. Having a degree in engineering, or having experience in another jurisdiction, does not make someone a Professional Engineer in Alberta.

  • Professional Geoscientist 
    Only someone licensed by APEGA can practise geoscience (including geology or geophysics) in Alberta. Having a degree in geology, geophysics, Earth sciences, or geoscience, or having experience in another jurisdiction, does not make someone a Professional Geoscientist in Alberta.

    Before 2012, Members were separately licensed as Professional Geologists (P.Geol.) and Professional Geophysicists (P.Geoph.). These designations have been grandfathered.

  • Member-in-Training 
    Someone with the academic requirements and is working towards gaining the experience needed for a professional licence (P.Eng. or P.Geo.). An M.I.T. is registered with APEGA as either an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) or a Geoscientist-in-Training (G.I.T.).

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

Acronyms

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

Terms

  • 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.

  • APEGA's  Council consists of 16 elected Professional Members and three public representatives appointed by the Government of Alberta.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • A Professional Member is licensed to practise engineering or geoscience in Alberta.
  • APEGA grants a Permit to Practice to an organization (the Permit Holder) that has met the requirements to practise engineering and/or geoscience in Alberta.
  • A Responsible Member is an APEGA Member who oversees the regulation of engineering and geoscience within an organization.