Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing

Practice Standard Enforced | May 1, 2022

The practice standard Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing, which has been in effect as of May 1, 2021, is enforceable as of May 1, 2022. Failure to comply with the requirements is subject to disciplinary action. 

We strongly encourage all licensed professionals and permit holders to review the practice standard and learning materials below to ensure your practice is compliant. In addition, APEGA developed the new online course which is available through your myAPEGA account. More information provided below. 

Check out the latest article on Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing.

Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing

The practice standard details the requirements APEGA licensed professionals and permit holders must comply with when outsourcing and relying on professional services provided by others.

The material covers the professional obligations of APEGA licensed professionals and permit holders, when:

  • Taking professional responsibility for the work of others, specifically when
    • providing direct supervision and control
    • conducting a thorough review
  • Relying on the work of others on
    • previously authenticated work products
    • work products that are not authenticated
  • Outsourcing professional services
    • to APEGA licensed professionals or permit holders
    • to others not holding an APEGA license or permit to practice

This practice standard went into effect May 1, 2021 and is enforceable as of May 1, 2022.

RELYING ON THE WORK OF OTHERS AND OUTSOURCING (PDF)

Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing Course & Materials

APEGA has developed an online course that outlines the requirements of the practice standard Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing and the obligations of licensed professionals, Responsible Members, and permit holders. Existing APEGA members already have access to this course through myAPEGA.

Please note: To access this course from the dashboard in myAPEGA, click on the Learning Modules tab in the blue navigation bar. If you don't see the blue navigation bar, select the menu icon (≡) in the top-left corner to expand the full menu options.

Log in to myAPEGA   

We've also made the course videos and infographics available below for a quick reference to anyone who needs them.

Background

APEGA identified gaps in the due diligence performed when relying on the work of others and outsourcing, which resulted in several high-profile engineering-related failures, including death, damage to the environment, and large financial losses.

Entrusted to protect and safeguard public welfare, APEGA Council directed for the practice standard to be written that outlines the minimum requirements when relying on the work of others and outsourcing.  

The new standard combines and replaces three existing guidelines.

  • Relying on Work Prepared by Others (March 2013)
  • Determining the Need for Professional Involvement in Outsourced Engineering v.1.1 (March 2013)
  • Determining the Need for Professional Involvement in Outsourced Geoscience v.1.1 (March 2013)
  • Developing the Standard

    Throughout 2019, a subject-matter expert panel consisting of APEGA licensed professional volunteers contributed to the content of the practice standard. During the first phase of consultation, several permit holders were randomly selected and invited to review the draft standard.

    During the second phase (March-September 2020), the draft standard and learning material were made public and all licensed professionals, permit holders, and members of the public were given opportunity to become informed and provide feedback.