Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) Scoring
The CBA scoring scale is used to rate an applicant's ability to perform engineering functions. For engineering applicants to be eligible for licensure, the APEGA Board of Examiners requires them to have work experience that is validated by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or a Practitioner in engineering which can be supervisors, managers, colleagues, or clients with direct knowledge of the applicant’s work. In Canada, it is expected that the validators are Professional Engineers (P.Eng.).
Applicants must demonstrate professional level experience and expertise in 22 key competencies. Fulfillment of each competency is rated on a scale of 0 – 5. The applicant will provide a self-assessment for all the competencies on the Competency Based Assessment Tool (CBAT) e-Form. Validators will review the examples assigned to them and will provide a score based on their assessment of the applicant’s abilities during the time the validator reviewed their technical work. Reviewing technical work means the validator has direct knowledge of the applicant's work and that they have provided sufficient review to be familiar with the details of the work.
Key competencies in each of the categories require a minimum score of 1 for the applicant to be eligible to apply to APEGA. The overall average for each competency category must meet or exceed a minimum level.
A validator who has reviewed the work will have direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and provided sufficient review to be familiar with the details of the work. An indirect manager providing review at a high level may not have adequate familiarity with the work.
Category 1: Technical Competency
Required category score (average across all competencies): 3.0
The scoring system for applicants’ abilities in technical aspects of their work is:
| Score | Description of Competency |
|---|---|
| 0 | Little or no exposure to the competency |
| 1 | Training Level: a general appreciation and awareness of the competency is required |
| 2 | Requires knowledge and understanding of objectives: uses standard engineering methods and techniques in solving problems |
| 3 | Carries out assignment of moderate scope and complexity; is typically seen to be prepared to assume professional engineering responsibilities |
| 4 | Carries out responsible and varied assignments requiring general familiarity with a broad field of engineering and knowledge |
| 5 | Uses mature engineering knowledge, independent accomplishments, and coordination of difficult and responsible assignments |
Validators for category 1 are expected to hold a P.Eng. designation from a Canadian engineering association for work done in Canada or acceptable engineering practitioners for international work. Refer to Competency-Based Assessment Tool for more information on acceptable validators.
Categories 2-6: Non-Technical Competencies
Minimum competency levels for each category are as follows:
| Category | Required Category Score* |
|---|---|
| 2. Communication | 3.0 |
| 3. Financial and Project Management | 2.0 |
| 4. Team Effectiveness | 3.0 |
| 5. Professional Accountability | 3.0 |
| 6. Social, Economic, and Environmental Accountability | 2.0 |
* Minimum average score across all category competencies
The scoring system for applicants’ competency in each category is:
| Score | Description of Competency |
|---|---|
| 0 | Little or no exposure to the competency |
| 1 | Training Level: a general appreciation and awareness of the competency is required |
| 2 | At a level of limited experience; carries out activities of limited scope and complexity; requires knowledge and understanding of objectives |
| 3 | Approaching a professional level; carries out activities of moderate complexity |
| 4 | Working at a professional level; carries out responsible and varied activities |
| 5 | At a mature professional level; independent coordination of difficult and responsible activities; independent accomplishments and coordination of difficult and responsible assignments |
If an applicant’s self-assessment score is lower than the minimum score for each key competency or the required overall average level for each competency category, the application will not meet APEGA's minimum eligibility requirements, and they will not be able to submit the CBAT.
According to the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, APEGA's Board of Examiners (BOE) is the decision-making body on all applications for membership with APEGA. The BOE's review and final decision is based on an applicant's academic credentials, relevant work history, demonstrated core competencies, and validator feedback.