Competency-Based Assessment Scoring for Geoscience Applications
As of April 11, 2026, all professional geoscientist applicants are required to use the competency-based assessment (CBA) process when applying to APEGA. Read more about this change.
If you started your application before April 11 and have questions about the previous process, please contact [email protected].
The competency-based assessment (CBA) scoring scale is used to rate your ability to perform geoscience functions.
In your application, you must demonstrate professional-level experience and expertise across 29 key competencies. Each competency is rated on a scale from 0–5. You will provide a self-assessment for all competencies using the online Competency-Based Assessment Tool (CBAT).
Your validators will review the examples assigned to them and will provide scores based on their assessment of your abilities during the period in which they reviewed your technical work. A validator must have direct knowledge of your work and must have provided sufficient review to be familiar with the details of the work.
Each key competency requires a minimum score of 1 for you to be eligible to apply to APEGA. The overall average within each competency category must also meet or exceed the required minimum.
A validator who has reviewed and has direct knowledge of your work will be familiar with the details. An indirect manager who provided only high-level oversight may not have adequate familiarity with the work.
Competencies
The minimum competency levels for each category are as follows.
| Category | Required Category Score* In a Canadian context | Required Category Score* Not in a Canadian context |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Professional | 3 | 1 |
| 2. Scientific Methods | 3 | 1 |
| 3. Geoscience Practice | 3 | 1 |
| 4. Complementary | 3 | 1 |
* Minimum average score across all category competencies.
Validators for category 1 are expected to hold a professional geoscientist designation from a Canadian geoscience association for work done in Canada or acceptable geoscience practitioners for international work. Refer to the CBAT for more information on acceptable validators.
Scoring
The scoring system to rate your abilities in technical aspects of your work is as follows.
| Score | Description of Competency |
|---|---|
| 0 | No exposure to the competency. |
| 1 | A general awareness of the competency and its significance in practice. |
| 2 | Application of the competency, or components of the competency, with considerable supervision, in situations of low complexity and low risk. |
| 3 | Application of all components of the competency with limited supervision, in situations of moderate complexity and moderate risk. This may include situations in which the candidate supervises others in application of aspects of the competency while maintaining accountability for their work. |
| 4 | Application of the competency with minimal supervision, in situations of considerable complexity and moderate risk. This may include situations in which the candidate supervises others in application of aspects of the competency while maintaining accountability for their work. |
| 5 | Application of the competency with minimal supervision, in situations of significant complexity and high risk. This may include situations in which the candidate supervises others in application of aspects of the competency while maintaining accountability for their work. |
If your self-assessment score is lower than the minimum score for each key competency or the required overall average level for each competency category, you will not meet APEGA's minimum eligibility requirements and will be unable to submit the CBAT.
As per the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act, the BOE is the decision-making body on all applications for membership with APEGA. The BOE's review and final decision are based on your academic credentials, relevant work history, demonstrated core competencies, and validator feedback.