Practice Reviews
The Practice Review Board (PRB), through its authority established under section 16(1)(b) of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act and at the direction of APEGA Council, can inquire into the practices of licensed professionals and permit holders. Under section 32.1 of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act Bylaws, APEGA registrants have an obligation to respond promptly and appropriately to any requests of a regulatory nature.
These inquiries are conducted through individual reviews and permit holder practice reviews, which are intended to confirm compliance with regulatory requirements and standards of practice.
Permit Holder Practice Reviews
A practice review is a proactive, collegial process that helps APEGA permit holders meet their professional and regulatory obligations. It focuses on how a permit holder manages its professional practice, including its Professional Practice Management Plan (PPMP), authentication and outsourcing practices, professional oversight, title use, and related requirements. Practice reviews are not technical reviews.
The practice review is not intended to investigate or penalize a permit holder. The purpose is to identify gaps, to clarify requirements, to provide feedback, and to support greater alignment with current expectations for professional practice in Alberta.
APEGA’s long-term objective is for every permit holder to undergo a practice review every 10 years.
How Permit Holders Are Selected
Permit holders may be selected for a practice review for the following reasons:
- quarterly screening of internal compliance metrics
- as part of a sector-focused review
- by referral from another APEGA regulatory department
- random selection
Common Questions
Am I required to participate in the practice review?
Yes, practice reviews are conducted under the authority of the EGP Act, and permit holders must participate in this regulatory process.
I don’t have a PPMP. What should I do?
Section 48(1)(d) of the General Regulation requires all APEGA permit holders to follow a professional practice management plan appropriate to their scope of practice. If you have never prepared one, now is the time to do so. A PPMP template can be downloaded from the APEGA website.
Why is APEGA reviewing permit holder practice?
APEGA conducts practice reviews to fulfill its legal mandate to protect the public interest. These practice reviews identify compliance gaps and provide findings to permit holders that bring business registrants into alignment with established standards of practice.
Are practice reviews conducted on licensed professionals?
Yes. The regulatory context and authorities are the same as for permit holder practice reviews, although the scope is aligned with individual requirements.