Document Authentication

An authenticated professional work product (PWP) indicates that an APEGA licensed professional has completed the work and is assuming technical responsibility for the PWP. If the licensed professional is assuming professional responsibility for only part of the PWP, the authentication must specify which part(s).

The products of engineering and geoscience services are called outputs. If the output contains technical information, final plans, specifications, calculations, reports, simulations, models, or any other technical document, it may be a PWP requiring authentication.

Answer the following three questions to determine whether an engineering or geoscience output is a PWP that must be authenticated:

  • Does the engineering or geoscience output contain technical information?
  • Is the technical information complete and final for the intended purpose of the output?
  • Will others rely on the technical information related to the output’s intended purpose?

If the answer is yes for all three questions, authentication is required. Authentication can only be completed by a licensed professional if:

  • the PWP was prepared by the licensed professional
  • the PWP was prepared by someone under the licensed professional’s direct supervision and control, or
  • the PWP was thoroughly reviewed by the licensed professional who accepts professional responsibility for it

Authentication Methods

Authentication requires the following criteria depending on the authentication method.

Physical

  • an ink impression or electronic image of the licensed professional's stamp
  • the licensed professional's handwritten signature
  • the handwritten authentication date
  • the licensed professional's APEGA ID number

Digital

  • an electronic image of the licensed professional's stamp
  • the licensed professional's APEGA ID number
  • the licensed professional's digital signature (verifiable through a digital certificate provider meeting APEGA's best practice) and an electronic image of the licensed professional's handwritten signature
  • the authentication date included with the digital signature and inserted as an electronic image

Validating PWPs

Validation is the process through which a Responsible Member demonstrates that a professional work product (PWP) meets the quality control and assurance measures described in a permit holder’s Professional Practice Management Plan. Validation is required if the PWP is produced by a licensed professional employed by, or working under contract of, an APEGA permit holder.

Validation Methods

A permit holder’s Responsible Member validates a PWP after it has been authenticated by a licensed professional. Validation consists of:

  • the permit holder’s name and Permit to Practice number
  • the Responsible Member's full signature
  • the Responsible Member's APEGA ID number
  • the date the Responsible Member signed the PWP, which may be different than the date it was authenticated

Digital Signatures

When using this method for authentication, APEGA licensed professionals must apply a digital signature supplied by a digital signature provider approved by APEGA. Currently, Notarius is the only APEGA-approved digital signature provider. Attend a Digital Signature webinar to learn more. 

How-To Guide: Signing up for a CertifiO for APEGA's Digital Signature


 

Stamps

To order an APEGA professional stamp, please log into myAPEGA and look for Purchase Professional Member Stamp in the finance centre. For further clarification, please email [email protected].

Log in to myAPEGA

If you are a Responsible Member and wish to have a physical permit stamp or an electronic image of a permit stamp created, you may order online through our current stamp supplier, Royal Rubber Stamp & Sign Co., or by calling 1-800-272-8859. For general questions on obtaining a permit stamp, please email [email protected].

More Information

The authentication standard is enforceable, as of November 1, 2020.

For further details on authentication, please refer to APEGA's practice standard, Authenticating Professional Work Products.
You can find additional practice standard resources on the Practice Standards, Bulletins, & Guidelines page. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.