Canadian Graduates

You studied in Canada

This page is intended for those who have obtained their Bachelor of Engineering degree from a Canadian educational institution outside Quebec. The program of study must be accredited by Engineers Canada’s Accreditation Board (ECAB).

If you are already a P. Eng or a member of a Canadian engineering association, you can apply as a member of another association or try our Preadmission Guide to get an overview of your admission process.

Introduction

Before you begin the process of obtaining your engineer’s permit, make sure you understand Quebec’s specific requirements, including language, fees and the required documents to evaluate your file.

Language Requirements

In Quebec, the engineering profession requires a sufficient command of the French language. You’ll need to demonstrate your proficiency in French when you apply. For more information, see  language requirements.

Fees and Delays

Before submitting your application, check the associated fees and processing times. Complete applications are generally processed within 2-8 weeks. You can find the fee schedule and other useful information on this page or by contacting us directly.

Required Documents

To submit a complete application, be sure to prepare the necessary documents in English or French. Please have them ready before starting the process.

 

Required Documents

The documents required will vary according to your academic and professional background, and the years since you graduated. Gather these documents before you begin your application to ensure fast and efficient processing.

Canadian Undergraduates in Engineering

  • A digital copy of your birth certificate or passport. Driver’s license and health insurance card are not accepted.
  • A digital copy of your official transcripts for each degree you are applying for. Your educational institution must send a digital copy of your transcripts directly to the Ordre, marked “diplôme octroyé” or “degree granted” with the date of graduation.
  • If available, a document demonstrating your knowledge of French. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient knowledge of French to practice the profession.

* If your engineering degree was obtained more than 5 years ago, the knowledge you acquired during your studies may no longer correspond to the current curriculum. You must therefore demonstrate that your work experience or training acquired since then has bridged this gap by one of the following ways:

  • An email from your educational institution confirming that the content of the program you followed still corresponds to what is currently offered.
  • Any graduate degree in engineering or a related field obtained within the last five years. Your educational institution must send the transcript directly to the OIQ.
  • Your up-to-date CV and a certification of experience for a job you’ve held within the last five years. For this, please fill out one of two forms (below) that apply to your situation. One year of experience may be sufficient if it is related to the field of study of your undergraduate degree.

How to apply

The application process for Canadian graduates consists of two steps. First, submit an online application. Then, send all the required documents listed above in PDF format to [email protected]. Please note that your application will begin to be processed only once your file is complete.

A degree in science or technology?

If you have a degree in a field other than engineering (such as a pure and applied science or technology) and wish to apply to the OIQ, please see the page dedicated to this profile. Your admission process will be slightly different.

 

Related Fees

A fee is required to process your application and registration for the Profession Admission Program and its theoretical component. Processing will begin after payment is received and a complete application is submitted. Please see the fee schedule for details.

Application Registration in the Professional Admission Program
Canadian Diplomas (outside of Quebec) $660 $ 505 + taxes
Effective from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, amounts are non-refundable and subject to change. Candidates who register for the Professional Admission Program within 6 months of the Admissions Committee's decision may benefit from a waiver of registration fees.

How to submit your request

If your first engineering degree was obtained in Canada, you can submit your application online. We’ll start processing your file as soon as it’s complete and you’ve paid the application fee.

FAQ

What is the professional admission program (CEP)?

“CEP” is the title given to a candidate before he or she is granted an engineering permit. During the professional admission program, you’ll be assessed on 3 levels: practical, theoretical and language.

You’ll acquire key skills through hands-on experience supervised by an engineer. You’ll also have to complete an online theory course, and pass a professional exam. And finally, you’ll have to demonstrate your knowledge of the French language.

When can I apply?

If you are a Québec student, you can apply for admission as soon as you’ve accumulated 60 credits in an accredited undergraduate engineering program, even if you do not yet have a job in the engineering field. It will take 8 to 12 weeks to evaluate your application once submitted. You’ll receive notification of the admissions committee’s decision by email.

How do I register for the CEP program?

If you are eligible, all you have to do is gather the necessary documents, complete your application and the adventure begins.

How long will I remain a CEP?

Anywhere from two to five years. You’ll need to gain a minimum of 24 months of practical experience under the supervision of an experienced engineer to fulfill the key competency requirements. You have up to five years to complete the program and advance from “CEP” to “eng.”

How much does it cost

As with all things in engineering, this depends on a number of factors. However, here’s the most likely scenario for Québec students and graduates. You will need to pay a fee for each of the following:

  • Application
  • Program registration
  • Theoretical component
  • Professional exam

See here to view the complete list of program fees.

*A renewal fee applies each year you are enrolled in the program, except for students, who are exempt from this fee. Register during your studies or within six months after graduation and get 50% off the program registration fee.

Do I need to translate my documents?

Do I need to translate my documents?

During the application process, the OIQ only accepts documents in English or French.

If your documents are not written in English or French, they must be accompanied by a translation in one of these two languages. The translation must be certified by a translator who is a member of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ). If you are not located in Quebec, please provide a translation that is recognized by the appropriate authority in your province or country.

However, you are not required to have your course outline translated by a certified translator. You must still provide a translation of documents that are not in English or French. If the translation is not done by a certified translator, the translator must provide a sworn affidavit.

In Quebec, are engineering graduates automatically considered engineers?

No. To practice engineering in Quebec and use the reserved title of “engineer” (Eng.), you must hold a permit in good standing and be registered on the OIQ’s roll. In addition, the admission and permit process differs if the candidate obtained their engineering degree in Quebec, in another Canadian province, or abroad. By law, the OIQ also requires its members to have appropriate knowledge of French before it issues the permit to practice, although certain exceptions may apply for temporary permits.

More:
The path to becoming an engineer in Quebec
Practicing engineering in Quebec, with details on language requirements.

Ready to Apply ?

To start your application, create your account online. Once you have submitted your documents and paid the fees, we can begin to analyse your application. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career.


Apply Online