THEORETICAL COMPONENT
A FOUNDATIONAL STEP
The theoretical component is one of three parts of the Professional Admission Program, along with the practical component and language requirements. This component consists of a series of online training modules featuring questions and scenarios similar to those in the professional exam. You can complete these modules in any order. There is no prescribed sequence.
QUICK FACTS
The theoretical component involves:
- Online training modules
- A study guide to help you prepare for the exam
- The professional exam
You can complete the theoretical component at your own pace, within the five-year timeframe for completing the Professional Admission Program. You can start this component while you’re still a student. It’s the only part of the program available to you before graduation.
Keep in mind
There are a limited number of exam dates, so it’s important to plan ahead. Set aside enough time to complete each of the four mandatory modules. You’ll need about 30 hours to finish them all. Once you’re done, we’ll send you a link to register for the professional exam. Don’t wait to register. Registration closes one month before each exam date, so be sure to choose a date that works best for you.
1 – ONLINE TRAINING MODULES
The theoretical component has five modules and takes about 30 hours to complete. Together, the modules cover the material you need to know for the professional exam and to start your engineering practice.
| Module 1 | The Québec professional system and professional development | Required |
| Module 2 | Ethics and professional conduct | Required |
| Module 3 | Laws and regulations | Required |
| Module 4 | Standards of professional practice | Required |
| Module 5 | Supplemental training | Optional |
You can complete these modules in any order and at your own pace. Just be sure to finish them all at least one month before your exam. You’ll continue to have access to the course materials once completed.
2 – STUDY GUIDE
This document provides a summary of the course material you’ll be tested on in the professional exam. Keep it handy as you progress through the modules and prepare for the exam. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to study.
Please note that this document is only available in French.
3 – THE PROFESSIONAL EXAM
- Exam sessions are held in person, at various locations across Quebec.
- In accordance with Quebec legislation, the professional exam is offered in French to all candidates.
- It consists of 110 multiple-choice questions.
- A passing grade is 60%.
You must complete all required modules before taking the professional exam. Once you have completed them, we will send you a link to register. Registration closes one month before each exam session, so complete the modules early enough to get your preferred date. Use this time to review the course material and the study guide. Visit the professional exam page to see upcoming exams.
FEES
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online training module 1 – The Québec professional system and professional development | 35 $ |
| Online training module 2 – Ethics and professional conduct | 85 $ |
| Online training module 3 – Laws and regulations | 85 $ |
| Online training module 4 – Standards of professional practice | 140 $ |
| Parcours de formations préparatoires à l’examen professionnel (TRP only) | 345 $ |
| Professional exam registration (first attempt or retake) | 285 $ |
Prices include taxes. Certain fees are included in the cost of admission for holders of a Temporary Restrictive Permit (TRP).
UPCOMING CHANGES
An updated version of the theoretical component will be available in fall 2026. We have streamlined the learning experience and updated the content to better reflect what candidates will see on the professional exam.
Goals
- Simplify and streamline the learning experience.
- Modernize the theoretical component by offering shorter and more effective online training.
- Align the training materials and study guide with the professional exam.
Key changes
- About 55% of the course content has been revised.
- The study guide has been updated and shortened.
- An optional mock exam has been added to Module 5.
- About ten professional exam questions have been updated.
IMPORTANT DATES
October 20, 2026: Deadline to register for the last exam session based on the current content.
November 23, 2026: Updated version of the theoretical component goes into effect.
Starting in 2027: The professional exam will be aligned with the updated course content.
WHAT TO DO
You can either continue your current path or wait for the new version to go live, whichever works best for you. To learn about the possible impacts, review the scenario that best matches your situation.
I haven’t started the theoretical component yet
I’ve completed less than 50% of the theoretical component
I’ve completed more than 50% of the theoretical component
I’ve completed all the required modules, but I haven’t signed up for the exam yet
I’ve completed all the required modules and registered for a 2026 exam
I didn’t pass the exam on my first try
I didn’t pass the exam on my second try
I’ve completed the theoretical component and passed the exam
I have a Temporary Restrictive Permit (TRP). How will the theoretical component update affect me?
FAQ
What content will change?
Most modules will be updated, especially Modules 2, 3, 4, and 5. Some content will be added, combined, shortened, or removed. Module 5 will also include a new mock exam. Module 1 will only have minor updates. This diagram in French shows the changes for each module.
What happens to the course content I already paid for?
Any course content you completed before the update will stay in your portal and remain marked as complete. If you started a course but have not finished it by November 23, 2026, you will need to restart that course. Courses you already completed within a module will still be marked as complete.
The updated content will be available in your portal starting November 23, 2026. The current version of completed content will be replaced by the updated version, which you can access at no additional cost.
How can I get ready for the professional exam?
Complete the four required modules and review the study guide. Plan for about 30 hours to finish the mandatory modules. Starting November 23, 2026, you can also use the mock exam to practice for the exam. It will be offered at no cost in Module 5.
What is the mock exam?
The optional mock exam in Module 5 will feature questions and scenarios like those you’ll encounter on the professional exam to give you a better idea of what to expect. It will be available at no additional cost starting November 23, 2026.
IN A NUTSHELL
TRAINING MODULES
There are still four required training modules to complete, but about 55% of the content will be updated. The number of courses will decrease from 22 to 19, and the training will take about 25 hours instead of 29. A fifth, optional module will also be added, at no additional cost, with a mock exam to help you prepare.
STUDY GUIDE
The new study guide will be more concise and visually engaging, going from 480 to 130 pages.
PROFESSIONAL EXAM
Only about 10 of the 110 questions will be updated to reflect changes to the training content.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions about the theoretical component or any other part of the Professional Admission Program, we are here to help.
CONTACT US