Professional Exam

Upcoming exam dates

Who is the professional exam intended for?

The professional exam is required for candidates to the engineering profession (CEP) and holders of a temporary restrictive permit, including individuals who studied engineering in France. It is a mandatory step toward obtaining an engineer’s permit in Quebec. The exam helps ensure that future engineers understand the rules, responsibilities, and ethical standards governing engineering practice in Quebec. Similar exams are required across Canada.

How to register and what it costs

Registration and fees

Once you have completed the four mandatory online training modules, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for an upcoming exam session. Consult our fee schedule for applicable fees.

Register at least one month before the selected exam date.

If you need to reschedule, contact us at ([email protected]) at least one month before the exam date. Otherwise, no refund will be issued, and a new registration fee will apply. Fees vary depending on your status as a candidate (CEP) or a holder of a temporary restrictive permit (TRP).

Candidate to the engineering profession (CEP)

Temporary restrictive permit (TRP) holders

Your first exam attempt is free of charge. Before registering, however, you must complete the Parcours de formations préparatoires à l’examen professionnel. These online courses are available only in French and can be accessed through your portal. They are mandatory under the Règlement sur la délivrance d’un permis de l’Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec pour donner effet à l’arrangement conclu par l’Ordre en vertu de l’Entente entre le Québec et la France en matière de reconnaissance mutuelle des qualifications professionnelles.

Once you have completed the training, you will receive an email with a link to the registration platform, where you can view upcoming exam dates and register. The OIQ holds several in-person exam sessions each year at locations across Quebec.

What to expect on exam day

The professional exam is written in French (except in certain situations authorized by the OIQ). It lasts three hours and includes approximately 100 multiple-choice questions.

To ensure a fair testing environment for all candidates, reference materials, mobile phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices are not permitted during the exam.

What to bring

Make sure to bring:

• A pencil
• A valid and official photo ID

You will need to present your identification before the exam begins.

Topics covered on the professional exam

The exam assesses your knowledge of:

• The engineer’s role in society and professional development
• Ethics, professional conduct, and professionalism
• Laws and regulations applicable to the engineering practice in Quebec
• Standards of professional practice in Quebec
• The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ)

How to prepare

If you are a candidate to the engineering profession (CEP)

Before registering for the professional exam, you must complete the 30-hour theoretical training program, which consists of four mandatory learning modules available through your CEP portal.

These modules are designed to help you develop the knowledge required to succeed on the exam and to practise engineering responsibly in Quebec.

If you hold a temporary restrictive permit (TRP)

You must complete the Parcours de formations préparatoires à l’examen professionnel, available through your portal.

To support your preparation, the OIQ has also developed a Study Guide that brings together the key concepts covered on the exam. Plan to spend approximately 25 to 30 hours preparing and be sure to review the laws and regulations referenced in the guide.

Results and passing grade

• The passing grade for the professional exam is 60%.
• Your results will be sent by email within 30 days of taking the exam.

Requesting a review

If you disagree with your exam result, you may submit a Request for review. Fees may apply.