Professional Exam

An essential step

The professional exam certifies that future members of the OIQ have a comprehensive knowledge of the professional, regulatory and ethical framework of the engineering profession in Quebec. Anyone wishing to practice engineering in the province and use the title of “Engineer” must pass this examination.

We encourage you to read the information below before registering.

Exam dates in 2024 Locations Registration Deadlines
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1 p.m. Rimouski October 5, 2024
Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 9 a.m. Montreal October 22, 2024
*Some dates may be subject to change. Check the registration platform for the latest information.
Exam dates in 2025 Locations Registration deadlines
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 9 a.m. Montreal January 9, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. Trois-Rivières January 16, 2025
Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 1 p.m. Rouyn-Noranda February 6, 2025
Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 9 a.m. Montreal February 13, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. Quebec City March 13, 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1 p.m. Gatineau March 27, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Montreal April 14, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1 p.m. Sept-îles May 1, 2025
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Montreal (South Shore) May 8, 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1 p.m. Chicoutimi May 15, 2025
Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9 a.m. Montreal July 24, 2025
Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. Quebec City August 14, 2025
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Montreal (North Shore) September 1, 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 1 p.m. Sherbrooke September 18, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1 p.m. Rimouski October 9, 2024
Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 9 a.m. Montreal October 16, 2025

Important: From November 20th, 2024, adjustments will be made to certain theory courses and to the the Professional Exam Study Guide. As a result, a new version of this exam will be introduced. Any progress made in uncompleted training courses will be lost and will have to be repeated. The new version of the professional exam will be introduced in 2025.

Registration for the professional exam

You will find the dates of upcoming professional exam sessions at the top of this page or on the OIQ’s “Eventbrite” platform.

  • The exam must be taken in French.
  • Registration opens 3 months before the exam date.
  • The deadline for registration is always 1 month before the exam.
  • Before registering, make sure you have completed your theoretical training.

Why this exam is mandatory

The professional exam is for candidates to the engineering profession (CEP) and holders of a temporary restrictive permit, including individuals who studied engineering in France. It is an essential step to obtain your engineer’s permit.

This exam aims to ensure that future engineers are familiar with the professional, regulatory, and ethical framework for the practice of engineering in Quebec. Professional engineering associations in other Canadian provinces require a similar exam.

How to register, and what is the cost

You must register at least one month before the date of the selected exam session.
If you need to reschedule your exam, you must contact us at least one month before the exam date by email: [email protected]. Otherwise, you won’t be reimbursed and will be required to pay the registration fee again. This fee also applies if you need

The cost to take the exam depends on your status, on whether you are a candidate to the engineering profession (CEP) or the holder of a temporary restrictive permit (TRP):

If you are a candidate to the engineering profession (CEP)
Before registering for the professional exam, you must complete the 4 mandatory theoretical training as part of the Professional admission program. This training is accessible from your CEP portal. Once you have completed the mandatory theoretical training, you will receive an email inviting you to register for the professional exam. This email will include a link to the registration platform to view the exam schedule and complete your registration.

If you hold a temporary restrictive permit
The first registration for the exam is free. However, before you can register, you must complete the “Parcours de formations préparatoires à l’examen professionnel.” These online training courses are only available in french and accessible from 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 theoretical training, you will receive an email inviting you to register for the professional exam. It will include a link to the registration platform to view upcoming exam dates and proceed with your registration. The OIQ holds several in-person exam sessions each year in various locations throughout Quebec.

What to expect on the day of the exam

The exam must be taken in French (with a few exceptions) and lasts three (3) hours. It consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. No documentation or electronic devices are allowed during the exam.

What to bring

A pencil and photo ID to identify yourself on the day of the exam.

Topics covered in the professional exam

  • The engineer’s social role and professional development
  • Ethics, professional conduct and professionalism
  • Applicable laws and regulations in Quebec
  • Standards of professional practice in Quebec

Preparing for the professional exam

If you are a candidate to the engineering profession (CEP)
Before registering for the professional exam, you must complete the theoretical training course, which lasts approximately 30 hours. It consists of 4 training blocks, accessible from your CEP portal.

If you hold a temporary restrictive permit (TRP)
You must complete the “Parcours de formations préparatoires à l’examen professionnel”. These online training courses are accessible from your portal. The OIQ has also compiled all the information you need to prepare for the exam in a Study Guide. Plan 25 to 30 hours of study to prepare for the professional exam. Remember to refer to the laws and regulations cited in this document.

Passing grade and receiving results

The passing grade for the professional exam is 60%. You will receive your results by email within 30 days of taking the exam.

What to do if you disagree with a decision

If you disagree with a decision concerning your file or exam, you can request a review. Fill in the Review Request Form (in french) and send it to us by email.

Do you have any questions?

Contact our team to get answers to all your questions.


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