Please note that some pages are only available in French.
The professional exam confirms that future members of the OIQ are familiar with the professional, regulatory and ethical framework of the engineering profession in Quebec.
Anyone who wants to practice engineering in Quebec and use the “Eng.” Title must pass the professional exam.
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.
The purpose of this exam is 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.
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).
You must register at least one month (30 days) before the date of the selected exam session.
If you need to reschedule your registration, you must do so at least one month (30 days) before the exam and 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 to rewrite the exam.
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 (PAP). 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, where you can view the exam schedule and complete your registration.
If you hold a temporary restrictive permit
The first registration for the exam is free. Each year, the OIQ holds several examination sessions throughout Quebec. All upcoming dates are available on the registration platform.
The exam lasts 3 hours and consists of 110 multiple-choice questions. It must be taken in French (certain exceptions apply). No documentation is permitted during the exam.
The professional exam is not technical in nature. It is designed to test your knowledge on the following topics:
If you are a candidate to the engineering profession (CEP)
Before registering for the professional exam, you must complete theoretical training, which lasts 30 hours. It is composed of 4 theoretical training blocks, accessible from your CEP portal.
If you hold a temporary restrictive permit
The OIQ has compiled all the required information in a study guide: Integral Material for Exam Preparation (available in French). Plan on 25 to 30 hours of study time to prepare for the professional exam. And don’t forget to refer to the laws and regulations cited in this document.
The passing score for the professional exam is 60%. You will receive your results by email within 30 days of taking the exam.
You can deduct the preparation for the professional exam from your mandatory continuing education hours.
You will be credited with 9 hours of continuing education if you pass the professional exam. The OIQ will enter the hours in your file, which you can then confirm in your portal. See the Professional admission program page for more details on the temporary restrictive permit.
If you disagree with a decision regarding your file or exam, you can request a review.
Contact our team to ask any questions you may have regarding the professional exam.