If you want to grow your career as an engineer in Ontario, then getting a Professional Engineers Ontario license is what you need. It is confirmation that you comply with the PEO requirements. And that you are capable of supervising engineering works independently. 

What kind of qualifications does PEO require?

The first step to understanding what PEO wants is to review their application criteria. They mainly confirm three big things: 

1. Your engineering knowledge and experience must be sufficient to enable you to practice independently in your field of engineering.

2. You ought to have proper morals and ethical sense and adhere to the professional regulations, codes and rules of practice.

3. You have to show that you can effectively communicate and operate on your own and be on good terms with others.

These three criteria should be convincingly and clearly shown in any documentation you provide to PEO. 

Meeting the Education Requirements

PEO first looks at your educational background.

In case you have studied in a program that is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, PEO normally recognises your degree straightaway.

If your degree is from a university outside Canada or from a school that is not accredited, PEO may carefully scrutinise your transcripts. They may request course outlines and, in some cases, you may have to appear for technical exams. 

By preparing your documents well and making them understandable, you are facilitating this stage. It takes less time and Professional Engineers Ontario can finish your review quickly. 

Showing the Right Engineering Experience

PEO wants 48 months (4 years) of work experience in engineering. From this, at least one year must be after the university program and under the supervision of a professional engineer in Canada. This Canadian experience is proof that you know the local rules, safety standards, and practices. 

Final​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Review by PEO Canada

PEO Canada will perform a final review once you have completed the PPE and submitted all the required documents. They verify if your education, experience, and examination results are in line with their requirements. In case everything is fine, you will be issued your license and can legally use the P.Eng designation. If the PEO asks for more information, you must respond immediately.