What is a technical exam? A technical exam is a tool used to assess a candidate’s ability to apply the concepts and principles of engineering.
The technical examinations have been part of professional engineering in Canada since the first regulations in 1920. In fact, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), has audited CEAB accredited programs to the technical examination syllabus from the start of accreditation in 1965 to today. All professional engineers in Canada have the same academic standard and that standard is the technical examination syllabus.
These exams are assigned by the provincial engineering regulator as an alternative yet equally valid path to the profession for graduates of non-CEAB accredited programs such as foreign trained engineers and those who have graduated from two year (Diploma), three year (Advanced Diploma), or four year (Bachelors) engineering technology programs. It is also possible to enter the profession after a degree in a related science such as Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Geoscience. There is even a path through technical exams for those who have not completed a CEAB accredited degree.
If you have been assigned technical exams, you will be required to take technical exams as part of the process to become a licensed engineer. The exams are administered by PEO, EGBC, and APEGA except for in Quebec where OIQ has their own parallel examinations program.
The provincial engineering regulators refer to these exams with some variance. For example, EGBC refers to “academic” exams. If you are registered with APEGS, you may have “deficiency” exams. OIQ in Quebec calls them “Les examens d’admission” (“admission exams“). Many provinces refer to a “Confirmatory Exam Program“. The exams are generally referred to as the “National Technical Exams” but some provinces do have some exams that are not offered in other provinces.
The exams cover the material of one or two typical CEAB course you would take in a CEAB accredited program. The academic standard is the same.
These exams are divided into three categories: Basic, Complementary, and Discipline-specific.
The basic category covers the fundamental concepts and principles that are common across all engineering disciplines. It includes topics such as mathematics, fluid mechanics, and electromagnetics.
The complementary category covers additional topics in engineering including engineering economics, health & safety, ethics, sustainability, and management that are important for professional practice.
Within the Discipline-specific category, there are subcategories A and B. Category A will include the fundamental knowledge required in your chosen field of engineering, while Category B will include the advanced and specialized topics for that field.
Since 2021, the technical exams are proctored by online agents but otherwise the format of the exams is relatively unchanged for decades. OIQ is the exception where applicants still write in person in Montreal. The exams are written on paper and are three hours in length. In most exams you are given six or more long form questions and you have some choice as you usually have to answer most but not all of the questions. The exams are no more difficult than typical engineering exams you’ve likely taken before except you get the full semester in one go.
Typical past exams with a sample solution are available on this site as are complete solution sets for past exams and tutors to help you plan and prepare.