When you have completed your technical exams, you are eligible for The Iron Ring ceremony.
The Iron Ring ceremony, also known as The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer, is administered by a body called “The Corporation of the Seven Wardens”. This organization is independent of any particular engineering school or professional body. So you do not have to be a Professional Engineer or the graduate of a CEAB accredited program to become an “obligated engineer”.
You should get the ring. The Iron Ring is not only the widely recognized symbol of a Canadian engineer. The ring has a specific purpose prescribed by the wardens:
“The iron ring serves as a reminder to the obligated engineer to live by the high standard of professional conduct as stated in the Obligation. It is worn on the little finger of the working hand to remind the engineer of their ethical responsibility.“
To apply, you need to reach out to a local Camp. Some have websites and registration forms while others you will have to email.
Eventually you will need to pass on to the camp a confirmation that you have met the academic requirements for registration as an engineer. This may be your registration as an EIT (or a P. Eng.) but it could also be a letter from your association that notes you have completed your assigned technical examinations.
The various camps have different rules and expectations so it is hard to specify what you should expect on the day of the ceremony. Some allow guests and others may only allow guests who previously were “obligated engineers”. If there are several camps in your area, consider your options. It may also be possible to get into a smaller off season ceremony where you may see more mature people in the ritual.
There is a small fee for the ring and the ritual is short and meaningful. It is a suitable pause to recognize and celebrate the completion of your technical exams and your commitment to the next phase of your working life.