Education · 1 of 4

The path

Civil or geological degree, often a master's, supervised experience, licence.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Advanced Functions, Calculus, Physics and Chemistry are required for admission. Marks in the high 80s at most schools.

2. 2

   Civil or geological engineering degree

   4 to 5 years with co-op

   Both are accredited. Civil leans toward foundations and structures. Geological engineering leans toward rock: Queen's, UBC (University of British Columbia), Waterloo, Saskatchewan and Laval offer it.

3. 3

   Master's in geotechnical engineering

   1 to 2 years

   Optional but common. It is where you learn soil mechanics in real depth.

4. 4

   Engineer-in-training

   About 4 years

   Register as an engineer-in-training (EIT). Log boreholes, run lab tests, then move into analysis and reports under a licensed engineer.

5. 5

   Exam and P.Eng (professional engineer) licence

   After 4 years

   Pass the professional practice exam, then apply with your experience record. Now you can sign the geotechnical report a building permit depends on.