Education · 1 of 5

The path

Degree, supervised experience, exam, licence. Most of it happens in Alberta.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

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

2. 2

   Accredited engineering degree

   4 to 5 years with co-op

   Petroleum engineering at the University of Alberta, or oil and gas engineering at the University of Calgary. The University of Regina also has a program, and Memorial University in Newfoundland offers oil and gas engineering as a master's after a first degree. Chemical or mechanical engineering with an oil and gas focus works too.

3. 3

   Engineer-in-training

   About 4 years

   Register as an engineer-in-training (EIT) with APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta) or your provincial regulator. Work under a licensed engineer. Log your experience.

4. 4

   Professional practice exam

   During your EIT years

   A law and ethics exam, written during your first years of work.

5. 5

   P.Eng (professional engineer) licence

   After 4 years

   Apply with your experience record and references. Now you can sign well designs and take legal responsibility for them.