1AEngineering Principles & Knowledge
Apply fundamental engineering theories to real-world problems.
P.Eng licensure
The 34 P.Eng Competencies, Explained
To earn a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) licence in Canada, an engineer-in-training documents their work experience against a competency-based assessment: 34 competencies grouped into 7 categories, based on the Engineers Canada national standard and used by regulators such as EGBC and APEGA. This guide explains every competency in plain language, with a real example, so you know exactly what each one is asking for.
How competencies and SAR narratives fit together
For each competency, you write a short narrative in Situation-Action-Result (SAR) form: the situation and your role (15-20%), what you personally did (60-70%, the core), and the result and its impact (15-20%). Reviewers look for evidence that you, not your team, performed the work. The categories below are how the framework is organized; your job is to map your real projects onto them.
Category 1: Technical Competence
Apply engineering principles, methods, and tools to solve technical problems.
1BProblem Analysis
Identify, formulate, and analyze engineering problems.
Example: Analyze stormwater management requirements for development.
1CInvestigation & Research
Conduct investigations using appropriate methods.
Example: Field investigations for pump station sites.
1DDesign Solutions
Design engineering solutions that meet specifications.
Example: Design detention pond sizing and outlet control structures.
1EUse of Engineering Tools
Select and apply appropriate tools and software.
Example: HEC-RAS for flood modeling, Civil 3D for grading design.
1FCodes, Standards & Regulations
Apply relevant codes and standards.
Example: Metro Vancouver Design Guidelines, BC Building Code.
1GHealth & Safety
Identify and mitigate hazards.
Example: Confined space protocols, traffic control for site visits.
1HEnvironmental Protection
Apply environmental protection principles.
Example: Erosion and sediment control plans, fish habitat protection.
1IEconomic Analysis
Evaluate economic factors in engineering decisions.
Example: Life-cycle cost analysis comparing pump station alternatives.
1JSustainability
Integrate sustainability into design.
Example: Low Impact Development features, green infrastructure.
1KQuality Management
Implement quality assurance and control.
Example: QA/QC review procedures for design drawings.
1LRisk Assessment
Identify and evaluate risks.
Example: Flood risk assessment for development sites.
Category 2: Management of Engineering Work
Plan, schedule, and manage engineering projects and resources.
2AProject Management
Manage project scope, schedule, and budget.
Example: Lead stormwater design project from concept through detailed design.
2BResource Management
Allocate and manage resources effectively.
Example: Assign tasks to technologists and junior engineers.
2CDocumentation
Prepare complete and accurate documentation.
Example: Technical memos, design briefs, calculation packages.
2DCoordination
Coordinate with other disciplines and stakeholders.
Example: Coordinate civil/water with structural, electrical.
2ESupervision
Provide supervision and mentorship.
Example: Review work of EITs and technologists.
Category 3: Communication Skills
Communicate effectively through various methods and with diverse audiences.
3AWritten Communication
Prepare clear, concise technical documents.
Example: Stormwater management reports, technical memos.
3BOral Communication
Present technical information verbally.
Example: Client meetings presenting design alternatives.
3CListening & Questioning
Actively listen and ask clarifying questions.
Example: Client interviews to understand project requirements.
3DGraphical Communication
Use drawings, diagrams, visualizations effectively.
Example: Site grading plans, stormwater management layout drawings.
Category 4: Awareness of Social Implications
Understand societal, cultural, and environmental impacts of engineering work.
4APublic Interest
Hold paramount safety, health, and welfare of public.
Example: Prioritize flood protection over cost savings.
4BEnvironmental Impact
Consider environmental implications.
Example: Fish passage requirements in watercourse designs.
4CSocial & Cultural Context
Recognize social and cultural factors.
Example: Indigenous consultation on projects affecting traditional lands.
Category 5: Individual and Team Effectiveness
Work effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams.
5AProfessional Development
Commit to lifelong learning.
Example: Attend conferences, training on new software.
5BTeamwork
Collaborate effectively in teams.
Example: Work with multidisciplinary team on municipal projects.
5CInitiative & Leadership
Take initiative and provide leadership.
Example: Lead technical direction on projects, propose innovative solutions.
Category 6: Ethics and Equity
Practice engineering ethically with integrity and accountability.
6AProfessional Ethics
Apply professional code of ethics.
Example: Maintain confidentiality, disclose conflicts of interest.
6BEquity & Inclusion
Promote equity and inclusion.
Example: Ensure accessible design for infrastructure.
6CAccountability
Take responsibility for decisions and actions.
Example: Sign and seal drawings appropriately.
Category 7: Canadian Environment Competencies
Demonstrate knowledge specific to practicing engineering in Canada.
7ACanadian Legal Framework
Understand Canadian laws affecting engineering practice.
Example: Provincial regulations, Workers Compensation Act.
7BCanadian Standards & Codes
Apply Canadian standards and codes.
Example: NBC 2020, BC Building Code, CSA standards.
7CCanadian Business Practices
Understand Canadian business environment.
Example: CCDC contracts, professional services agreements.
7DIndigenous Relations
Recognize Indigenous rights and consultation requirements.
Example: Understand duty to consult, work with First Nations.
Turn your experience into competency narratives
squared.engineering tracks all 34 competencies, logs your work as you go, and uses Watson, your AI study companion, to help you shape Situation-Action-Result narratives from your real projects. You stay the author; Watson helps you organize.
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squared.engineering is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Engineers Canada or any provincial engineering regulator. The competency framework is based on the Engineers Canada national standard; always confirm the exact competency requirements with your regulator (for example EGBC or APEGA).