Professional Practice Examination Screening Group Member

Purpose

Engineers and Geoscientists BC is the regulatory body responsible for individuals and firms who undertake and assume responsibility for professional engineering and geoscience work in BC. Our duty is to serve and protect the public interest with respect to the exercise of the professions of engineering and geoscience, professional governance, and the conduct of registrants. 

This role will represent Engineers and Geoscientists BC on the Professional Practice Examination Screening Group (PPESG). The PPESG is led and facilitated by staff from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Alberta (APEGA).  

As a representative for Engineers and Geoscientists BC, this role will support APEGA staff in developing appropriate questions for the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE), which examines applicants for registration on professional, ethical, regulatory, and legal responsibilities of a practicing licensed professional. It does this through reviewing and assessing new questions to ensure that they are appropriate for each Canadian jurisdiction and profession, the blueprint, and for comprehension.  

Reporting Structure

The PPESG reports to the Professional Practice Examination Committee (PPEC), which is led by APEGA.  PPESG members are supported by APEGA’s Examinations Manager. 

Duties and Expectations

The PPESG members are tasked with and responsible for: 

• Reviewing and assessing new questions when requested by APEGA staff and providing comments through an online platform in a timely fashion. 
• Maintaining knowledge of the Professional Practice Examination blueprint and suggested reading materials. 

Skills and Qualifications

PPESG members demonstrate the following skills and knowledge: 

• Be in good standing with the nominating regulator and have a license to practice engineering or geoscience with a minimum of five years of industry experience post-licensure  
• Have a good understanding of public interest and self-regulation  
• Have a good understanding of good character and reputation 
• Have a good understanding of professionalism and professional ethics 
• Have excellent communication skills: written, reading, and comprehension 
• Be an open-minded individual with the ability to put complicated scenarios into context 
• Be detail oriented 

The following skills and experience are an asset, but not required: 

• Experience with interpreting legislation 
• Experience in assessment, testing, registration, and certification programs

Term of Office

PPESG members are on the committee for 3 years, with the chance of renewal. 

Average Time Committment

The PPESG meets once a year for 1-2 days in APEGA’s Edmonton or Calgary office (travel and meeting expenses paid by APEGA).  

The majority of the work is conducted online/virtually. Preparation and time commitments are estimated as follows: 

• Independent review and comment of 45-50 questions per month (approximately 4-6 hours per month) 
• Occasional short virtual meetings as needed to clarify comments 
• Additional time as needed for onboarding or out-of-meeting factors.

Benefits and Other Information

• Opportunity to advance the profession by sharing your knowledge and experience; 
• Learn new skills and expand your business network; 
• Authorized in-person meeting travel expenses; 
• Opportunity to log hours towards your Engineers and Geoscientists BC Continuing Education program requirements; and
• Volunteer appreciation. 

As a representative of Engineers and Geoscientists BC of the PPESG, the member will be subject to Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s relevant volunteer policies and APEGA’s Volunteer Code of Conduct Policy, Travel and Business Expense Policy – Staff and Volunteers, Volunteer Eligibility Policy, Volunteer Privacy Policy, the Volunteer Acknowledgement and Agreement, and the Non-Disclosure Acknowledgement.