Revised Professional Practice Online Seminar Now Available

After an extensive review process, the revised Professional Practice Online Seminar (PPOS) is now available for applicants and trainees.

The seminar, which was revised to improve relevancy, accessibility, and inclusivity, provides an overview of the legal and ethical issues that affect engineers and geoscientists. The seminar discusses current issues and provides insight into legislation that affects all practicing registrants. Formerly called the Professional Engineering and Geoscience Practice in BC Online Seminar, it is one of six qualifying requirements that must be completed before professional registration can be granted.

The revised content addresses the evolution of engineering and geoscience practice, shifts in societal values and regional demographics, significant developments in professional regulation, and the implementation of the Professional Governance Act. 

The revision process began almost two years ago and included careful assessment, feedback, and review.

The Revision Process

An external online learning developer was hired to work with an Engineers and Geoscientists BC working group comprised of staff from the Professional Practice and Standards Development, Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Registration, Programs and Continuing Education, and Communications and Engagement departments to revise existing content and to develop new content.

The working group surveyed staff, advisory groups, and committee volunteers to evaluate how the course can continue to add value for applicants and new professional registrants and prepare them for professional life and professional practice in BC.

The course has also been shortened to 4–6 hours to support accessibility and retention. As well, a social responsibility module was added to help registrants better understand the expectations for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); Truth and Reconciliation; climate action; and sustainability.  

Twenty-seven registrants, volunteers, and applicants took part in a pilot review of the seminar in the spring. The feedback prompted Engineers and Geoscientists BC to review how it ensures compliance by monitoring course navigation, confirming the standard for knowledge checks, and optimizing the user experience with clearer instructions and more organization of resources.

The revised seminar is now available through the Knowledge Centre. The seminar is comprised of 10 modules with a combination of video interviews, concise reading, case studies, knowledge tests, and activities, providing an engaging and accessible learning platform. 

More information about the project can be found on the Consultation and Engagement webpage.