Professional Practice Examination Committee 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 Committee (PPEC). The PPEC is led and facilitated by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Alberta (APEGA).  

The PPEC ensures the appropriateness of the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) in addressing professional, ethical, regulatory, and legal responsibilities of a practicing licensed professional. It does this through reviewing and assessing questions that have been experimentally tested to ensure they meet standards to become operational and reviewing and assessing existing questions that are identified as having poor performance. It also will periodically review the existing blueprint and propose updates to meet the changing needs of engineering and geoscience regulators across the country. 

Reporting Structure

The PPEC operates under the administrative responsibility of the APEGA Registrar. Committee members are supported by APEGA’s Examinations Manager. 

Duties and Expectations

The PPEC members are tasked with and responsible for: 

• Reviewing and assessing questions that have been experimentally tested to ensure they meet standards to become operational. 
• Reviewing and assessing existing questions that are identified as having poor performance. 
• Periodically reviewing the existing Professional Practice Examination blueprint and propose updates as required to meet the changing needs of their nominating regulator group. 
• Soliciting information on the needs and problems of licensed professionals in the areas outlined by the National Professional Practice Examination blueprint. 
• Reviewing and approving suggested study materials and/or deletion of existing study materials consistent with the National Professional Practice Examination blueprint content and the purpose of the examination. 

Skills and Qualifications

PPEC members must 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 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 
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to recognize and value the contributions of others 
• Experience in assessment, testing, registration, and certification programs 

Term of Office

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

Average Time Committment

The PPEC 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 20-25 questions per month (approximately 3-5 hours per month) 
• Attend two virtual meetings each month, on Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1pm Mountain Time (approximately 3 hours per month) 
• 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; 
• The 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.  

Engineers and Geoscientists BC is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and affirming environment that values and respects diversity of culture and identity, both within our organization and in our larger community.