Engineers and Geoscientists BC
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Registration Process Changes: COVID-19

Engineers and Geoscientists BC recognizes the significant impact that COVID-19 is having on our applicants, members-in-training, their employers, supervisors, and our volunteers.

To help support current and prospective applicants with their applications during these uncertain times, Engineers and Geoscientists BC has created the following FAQ page to address common registration and application process questions, as well as provide information on temporary measures that have recently been implemented in response to COVID-19.

The Engineers and Geoscientists BC office is temporarily closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but our staff is working remotely to continue to support our applicants, registrants and volunteers.

  • 1. Are application assessments continuing?

    Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, academic and experience evaluations are continuing, however there may be some delays. Please rest assured that we continue to track and expedite evaluations to the degree possible during this time.

  • 2. Are there any measures in place if I am unable to afford application or licensing fees due to COVID-19?

    Applicants and new registrants who cannot afford to pay their application or one-time licensing fees due to financial concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic may defer/delay payment of their application or licensing fees until October 1, 2020. Applicants may request a deferral of fees by contacting the Registration department at [email protected].

    Please note that this is a temporary support measure and outstanding application fees must be paid before registration or enrolment can be granted. We request that applicants and new registrants pay their application or one-time licensing fees as soon as they can afford to do so.

    Internationally-educated applicants may be able to take advantage of ISS of BC’s Global Talent Loan Program to assist with their application fees.

  • 3. Can I still book an in-person consultation to discuss my application?

    In-person consultations are not available at this time due to the closure of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC office to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please contact the Registration department at [email protected] with any questions related to your

  • 4. Will Engineers and Geoscientists BC accept unofficial transcripts?

    Yes, unofficial transcripts will be accepted from applicants whose university does not issue official electronic transcripts as a temporary measure. We will request official replacement documents when it is appropriate and safe to do so.

    Due to the closure of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC office and the reliance on mailed transcripts from universities who do not offer a secure transfer of official electronic transcripts, the uploading of mailed official transcripts to an applicant’s file may be delayed.

    To provide for expedited uploading of official transcripts in the future, we recommend applicants also order official transcripts to be sent directly from their institution of study to Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Please note that an official transcript or affidavit will be required before a practising designation can be awarded.

    Applicants should first contact the Registration department at [email protected] to receive instructions on how to upload unofficial transcripts through the applicant portal.

  • 5. How is Engineers and Geoscientists BC handling academic credentials and interim grading during COVID-19?

    Many universities and institutions have implemented interim grading arrangements. Until further notice, academic credentials that are awarded since May/June 2020 will be accepted as long as failures in required courses have been made up by a pass or credit.

  • 6. What if you have requested official course descriptions from my university and I can’t access them?

    Many universities and institutions are closed and cannot provide official course descriptions. Until further notice, Engineers and Geoscientists BC will accept course descriptions with an explanation provided by the applicant if the official course descriptions are not available on university websites.

    For more information, please see the Guideline for Completing Syllabus and Course Descriptions.

  • 7. What if I’m unable to have my Proof of Citizenship or Proof of Identity Certified?

    As applicants may not be able to have documents such as proof of citizenship or proof of identity certified during this time, we will accept uncertified documents. We will request certified replacement documents when it is appropriate and safe to do so.

    Applicants may upload uncertified proof of citizenship and identity through the applicant portal after contacting the Registration department at [email protected] to receive instructions.

  • 8. When are academic examinations taking place?

    The May academic examination session has been cancelled and all examinations deferred to the December session. Applicants who were scheduled to write examinations in May were advised of this change by email on March 19, 2020.

    Instead of continuing with their examination(s) in December, applicants have the option of cancelling their examination application for the May or December session and requesting a refund of their examination fee(s).  Please note that cancelling an examination application does not negate the need to write the examination in the future.

    Applicants may contact the Registration department at [email protected] to request a cancellation of an examination application and a refund of fees.

  • 9. What options are available for writing the Professional Practice Examination?

    For those who are scheduled to write the Professional Practice Examination, at the June 8–10 session, and possibly the September 14–16 and November 23–25 sessions, the options of taking the exam via virtual proctoring or deferring to a future session with no deferral fee are available. Candidates scheduled to write at these sessions are informed by email of these options shortly after the application deadline dates.

    In lieu of continuing with their Professional Practice Examination, applicants who have applied and paid the examination fee have the option of cancelling their examination application and requesting a refund of their examination fee(s). Please note that cancelling an examination application does not negate the need to write the examination in the future. To request a cancellation of an examination application and a refund of fees, applicants should contact the Registration Department at [email protected].

  • 10. Are Professional Practice Examination study kits available for ordering from Engineers and Geoscientists BC?

    Please note that online ordering for Professional Practice Examination study kits has been discontinued until further notice. Applicants may be able to source the books through suppliers such as Amazon or Chapters/Indigo.

    A complete list of study materials is available here.

  • 11. How are interviews being handled while the office is closed?

    Arrangements have been made to conduct all interviews online.  The remote interview fee will be waived.  Applicants participating in remote interviews from their homes will be asked to sign a separate declaration before the interview is conducted.

  • 12. Will stamps and certificates still be delivered?

    Our stamp suppliers have advised us that they will continue to produce stamps for our registrants and licensees. There may be some delay in production and delivery of stamps.

    Due to the closure of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC office, there will also be a delay in the delivery of certificates for those who were registered, licensed or enrolled after March 26, 2020.

  • 13. How can I obtain a digital signature and electronic seal?

    Registrants and licensees may wish to consider a digital signature and electronic seal.

    Please refer to the Engineers and Geoscientists BC section of the Notarius webpage for more information.


Additional Resources:

Engineers and Geoscientists BC trusts their applicants and registrants to make safe and educated decisions during these unprecedented times. For the latest guidance from BC Health Officials and Engineers and Geoscientists BC, follow the links below: