Engineers and Geoscientists BC

Non-Practising Registrant

Non-practising status enables registrants who are not currently practising engineering or geoscience to retain certain registration rights. There is no limit to the period of time that a registrant can be on non-practising status. Non-practising status does not convey any practice rights. Non-practising registrants must not engage in reserved practice and have no greater right to engage in the practice of professional engineering or geoscience than any other member of the general public.

Non-practising registrants (including Life Member registrants whose status had vested pursuant to the prior bylaws):

  • Must make an annual declaration committing not to engage in the reserved practice of professional engineering or geoscience in British Columbia, including unpaid or volunteer work;
  • May only represent themselves by use of their professional designation followed by the words “Non-Practising” or “Retired” (see below); and
  • Retain the right to vote and may participate on certain non-technical Engineers and Geoscientists BC task forces or advisory groups.

Non-practising registrants who intend to practise professional engineering or professional geoscience must apply to the Credentials Committee to reinstate their practice rights, pay any applicable fees, comply with the requirements to reinstate practice rights, and maintain their commitment to not practise professional engineering or professional geoscience until practising status has been granted by the Credentials Committee.

Requirements for reinstatement of practice rights vary depending on the length of time that a registrant has held non-practising status. Please refer to Reinstating Practice Rights for more information.

Professional Designations for Non-Practising Status

Non-practising registrants may only represent themselves with a professional designation that is followed by a qualifier and must make an annual declaration during the renewal period. Non-practising registrants must use one of the following qualifiers:

  • P.Eng. (Non-Practising), P.Geo. (Non-Practising), P.L.Eng. (Non-Practising), or P.L.Geo. (Non-Practising); or
  • P.Eng. (Retired), P.Geo. (Retired), P.L.Eng. (Retired), or P.L.Geo. (Retired).
Guidance for Non-Practising Status

The Overview and FAQ of Non-Practising Status (PDF) is available for further guidance on the use of a designation with non-practising status.

Annual Fees

Non-practising fees are 25% of the full registration fee and may not be further reduced. They may be waived due to a medical condition that renders the registrant unable to work. Please refer to the fee schedule for the most up-to-date annual fees.

A registrant who changes to non-practising status during the calendar year after paying full registration fees for practising status will not receive a rebate or credit.

To request waiver of annual fees due to a medical condition, please complete the online application form.

How to Apply

If you have further questions, you may find the answer on our Frequently Asked Questions.

To apply for non-practising status, registrants can log onto their account and navigate to “Apply for Non-Practising Status”.