Examination Dates: April and October of each year
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) is administered by the Engineering Examinations Office of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) on behalf of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE). Application forms for the National Professional Practice Examination may be obtained from the Engineers PEI office by calling 902-566-1268 or requested by email: info@EngineersPEI.com .
All applicants for registration as a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Prince Edward Island (i.e. P.Eng.) are required to pass the National Professional Practice Examination unless that examination or an acceptable equivalent has been written successfully in another Canadian provincial or territorial jurisdiction.
The NPPE is designed to examine applicants on the ethical considerations and obligations that accompany the privileges of professional status and the legal concepts relevant to professional engineers. Part of the examination tests the applicant's understanding of professionalism, while the remaining part tests the applicant's knowledge of engineering law and familiarity with jurisdiction-specific statutes, rules and regulations and the Engineering Profession Act and By-Laws.
Eligibility/Exceptions
It is considered beneficial for applicants to have at least one year of work experience after completion of their formal education before the examination is attempted. To be eligible to write the NPPE, you must also have an active application for Professional Membership or be enrolled as an Engineer-in-Training. An exemption will be granted to applicants who have passed the NPPE in another province or who are registered with another Canadian Association. Such applicants are still required to confirm in writing that they have read, understood, and agree to follow the Act and By-Laws and Code of Ethics of Engineers PEI.
SCOPE AND SYLLABUS OF THE EXAMINATION
The following major subject areas are included in the National Professional Practice Examination:
A. Professionalism (30%)
- Definition and interpretation of professional status
- The role and responsibilities of a professional in society
- The role and responsibilities of a professional to management
- Professional conduct, ethical standards and codes
- Environmental responsibilities
B. Professional Practice (20%)
- Professional accountability for work, workplace issues, job responsibilities and standards of practice
- Continuing competence
- Business practices as a professional
- Insurance and risk management
- Professional and technical societies
- Non-statutory standards and codes of practice
C. Regulatory Authority Requirements (9%)
- Future topic
- Future topic
- Occupational health and safety
- Workers compensation
- Other statutory standards of practice
D. Law and Legal Concepts (25%)
- Canadian legal system
- Contract Law - elements, principles, types, discharge, breach, interpretation, etc.
- Tort Law – elements, application of principles, interpretation, liabilities of various kinds
- Intellectual Property – patents, trademarks, software issues, copyright
- Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
E. Expert Witness
- Business Organizations
- International Law
F. Legislation Governing the Practice of the Professions (16%)
- Definitions of the professions and scopes of practice
- The Acts
- Regulations and Bylaws
- Registration
- Discipline and enforcement
- Use of seals and stamps
The National Professional Practice Examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. It is closed-book and is two hours in duration. The questions are distributed in accordance with the percentages shown above. All candidates, regardless of whether they intend to practice engineering or geoscience, are required to write and pass the National Professional Practice Examination. Some Associations have extended the National Professional Practice Examination in their jurisdictions by adding multiple-choice and/or essay questions to the NPP Exam, and in those cases, candidates are allowed additional time to complete the examination. Contact the Association with whom you wish to register for specific details.
The pass mark is 65%*. The examination results are reported as “pass” or “fail” with a Mastery Report provided only to candidates who have failed, indicating the candidate’s specific performance in each category. You are not penalized for wrong answers. The grade is final.
Applying to Write the Examination
An application form must be used when applying. It provides additional information on fees, examination dates, and deadline dates. The application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee and must be received by the deadline date noted on the application form. Application forms may be obtained from the Engineers PEI office by calling 902-566-1268 or requested by email: info@EngineersPEI.com .
After the deadline, you will receive confirmation of the date, time and location of the exam and any workshop that may be offered. One piece of photo-ID must be shown upon arrival at the exam location. Dictionaries are not permitted.
Four to six weeks after the examination you will be advised of the results by mail. For many, a pass may be the last step in the registration process. For others, there may be additional requirements before registration is granted. Failure will require that the examination be repeated, with another application and fee submitted.
Literature
The following is a list of the material required. All applicants will be tested on the primary literature but the secondary literature will be of interest. Texts are not available at the Engineers PEI office. The obtaining of all reference materials is solely the responsibility of the individual candidate for admission.
Primary Literature
A National Study Material Kit containing all required material may be obtained through the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA). Order forms are available at the Engineers PEI office by calling 902-566-1268 or by email: info@EngineersPEI.com . The material may also be available at local libraries or from acquaintances in the engineering profession.
- Canadian Professional Engineering and Geoscience: Practice & Ethics: Fourth Edition - 2009 Gordon C. Andrews
- Practical Law of Architecture, Engineering and Geoscience (2010-Second Canadian Edition) - Samuels & Sanders
- The Prince Edward Island Engineering Profession Act, By-Laws and Code of Ethics". These particular booklets ARE available at the Engineers PEI office.
- The following brochures are published by Industry Canada and may be downloaded from their website.
a) A Guide to Copyrights
b) A Guide to Industrial Designs
c) A Guide to Patents
d) A Guide to Trade-Marks
Secondary Literature
- In addition to a general knowledge of statutes which are relevant to the listed topics, the following should be studied thoroughly: "Mechanics' Lien Act". Available at Island Information Service (902-368-4000) at $2.00 per copy.
- Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island - Available at the Workers Compensation Board, 14 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown (902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049).
The following texts are noted as an additional background reference:
"Contemporary Canadian Business Law", Willes, John A., (3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill Ryerson)
Part I - Introduction, Chapters 1, 2 and 3
Part II - Torts
Part III - Contracts, Chapters 6 - 14
Part VIII - Special Legal Rights, Chapter 33 Patents, Trade Marks and Copyright.
Generally available at the TUNS Bookstore.
OR
"Law and Business Administration in Canada", Smyth and Soberman, (6th Ed., Prentice Hall)
Part I - Law in its Social Context, Chapters 1, 2 and 3
Part II - Torts
Part III - Contracts, Chapters 6 - 17
Available at St. Mary's or Dalhousie University Bookstores.
Sample Questions
The exam is multiple-choice with each question having four possible answers. Old examinations are not available; sample test questions may be viewed at the APEGGA website. to Engineers PEI applicants. Please contact the Association Office by calling 902-566-1268 or by email: info@EngineersPEI.com.
Engineering Law Workshop
A free workshop on Engineering Law is normally held one week prior to the exam. Please indicate on the application form whether you wish to attend.