FAQ

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Students

I do not agree with a decision made by the OIQ or feel that I have been treated unfairly by the OIQ. What options do I have?

Anyone who feels that they have been treated unfairly by the OIQ may file a complaint. The complaint may be about an OIQ employee or a decision made by the OIQ regarding your file. Please note, however, that certain issues or areas cannot be appealed (such as decisions made by the board of administrators).

To file a complaint, you will need to provide some information and details about the nature of the complaint. If you have already filed a complaint against the OIQ regarding the handling of your file and you disagree with the outcome, you may also file a complaint directly with the Commissaire à l’admission aux professions.

What will my annual fees be used for?

Your annual fees will be used to support our mission: to protect the public. The budget generated by membership fees is devoted to activities related to this mission, and to promoting and developing the profession. For more details, see the OIQ Annual Report.

Once an engineer, what are the annual costs associated with the OIQ?

Already curious about what’s next? That’s a good sign. When it comes to costs, engineers have two financial obligations towards the OIQ: paying the annual dues and registration on the roll. These two obligations are often fulfilled at the same time, in the weeks before March 31st of each year. Fees may fluctuate from year to year and vary according to the engineer’s status and practice. For more details, consult our fee schedule.

How much does it cost to become a CEP?

Like many things in engineering, it depends. But here’s the most common scenario: For graduates of an accredited engineering program in Quebec, the application costs is $170 and registration to the CEP program is $470. If you register during your studies or within 6 months of graduation, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the registration fee. For more details, consult our fee schedule.

When can I apply?

If you’re studying in Quebec, you can apply as soon as you’ve completed 60 credits of your accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering, even if you don’t yet have a formal job in the engineering field. Once you’ve submitted your application, it should take 8 to 12 weeks for evaluation. You will be informed of the decision of the Admissions Committee by email.

How long does the CEP program last?

The short answer? Between 2 and 5 years. You’ll need to acquire key skills during at least 24 months of practice under the supervision of an experienced engineer. And you’ll have up to 5 years to complete the program, after which you can replace “CEP” with “ENG”!

How do I register for the CEP program?

If you are eligible, all you have to do is gather the necessary documents, complete your application and the adventure begins.

What is the professional admission program (CEP)?

“CEP” is the title given to a candidate before he or she is granted an engineering permit. During the professional admission program, you’ll be assessed on 3 levels: practical, theoretical and language.

You’ll acquire key skills through hands-on experience supervised by an engineer. You’ll also have to complete an online theory course, and pass a professional exam. And finally, you’ll have to demonstrate your knowledge of the French language.

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Future members

I do not agree with a decision made by the OIQ or feel that I have been treated unfairly by the OIQ. What options do I have?

Anyone who feels that they have been treated unfairly by the OIQ may file a complaint. The complaint may be about an OIQ employee or a decision made by the OIQ regarding your file. Please note, however, that certain issues or areas cannot be appealed (such as decisions made by the board of administrators).

To file a complaint, you will need to provide some information and details about the nature of the complaint. If you have already filed a complaint against the OIQ regarding the handling of your file and you disagree with the outcome, you may also file a complaint directly with the Commissaire à l’admission aux professions.

I've submitted my permit application to the OIQ but haven't yet received an answer yet. Can I still look for a job as an engineer?

To become a professional engineer in Quebec, you must apply for admission with the OIQ, meet requirements, and enter the Professional Admission Program. The duration of this program depends on your first degree: what subject, in which program, in which year and in which country. Once you’ve met the requirements, you’ll begin the program, which typically lasts between 2 and 5 years. During this time, you’ll hold the title of Candidate to the Engineering Profession (CEP), which means your scope of practice will be limited. You’ll need to be supervised and meet obligations specific to your title.

Some candidates are exempt from participating in the Professional Admission Program, particularly those who hold a temporary permit.

In all cases, it’s important to understand your status and the obligations that come with it when looking for a job. For example, if you’re an engineering student at a Quebec university looking for a job after graduation, you’ll need to inform your employer that you’re not yet a member or that you’re applying for CEP status.

Please check your portal for the status of your application and contact us if you need a status update.

Anyone claiming to be an engineer without official authorization from the OIQ may be charged with usurpation of title. To avoid unpleasant surprises, contact the OIQ if are unsure of your obligations.

Once a permit is issued, what can the OIQ do to help foreign-trained professionals integrate the job market in Quebec?

The OIQ is not responsible for integrating foreign-trained professionals into the workforce once a permit has been issued. However, its members have access to the “Génie Emploi” job search site, which lists many engineering positions available in Quebec.

What’s more, each year the OIQ organizes activities and events throughout the province to help you develop your network. Join us at our annual conference or participate in the activities organized by your regional committee. You can also expand your network by becoming a committee member or volunteering.

For other aspects of your integration in Quebec, we recommend Immigration Quebec, an organization that can guide you through the rest of the process, including finding a job.

Do I need to translate my documents?

Do I need to translate my documents?

During the application process, the OIQ only accepts documents in English or French.

If your documents are not written in English or French, they must be accompanied by a translation in one of these two languages. The translation must be certified by a translator who is a member of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ). If you are not located in Quebec, please provide a translation that is recognized by the appropriate authority in your province or country.

However, you are not required to have your course outline translated by a certified translator. You must still provide a translation of documents that are not in English or French. If the translation is not done by a certified translator, the translator must provide a sworn affidavit.

What steps must a foreign-trained professional take to obtain an engineering permit in Quebec?

A foreign-trained professional who wishes to obtain a permit must first familiarize himself or herself with the requirements for practising engineering in Quebec. They can then submit their application, which must include all the required documents, translated into French or English if necessary. The OIQ then evaluates the application and informs the candidate of the conditions he or she must meet to enter the Professional Admission Program: ex. exams, training, French language, etc. Once these conditions are met, the candidate is admitted to the program.

The Professional Admission Program is a mandatory step for anyone wishing to practice engineering in Quebec. This program consists of three components: theoretical, practical and linguistic.

Candidates who intend to come and work on a specific temporary project do not have to meet the same requirements. See the temporary permits page for more information.

What will my annual fees be used for?

Your annual fees will be used to support our mission: to protect the public. The budget generated by membership fees is devoted to activities related to this mission, and to promoting and developing the profession. For more details, see the OIQ Annual Report.

When can I apply?

If you’re studying in Quebec, you can apply as soon as you’ve completed 60 credits of your accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering, even if you don’t yet have a formal job in the engineering field. Once you’ve submitted your application, it should take 8 to 12 weeks for evaluation. You will be informed of the decision of the Admissions Committee by email.

How long does the CEP program last?

The short answer? Between 2 and 5 years. You’ll need to acquire key skills during at least 24 months of practice under the supervision of an experienced engineer. And you’ll have up to 5 years to complete the program, after which you can replace “CEP” with “ENG”!

How do I register for the CEP program?

If you are eligible, all you have to do is gather the necessary documents, complete your application and the adventure begins.

What is the professional admission program (CEP)?

“CEP” is the title given to a candidate before he or she is granted an engineering permit. During the professional admission program, you’ll be assessed on 3 levels: practical, theoretical and language.

You’ll acquire key skills through hands-on experience supervised by an engineer. You’ll also have to complete an online theory course, and pass a professional exam. And finally, you’ll have to demonstrate your knowledge of the French language.

See more See less

General Public

I do not agree with a decision made by the OIQ or feel that I have been treated unfairly by the OIQ. What options do I have?

Anyone who feels that they have been treated unfairly by the OIQ may file a complaint. The complaint may be about an OIQ employee or a decision made by the OIQ regarding your file. Please note, however, that certain issues or areas cannot be appealed (such as decisions made by the board of administrators).

To file a complaint, you will need to provide some information and details about the nature of the complaint. If you have already filed a complaint against the OIQ regarding the handling of your file and you disagree with the outcome, you may also file a complaint directly with the Commissaire à l’admission aux professions.

I've submitted my permit application to the OIQ but haven't yet received an answer yet. Can I still look for a job as an engineer?

To become a professional engineer in Quebec, you must apply for admission with the OIQ, meet requirements, and enter the Professional Admission Program. The duration of this program depends on your first degree: what subject, in which program, in which year and in which country. Once you’ve met the requirements, you’ll begin the program, which typically lasts between 2 and 5 years. During this time, you’ll hold the title of Candidate to the Engineering Profession (CEP), which means your scope of practice will be limited. You’ll need to be supervised and meet obligations specific to your title.

Some candidates are exempt from participating in the Professional Admission Program, particularly those who hold a temporary permit.

In all cases, it’s important to understand your status and the obligations that come with it when looking for a job. For example, if you’re an engineering student at a Quebec university looking for a job after graduation, you’ll need to inform your employer that you’re not yet a member or that you’re applying for CEP status.

Please check your portal for the status of your application and contact us if you need a status update.

Anyone claiming to be an engineer without official authorization from the OIQ may be charged with usurpation of title. To avoid unpleasant surprises, contact the OIQ if are unsure of your obligations.

Do I need to translate my documents?

Do I need to translate my documents?

During the application process, the OIQ only accepts documents in English or French.

If your documents are not written in English or French, they must be accompanied by a translation in one of these two languages. The translation must be certified by a translator who is a member of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ). If you are not located in Quebec, please provide a translation that is recognized by the appropriate authority in your province or country.

However, you are not required to have your course outline translated by a certified translator. You must still provide a translation of documents that are not in English or French. If the translation is not done by a certified translator, the translator must provide a sworn affidavit.

What steps must a foreign-trained professional take to obtain an engineering permit in Quebec?

A foreign-trained professional who wishes to obtain a permit must first familiarize himself or herself with the requirements for practising engineering in Quebec. They can then submit their application, which must include all the required documents, translated into French or English if necessary. The OIQ then evaluates the application and informs the candidate of the conditions he or she must meet to enter the Professional Admission Program: ex. exams, training, French language, etc. Once these conditions are met, the candidate is admitted to the program.

The Professional Admission Program is a mandatory step for anyone wishing to practice engineering in Quebec. This program consists of three components: theoretical, practical and linguistic.

Candidates who intend to come and work on a specific temporary project do not have to meet the same requirements. See the temporary permits page for more information.

What will my annual fees be used for?

Your annual fees will be used to support our mission: to protect the public. The budget generated by membership fees is devoted to activities related to this mission, and to promoting and developing the profession. For more details, see the OIQ Annual Report.

In Quebec, are engineering graduates automatically considered engineers?

No. To practice engineering in Quebec and use the reserved title of “engineer” (Eng.), you must hold a permit in good standing and be registered on the OIQ’s roll. In addition, the admission and permit process differs if the candidate obtained their engineering degree in Quebec, in another Canadian province, or abroad. By law, the OIQ also requires its members to have appropriate knowledge of French before it issues the permit to practice, although certain exceptions may apply for temporary permits.

More:
The path to becoming an engineer in Quebec
Practicing engineering in Quebec, with details on language requirements.

How does the OIQ protect me?

The OIQ has set up various mechanisms to protect the public.

You can

  • Check whether an engineer can legally practice the profession in Quebec, by consulting the members’ directory.
  • Check whether a member is the subject of rulings or judgments that affect or limit their right to practice.
  • Report or file a complaint in the event of fraudulent practice or doubt as to the competence of an engineer.

Consult:

To guarantee the public’s confidence and its members’ competence, the OIQ updates its processes to ensure the development of the engineering profession.

Consult:

Why do forest engineers have their own order?

Forestry engineering has its own order, the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec (OIFQ). The main reason is related to training. Indeed, the curriculum of the three bachelor’s degrees offered to those wishing to practice forestry engineering is not the same as the curriculum required by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
For more information on the training of forest engineers, visit the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers website.

Consult:

The page with the steps to become an engineer in Quebec
The page Professional admission program (PAP)
The website of the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec

Why do we have an order for engineers?

The work of engineers directly influences many areas of your life. If this work is not done correctly, the consequences can be severe.

The OIQ is responsible for supervising and monitoring professional activities to ensure that each engineer has the training and skills required to practice their profession in accordance with the four central values of engineering: competence, responsibility, ethics, and social commitment.

The OIQ is responsible for the following:

  • Admission of members
  • Support and supervision of members
  • Monitoring illegal practice
  • Improvement of the profession’s practice
  • Prevention in engineering
  • Enhancement of the profession’s values

The OIQ also ensures that obligations related to ethics and professional practice are respected.

Consult:

What do engineers really do?

Engineering is a challenging field that attempts to balance economic development, social progress, public protection, and ethical considerations such as environmental protection. Engineers propose solutions that meet both the needs and constraints of a project.

Consult:

What can I do if I am dissatisfied with the services of a member of the OIQ?

Start by checking to see if the person in question is a member of the OIQ by consulting the members’’ directory. If you cannot find them, contact us, and we will assist you in your search. However, if, after verification, it turns out that the person is a member of the OIQ, we invite you to file a report so that you can send us your concerns quickly and easily.

Consult:

I can’t find an engineer in the desired field, or I’m not satisfied with my research. What should I do?

The OIQ is responsible for protecting the public, particularly by controlling access to the profession. If you are looking for an engineer, the first thing to do is to consult the directory of members of the OIQ or the Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec.

If you are looking for a consulting engineering firm to help you, you can consult the list of members of the Association des firmes de génie-conseil du Québec. You can search by field or practice. (Please note that this list is not under the supervision of the OIQ.)

If you aren’t sure what type of engineer you are really looking for? Check our webpage, which lists the most popular engineering fields.

Consult:

I need the services of an engineer, but I don’t know in what field. How can I find out more?

Members of the OIQ work in more than 30 different engineering fields. You can familiarize yourself with the different specialties by consulting the webpage listing the different fields of engineering. You should get a better idea of the specifics of each field.

Do you have the name of an engineer and want to know their field of practice? The member’ directory is the tool you need!

Consult:

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Activities

When will the OIQ awards be presented?

The OIQ awards will be presented during the Soirée de l’excellence en génie, an event held in Montreal on May 31, 2023. To review last year’s winners, you can read this article available in French: Retour sur la Soirée 2022

When can I expect to hear back about my submission?

In the spring of 2023, all applicants will receive an email from the OIQ indicating whether their candidacy has been selected. Three finalists will be announced in each category.

What is the deadline for submitting a nomination for the OIQ’s Annual Awards?

The deadline to submit a nomination for the Annual Awards is Thursday, December 1, 2022. To do so, you must send a completed form to the following address: [email protected]

Can I nominate myself for the OIQ’s Annual Awards?

Yes, you can submit your own nomination for the OIQ’s Annual Awards. It can also be submitted by a nominator, with your agreement. Please note that a member’s nomination cannot be submitted in more than one award category, either individually or as a project.

Are there any fees involved in submitting a nomination for the OIQ’s Annual Awards?

There is no fee to submit a nomination. However, finalists will be responsible for travel and accommodation expenses incurred to attend the Soirée de l’excellence en génie, during which the winners will be announced and the OIQ awards will be presented.

Are events open to people other than OIQ members?

The OIQ and its regional committees organize many events and activities each year throughout Quebec. The events and activities are primarily intended for the following people:

  • Members (e.g., the Annual Symposium or the Evening of Engineering Excellence).
  • The engineering student community (e.g., campus visits ).
  • International engineering graduates (e.g., information meetings).

For full details on our events and activities and to find out if you can attend, check our calendar.

Consult:

I would like to be a sponsor of the OIQ or advertise at a specific event. How do you go about it?

We invite you to consult our Media section to learn more about our partnership and visibility offers and to contact the person in charge of the medias at the OIQ.

Consult:

I would like to organize an activity jointly with the OIQ or invite a representative of the OIQ to an event. Who should I speak to?

Contact the person in charge to request a partnership with the OIQ on an event or to ask for the presence of a representative of the OIQ.

Consult:

Where can I find a list of the OIQ’s activities and events?

The best way to stay informed about the OIQ’s activities is to consult its calendar. You can also consult the OIQ’s profile on Facebook and LinkedIn to find out about all our news and upcoming events.

Consult:

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Medias

Does the OIQ take a position on specific issues?

The OIQ takes a position on current issues that affect the engineering profession. If you wish to have a comment on a specific topic, you must contact the person in charge of the media at the OIQ.

Consult:

I want to have the President of the OIQ for an interview, a conference, an event, or as a spokesperson. How do I make a request?

All media requests must be sent to the person in charge of the media at the OIQ.

Consult:

I am looking for someone to speak on behalf of the OIQ for an interview, a program, etc. Whom should I ask?

All media requests must be sent to the person in charge of the media at the OIQ.

Consult:

I want to understand the OIQ, its history, and its mission better. Where can I find the most up-to-date information?

You can consult our complete section on the OIQ, which details, among other things, our mission and vision, as well as our history.

You can also download our Media Kit.

Consult:

I want to see the OIQ’s press releases. Where are they?

Go to the “Press Releases” category in the Publications section (in French). You’ll find all of our news releases, both past and present. You can also use the search engine to find a press release or publication by name, date, subject, etc.

Consult:

I want to talk to a media representative right away. How do you go about it?

The OIQ has a public affairs advisor available to answer your questions quickly who will also assist you with your media needs.

Consult:

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Members

What is the deadline for submitting a nomination for the OIQ’s Annual Awards?

The deadline to submit a nomination for the Annual Awards is Thursday, December 1, 2022. To do so, you must send a completed form to the following address: [email protected]