Science or Technology Graduates

Obtaining an equivalence

This page is intended for graduates in pure or applied sciences, or technology, whether from Quebec, Canada or abroad, who wish to obtain an engineering permit in Quebec. Discover the steps to join the profession, from obtaining the title of candidate to the engineering profession (CEP) to the issuance of a permit.

Introduction

Before you begin the process of obtaining your engineering licence in Quebec, it’s essential to understand the requirements, including language, fees and the documents needed to evaluate your file.

Language requirements: in Quebec, command of the French language is required by law for anyone wishing to practise engineering on a long-term basis. You must be able to demonstrate an adequate level of French proficiency.
Degree equivalency: if you completed your engineering degree in another country, you must obtain equivalency for that degree. This means that the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec must recognize your diploma as equivalent to a Quebec diploma. Scroll down for a list of the required documents.
Fees and processing times: check the fee schedule to determine applicable fees before making your payment. You’ll find this information on the current page or by contacting us directly. Please allow 12 to 16 weeks for your application to be processed. This may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the submission of all the required documents.
Required documents: before submitting your application to the OIQ, make sure you have all required documents, in English or French. Avoid processing delays by ensuring your application is complete and accurate.

Process for obtaining an engineer's permit in Québec

Gather all the documents relating to your studies and your engineering career.
Complete the application form and pay the required evaluation fees.
Two-step evaluation of your application:
- Academic background – Your academic background will be analysed in detail and compared with an engineering program in Quebec.
- Professional engineering experience – If the evaluation of your file identifies certain gaps in your academic background, you will be asked to submit relevant professional experience to fill those gaps. This engineering experience must be directly related to the identified gaps and must be validated by a sponsor of your choice.
- To ensure that everything goes smoothly, we recommend that you contact your sponsors as soon as possible to inform them that you will need their collaboration. You may also want to consult our Preadmission Guide, which will help you identify common skill gaps in profiles similar to yours. It is important to note that you only have six weeks to submit your experiences in the portal and have your them validated by your sponsors. That’s why we encourage you to prepare well in advance.
The Admissions Committee will review your file. All applications from graduates outside of Quebec will be carefully reviewed for total or partial equivalency.
Enroll in the Professional Admission Program and become a Candidate to the Engineering Profession (CEP). You must complete this program within 5 years. There are 3 components to this program: theoretical, practical, and language.
Once you have completed the CEP program, you can apply for your engineer permit.

Note of caution

Although degrees in pure and applied sciences or technology provide a solid foundation, they do not automatically guarantee access to the engineering profession in Quebec. Each application is evaluated according to strict diploma and training equivalency criteria, in compliance with the Règlement sur les normes d’équivalence de diplôme et de formation.

Before submitting your application and paying admission fees, it’s worth knowing that certain training programs are generally refused by the Admission Committee:

Diploma of College Studies (DSC) in Quebec
Comparable studies in college or CEGEP (e.g. technical program, vocational license, advanced technical diploma)
University degree in a field other than engineering, without master’s or doctoral studies in engineering
Master’s degree in engineering project management
Bachelor’s degree by accumulation of certificates
Degrees in fields such as agronomy, architecture, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, geography, geology, geomatics, geotechnics, microbiology, physics, urban planning and environment.

Required documents

The required documents depend on the country where you studied, your field of study, and the year you graduated.

Step 1 – Obtain documents that may require extended delivery times

1.1 World Education Services (WES) Course-by-Course evaluation – Diplomas obtained outside of Canada
For all university degrees obtained outside of Canada, you must request a WES-ICAP course-by-course evaluation report. Create an account on the WES website and select “Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec” as the recipient. It’s a good idea to begin here, as the evaluation process may take some time. Note that the MIFI comparative evaluation is not a substitute to the WES evaluation.

1.2 Course descriptions or syllabus – All diplomas
Make sure to obtain course descriptions for all your degrees (originals and translations, if applicable). The document must bear the university seal or be sent directly to the OIQ by the institution. It must be a detailed document, not a simple course outline and the description must correspond to the one in effect at the time the courses were taken. Beyond 5 years, you must provide proof that the content of the program has not changed since then.

1.3 Official transcripts – Diplomas obtained in Quebec or Canada
For diplomas earned in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada, ask your institution to send an official digital copy of your transcripts directly to the OIQ.

Step 2 – Prepare copies of the following documents in digital format

2.1 Birth certificate or passport. Driver’s licences and health insurance cards will not be accepted.

2.2 Your current resume or CV. This document will give us a better understanding of your academic and professional credentials.

2.3 ASP certification card (if applicable). The ASP card confirms you have received health and safety training.

2.4 Proof of proficiency in French (if available). Provide a document demonstrating that your knowledge of French is appropriate to the practice of the profession in Quebec.

Step 3 – Fill the applicable forms

3.1. Form: Concordance table for degrees obtained outside Canada

3.2. Form: Concordance table for degrees obtained in Canada

3.3. Form: Internship or thesis summary

These forms are currently offered in French. Fill out a form for each thesis, internship, dissertation, or final project completed during your university studies. Include the objectives, methodology used, and grade or academic distinction received. We may ask that your university certify the document at a later date.

3.4 Form: Type 5 Application Form

Step 4 – Submit your application

Once you havefilled all the forms and obtained all the required documents, please send your complete file in PDF format to [email protected].

Please note that we will only begin processing your application once your file is complete.

Application fees

Application fees are required to submit your file. We will begin reviewing your file only once payment is received. For more details, please refer to the complete fee schedule.

Situation	Application for admission	Registration to the Professional Admission Program
Other degree (e.g. pure and applied sciences or technology)	$1415	$490*

In effect from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Taxes not included. Amounts are non-refundable and subject to change. For those with refugee status, admission fees are subject to a 50% reduction. Certain conditions apply. *Candidates with partial equivalence may be exempted from the Professional Admission Program fees until they obtain full equivalence.