Standard Scope of Practice for Limited Licences to be Piloted
In 2006, APEGBC created a Limited License Task Force to look at improving the limited license application process. One of the chief recommendations of the task force was to create standard scopes of practice for limited licences.
A Limited Licence allows appropriately trained individuals to practise engineering or geoscience within a clearly defined scope. The licence is intended to recognize the fact that certain individuals can be permitted to carry out certain specific functions normally within the definition of professional engineering or professional geoscience. Examples of typical applicants are Applied Science Technologists or other practitioners whose work extends into the field of engineering or geoscience as defined in the Engineers and Geoscientists Act. The licence is designed for those who do not possess the academics and experience for full professional registration, but who are qualified to perform a scope of engineering or geoscience at a professional level. APEGBC’s Limited Licence program has been in place for over a decade.
The current limited licence process involves a lengthy and expensive evaluation process, as each candidate is required to create and define their own specific scope of practice based on their specific experience and training. The advantage of a standard scope of practice is that it can be applicable to a large group of practitioners; this removes the burden on the candidate to develop and detail an individual scope of practice. The proposed process will also significantly simplify and reduce costs associated with obtaining a limited licence in areas where a standard scope of practice has been developed. Those applying for the limited licence standard scope of practice will be restricted to the application of prescriptive codes and standards where the detailed engineering has already been carried out and a professional engineer has certified that the codes and standards used are prescriptive.
On September 7, 2007 APEGBC Council approved the piloting of a standard scope of practice for limited licence applicants providing electrical design services for building projects. The pilot will take place over the next few months with potential candidates being selected shortly.