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1. Why is the Law and Ethics program mandatory? Isn't passing the Professional Practice Examination proof that I know the subject matter?

   Passing the professional practice examination proves that the candidate has reviewed the study material and can answer questions on it. The study material for the Professional Practice Examinations gives a general overview of engineering and geoscience Law and Ethics as they apply to engineering and geoscience practice in Canada. The program provides the opportunity to explore, with experts in the field, current issues of concern to members in the profession, as well as to gain insight into legislation that affects all practicing members. The Ethics module features the realities of practice, including ethical situations commonly faced by members of the Association, an explanation of the Practice Review process, and an overview of the investigation and discipline process by Association legal counsel.

2. I have already taken/taught Law and/or Ethics courses. Can I be exempted from this program?

   There will be no exemptions granted to applicants for registration, except to those members who are transferring their membership from another Canadian jurisdiction under the Inter Association Mobility Agreement, and who have already passed the Professional Practice Examination in that jurisdiction, or been a member of another Association for more than five years.

3. I have already attended a Law and Ethics program offered by another provincial/territorial engineering/geoscience association/ordre. Can I be exempted from taking the program?

   Applicants who have taken another Association/ordre's seminar, will normally have completed their professional practice examination. Please see FAQ 8 for the answer to this question.

4. I applied for registration before January 1, 2003, and have completed the Professional Practice Examination. Do I have to take the program?

   Applicants for professional registration who provided complete application documentation to the Association prior to December 31, 2002, and who have successfully completed the Professional Practice examination prior to December 31, 2002, will not be required to take the Law and Ethics program provided that the review of their experience results in no further assignment of experience or coursework.

5. Can my company buy a CD set and put on the program for a group of us so that we don't individually have to buy the CD set?

   The development costs for the seminar and CD set are substantial; and maintaining seminar and CD pricing at a reasonable level depends on absorption of development and delivery costs by all participants. It is also the mandate of the Association to ensure that all requirements for registration have been met. By requiring and tracking in person attendance at the seminar, or by putting a CD set into the hands of candidates who do not attend the seminar in person, Council fulfills its mandate. If groups wish to get together and view a CD supplemented by discussion, this is at their own volition. It does not, however, preclude the requirement for each applicant to attend the seminar in person or purchase the CD set.

6. I work in the high technology (or other) sector, i.e. I don't work in one of the 'traditional' disciplines of engineering or geoscience. Will the seminar be of use to me in my practice?

   The legal and ethical issues addressed by presenting experts affect all practicing members. While some of the examples used may be from the more traditional fields in engineering and geoscience, Law and Ethics apply to all fields in the two professions. Opportunity is given to program attendees to explore application to their own areas of practice.

7. Why is the CD set the same price as the Seminar, when the Association is not incurring the expenses, such as food and room rental, that you do for an in-person seminar?

   The price of the CD set reflects the development, production and administrative costs incurred by the Association in producing and distributing the CD version of the seminar. For members and applicants, the CD set is priced well below the market value of similar offerings. The CD set provides applicants and members the opportunity to view the seminar at their own pace, and in a location of their choosing. . This opportunity provides similar value to those who need to learn on their own for reasons of location, time constraints or learning preference.

8. I am already paying $198.14 to write the Professional Practice Examination, and $173.36 for the exam study materials. Why do I have to now pay an additional $328.60 for more learning in this area?

   Association Council has endorsed this complementary learning opportunity as being essential for all, and especially new practitioners, as it provides the benefit of up to date advice from experts, and consequently gives prospective members a legal and ethical 'toolkit' to deal with the potential legal and ethical challenges they will face in practice. The program provides tools to deal with practice issues identified during practice reviews and in the investigation and discipline of members.

9. If I take the Law and Ethics program, do I need to study for the Professional Practice Examination?

   The program is not an examination preparation session. It delves deeper into the issues of law and ethics that currently affect the majority of members. Examination candidates need to review and understand the study materials in order to pass the Professional Practice Examination.

10. Why do only new applicants have to do the program, given its potential value to practicing engineers and geoscientists?

    Registered members do attend the program on a voluntary basis. Continuing Professional Development credits are awarded to all those attending the program.

Law & Ethics CD-Rom Page
Law & Ethics Home Page