Why Become a Member?

Prestige, Academic Distinction and Professional Excellence

Engineering and geoscience are regulated professions in Canada. This means that if you are working as an engineer or as a geoscientist in Canada, you must either:

• be registered as a Professional Engineer or Geoscientist in the province or territory in which you are working; or
• work under the direct supervision of someone who is registered as a Professional Engineer or Geoscientist in the province or territory in which you are working.

It is the responsibility of each province and territory to register the professionals offering services in their jurisdiction. In British Columbia, this is done by the "Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia" (APEGBC). Provincial and territorial Associations/Ordre are linked through Engineers Canada (CCPE) and the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists.  

APEGBC was founded in 1920 by a statute of the Government of British Columbia to regulate and govern the practice of engineering in BC. In 1990, the Government of British Columbia added the practice of geoscience. The Association strives to set and maintain high academic, experience and professional practice standards. These standards work to protect public health, safety and welfare.

As a member of APEGBC, you will represent the highest standards of academic knowledge, work experience, and professionalism in Canada.

Benefits of Registration

As a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, Non-Resident Licensee or Limited Licensee, you gain a professional certificate and stamp. The stamp allows you to sign and seal documentation that you believe upholds the paramount safety of society and the well-being of the environment.

All members are also given a special professional designation to use after their name, for example: P.Eng., P.Geo., EIT or GIT. These designations are recognized in Canada, the United States, and many other international countries.

In addition to worldwide recognition, you receive the following membership benefits:

• APEGBC's monthly Innovation Magazine.
• Professional development resources and member discounts
• Employment resources
• Member services (life insurance, health insurance, professional liability insurance, RRSP, RESP, fuel discounts, internet services, cellular phone plans)
• Eligibility for outstanding technical, professional and community service awards
• Eligibility for the Benevolent Fund, to help members in financial distress

For more information about the above listed benefits, please see APEGBC's Affinity Program .