When you apply to become a professional member of APEGGA, the Board of Examiners will evaluate whether you have experience in the following five areas:
1 application of technical theory,
2 practical experience,
3 development of management skills,
4 development of communication skills,
5 an understanding of your work's societal implications.

The professions under APEGGA's jurisdiction are technical. To demonstrate your technical proficiency, you must show evidence that you have spent a significant amount of time on the application of technical theory and on practical experience. If you clearly have been applying the scientific principles you have learned, then you can be more confident the Board will find the technical elements of your experience to be acceptable. Of course, your technical experience must meet North American standards.

Management skills, oral and written communication skills, and an understanding of the societal implications of what you do are also integral to your learning experience. These last three components will take on a much greater significance as your career develops.

Each of the above five components has sub-components as detailed below. Some sub-components must be evident in your experience, while others are desirable but not mandatory.

1 The application of technical theory MUST include:

o selecting solutions and solving problems,
o preparing and checking designs or interpretations,
o showing evidence of sound technical judgment and practices,
o showing familiarity with the use and application of pertinent technologies, procedures, systems and programs.

Your experience MAY also include the collection and analysis of information and data. However, data collection and analysis should not be the major component of your assigned tasks for a significant period of time.

2 Practical experience MUST include:
o being exposed to work site operations,
o developing recognition of limitations in designs, interpretations or recommendations,
o understanding the application of pertinent Codes and Regulations.

Your experience MAY also include acquiring an understanding of the interdependence of disciplines, of systems and activities, and of developing working relationships.

3 The development of management skills MUST include involvement in:
o managing personal and project resources,
o planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cost control,
o developing team skills ... understanding professional and business ethics,
o keeping appropriate records.

Your experience MAY also include developing an understanding of corporate structure, legal aspects of contracts, quality assurance programs, and cost impact studies.

4 The development of good oral and written communication skills is essential for all professionals: Your experience must show evidence of the preparation of written technical reports and of making oral presentations to management, peers, or the public.

5 An understanding of your work's implications: Interaction between the professions and society is of significant importance. Your experience must show evidence that you are acquainted with such matters as safeguards and benefits to the public, and the roles and responsibilities of regulatory agencies in your specific field of professional practice.

With regard to the last three components of experience, APEGGA expects candidates to take seminars or courses to fulfill the requirements. This will prepare you for more responsible positions. Contact the APEGGA Professional Development Department or refer to the website at www.apegga.org for information on seminar and course providers.

Levels of experience

The Board also needs to know how much time you are claiming in each of the following four work levels (do not confuse these levels with the salary levels found in APEGGA's Value of Professional Services publication):

A Level

The Board will award credit for orientation if it is in the early stages of your career. The Board will award credit for non-technical training if it falls within the areas of management skills, communication skills and understanding of your work's societal implications. The maximum A Level credit awarded by the Board will not exceed one or two months.

B Level

Full credit may be awarded for formal technical training if it is a logical extension of the academic background on which your registration as a member-in-training has been granted. An approved postgraduate program may be eligible to receive experience credit as discussed on page 15.

C Level

Full credit may be awarded for work at a technician, technologist or technical support level to a maximum of twelve months.

D Level

Full credit will be awarded for work where the application of engineering, geological or geophysical principles and practical experience are evident. At least two years must be at D Level.