Education FAQ

How long does it take to become an engineer?

The course leading to a Bachelor's degree in engineering lasts three and a half to four years. Some institutions offer a cooperative plan that allows study semesters to alternate with paid training in industry: these programs take an average of one year longer to complete. But graduating is just the first step. Like doctors and lawyers, engineers must spend a number of years earning their professional qualifications. Depending on the province they live in, candidates must complete three to four years of relevant engineering work experience, write and pass an examination on professional practice, ethics, engineering law and liability, and be proficient in English and/or French.

Do I have to have good marks in math and science to enter engineering?

Admissions to engineering programs are competitive; there are more applicants than spaces, so the better your grades are the better your chances of admittance. Generally, good to excellent grades are required. Usually, grades of 80% or more in math and sciences are needed for admission.

What other entrance requirements are there?

Generally speaking, a high school diploma with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology is required or, in Quebec, a CEGEP diploma with a concentration in pure and applied or health sciences. Although not a requirement for admission into engineering, creativity, rigour, analytical thinking, adaptability, being comfortable with team work and an ability to communicate with others are also helpful qualities. In every case, it is a good idea to check with the educational institution or a guidance counselor about the qualifications necessary for applying to a specific school.

Visit our Education section to learn more about the academic requirements for entry into engineering.

What is co-operative education?

Co-operative Education is a three-way partnership between the university, the student and the employer. The common goal is to develop meaningful and relevant practical opportunities for students, while enriching both the classroom and workplace experience. Co-op education combines education at school and education in the workplace through alternate semesters of study and work. The work-term is designed to provide knowledge relevant to the student's academic discipline while the student is paid at a competitive rate. The classroom environment is then stimulated by questions formed in industry and brought back to school; everyone benefits. Co-op students tend to get more from their education and are likely to be more successful in securing employment in their field of study upon graduation. When co-op graduates apply for work, they are serious candidates for any position in their discipline because they have practical work experience. Many engineering schools and faculties in Canada offer co-op programs.

What is an internship program?

An internship is a work experience program within a student's field of study that lasts between 12 and 18 months (time varies in each institution). The difference between an internship and co-op is that while co-op involves working terms of 4-6 months spread out over an entire bachelor's degree, an internship is one long work-term which begins after the third year of study has been completed. Several Canadian engineering schools offer internships as an option for senior students.

What is an accredited engineering program?

Accredited Canadian undergraduate programs are those that meet or exceed the educational standards required to obtain a professional engineering license in Canada. The curriculum content of each program is analyzed periodically (at least every six years) by a team of professional engineers in order to ensure that it meets the minimum criteria. The accreditation process is managed by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), a body with the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE).

Can I become an engineer without an accredited degree?

The simplest way to become a professional engineer is to graduate from an accredited undergraduate engineering program and meet your province's licensing requirements. It is, however, possible to become a professional engineer without an accredited degree. The qualifications vary from province to province, but generally the process involves writing a number of exams.

What is the difference between getting a B.Eng. and getting an engineering technician's degree?

Bachelor degrees in engineering (B.Eng.) are granted to students upon completion of required course work at a university. Engineering technologists get diplomas/certificates and are generally taught at colleges. A bachelor's degree in engineering makes you eligible for professional licensing, while a technician's degree does not.