Information you need to know to work as an Engineering Technologist

Who is the licensing body responsible for Engineering Technologists in Alberta?

Certification with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) is voluntary. You may work in the field without being certified by ASET; however, you cannot call yourself a Technologist in Training (T.T.), Certified Technician (C.Tech.), Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), Registered Engineering Technologist (R.E.T.), nor Professional Engineering Technologist (P.Tech.) unless you are registered with ASET.

For a complete list of professions represented by ASET, visit the ASET web site.

What are the certification requirements for internationally educated Engineering Technologists?

Internationally educated Engineering Technologists must meet the same requirements as Canadian educated applicants. Internationally educated Engineering Technologists must:

• Hold a minimum of a two-year diploma from a technical program. An assessment of credentials by the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or another assessment service with membership in the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services is required.
• Meet the minimum English requirements.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Have your experience assessed by ASET.
• Write and pass the ASET Professional Practice Exam.
• Write and pass the Certification Exam.

For complete information on the Designation Requirements read the Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook on the ASET website.

What are the training requirements for Engineering Technologists in Alberta?

Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards.

In Alberta, Engineering Technologists must hold a minimum of a two-year diploma from a technical program.  In Alberta, the following institutions offer programs in engineering:

• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton – Diploma
• SAIT Polytechnic (SAIT) in Calgary – Diploma
• Red Deer College in Red Deer – Diploma
• Lethbridge College in Lethbridge - Diploma
• University of Alberta in Edmonton – Degree
• University of Calgary in Calgary – Degree

What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?

Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language that is sufficient to enable the applicant to responsibly practice the profession. Applicants may satisfy this requirement by providing the results of one of the following tests for English language competency:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - IELTS General Training Test
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - CELPIP G General Test

To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.

NOTE: If an applicant cannot provide IELTS or CELPIP_G test results, applicants may request special consideration by the Board of Examiners. Please contact registration@aset.ab.ca for more information.

Applicants who are graduates of an academic program delivered in English are exempt from this requirement.

What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Engineering Technologists?

Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professional fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork. Visit Clear Communication for Business for more information.

What information resources are available for internationally educated Engineering Technologists?

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit the:

1. Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)
   • Architectural Technologist
   • Automated Systems Technologist
   • Avionics Technician
   • Biological Technician
   • Biomedical Engineering Technologist
   • Biotechnologist
   • Chemical Engineering Technologist
   • Chemical Technologist
   • Civil Engineering Technologist
   • Drafting Technician
   • Electrical Engineering Technologist
   • Electronics Engineering Technologist
   • Engineering Design and Drafting Technologist
   • Food Science Technologist
   • Forest Technician
   • Geological and Geophysical Technologist
   • Geomatics Technologist
   • Hazardous Waste Management Technologist
   • Hydrometric Technician and Technologist
   • Instrumentation Engineering Technologist
   • Mapping Technologist
   • Materials Engineering Technologist
   • Mechanical Design Technologist
   • Mechanical Engineering Technologist
   • Nanotechnologist
   • Petroleum Engineering Technologist
   • Plastics Processing Technician
   • Pollution Control Technologist
   • Telecommunications Technologist
   • Wind Turbine Technician
2. Opportunity Alberta
3. Electrical Engineering Technologist Certification Process
4. Mechanical Engineering Technician Certification Process
5. Mechanical Engineering Technologist Certification Process
6. Careers In Energy