Innovation Summer 2026

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Professional practice inquiries

How do I know if I am professionally competent in a given field?

Principle 2 of the Code of Ethics requires that registrants practice only in those fields where training and ability make the registrant professionally competent. This principle is in place to protect the public by preventing registrants from taking on work they are not qualified to perform. When registrants stay within their scope of expertise, the risk of errors, unsafe designs, or overlooked risks is reduced. Registrants can demonstrate competence through a combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Education and training can be demonstrated through: • Formal education such as a university degree • Completion of continuing education sessions such as those offered by Engineers and Geoscientists BC • Informal education such as workplace training, mentorship, workshops or online courses. It is important to note that training alone does not necessarily demonstrate competence to practice within all areas of a given field. Mechanical engineering, for example, has many sub-disciplines, and it is nearly impossible for a registrant to be competent in all aspects of mechanical engineering simply through obtaining a degree in the discipline. Registrants will typically require additional training and on-the-job experience beyond an undergraduate degree before engaging in the many different sub-disciplines within each engineering discipline.

Registrants can demonstrate they have the appropriate experience for a project when they can share a portfolio of work that is similar in scope and complexity to the work they are looking to engage in. Additionally, registrants must be knowledgeable of any codes, standards, and regulations – as well as the local context – relevant to the project. Before accepting an assignment, registrants must fully understand the scope of services they are being asked to undertake and be aware and honest with themselves about their limitations. Relevant qualifications, education, training, and experience may all inform a registrant’s assessment of competence, depending on the nature and context of the work. When choosing whether or not to engage in professional activities, registrants should ask themselves whether they have the professional competency to produce work products that other reasonably prudent registrants with similar education, training, and experience would support. When deciding whether to engage in professional activities, registrants should ask themselves whether they can demonstrate the education, training, and ability necessary to be professionally competent for the work they plan to undertake. If registrants have doubts about their competence for a particular scope of work, they should either withdraw from the project, seek input from another qualified professional, or engage another registrant competent in that area. David Slade, P.Eng. Practice Advisor

Upcoming Webinar: Knowing Your Limits and Maintaining Competence: Understanding Code of Ethics Principles 2 and 5 This ethical practice webinar assists registrants in understanding their professional obligations as they relate to Principles 2 and 5 from the Code of Ethics, and how to meet these requirements in practice. This webinar will discuss factors registrants should consider when evaluating whether they have the appropriate training and experience for a given area of work, and when it may be appropriate to seek additional expertise or refrain from undertaking the work.

Innovation Summer 2026

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