Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook
Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3 C.E.T. Requirements .................................................................................................... 3 Theoretical Knowledge .............................................................................................. 3 Practical Application .................................................................................................. 4 Professional Currency/Level of Experience ............................................................... 4 Ethics/Law ................................................................................................................. 6 Application Checklist ..................................................................................................... 6
Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016
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Introduction The Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook has been prepared by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to assist applicants with understanding the certification process. The handbook is designed to provide applicants with essential information regarding the application process.
C.E.T. Requirements The following sections outline the legislative and policy requirements and application components for the C.E.T. designation in Alberta. The ASET Board of Examiners is responsible for reviewing C.E.T. applications and assesses all applicants according to Theoretical Knowledge, Practical Application, Professional Currency/Level of Experience, and Ethics/Law. You must meet the requirements in all four of these application sections. Please review the following sections to ensure you understand the application requirements and then refer to the Application Checklist at the end of the handbook for more detailed information about specific documentary requirements.
Theoretical Knowledge All applicants for C.E.T. must be graduates of a two-year applied science, engineering or information technology diploma program, or be able to demonstrate academic equivalency. The three key academic categories and related requirements are as follows: Applicant Category
Academic Requirements
Graduates from Technology Accreditation Canada accredited academic programs in Canada.1 Provide original or true copies of academic transcripts
Graduates from non-accredited academic programs within or outside of Canada.
Canadian Provide original or true copies of academic transcripts Pass the ASET Technologist Certification Exam
International Provide original or true copies of a third-party academic assessment Pass the ASET Technologist Certification Exam
Non-graduates or applicants who cannot produce academic documentation and must demonstrate academic equivalency.
Complete the ASET PLAR Portfolio Pass the ASET Technologist Certification Exam
Technologist Certification Exam (For Non-Accredited Program Graduates and Reclassification Applicants Only) The ASET Technologist Certification Exam tests applicants’ skills and knowledge in relation to their field of practice. Discipline-specific exams are available in the Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and Petroleum disciplines. All other applicants must complete the Fundamentals of Technology exam. ([DPPDQXDOVare available for download RQWKHZHEVLWH ZLWKIXOOLQformation about the exams. 1 Until January 1, 2018 all graduates of two-year technology diploma programs in Alberta may apply as accredited applicants. Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016
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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Portfolio (For Non-Graduates or Applicants Without Academic Transcripts Only) The ASET Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Portfolio evaluates an applicant’s skill and knowledge against the Canadian Technology Accreditation Criteria (national academic benchmarks). This portfolio is required for all applicants who have not graduated from a technical program or cannot produce academic documentation.
Practical Application All applicants for C.E.T. must demonstrate six discipline-specific competencies by achieving achieving the minimum score required in each competency in the Competency Summary. A sample summary is available on the website to assist applicants with completing the requirement. A sample summary is available on the website to assist applicants with completing the report requirement.
Professional Currency/Level of Experience All applicants for C.E.T. must demonstrate a minimum of two years of work experience of an applied science, information, or engineering technology nature that is acceptable to the ASET Board of Examiners. To demonstrate this experience, applicants must provide the following documentation:
Current resume Job description signed by a supervisor Three professional references (see sample reference form at the end of the handbook)
The Board of Examiners requires demonstration of relevant technical experience within the past five years to appropriately assess professional currency. References References for the same timeframe will not be counted towards the 24-month work experience requirement. Applicants must demonstrate 24 unique months of experience. It is recommended that referees be regulated members of ASET or APEGA (for example, C.E.T., R.E.T., P.Tech., P.L.(Eng.), P.Eng., or P.Geo. Academics Different From Professional Experience If an applicant’s academics do not match the applicant’s discipline of practice (for example, a diploma in chemical engineering technology and work experience in petroleum engineering technology), the applicant must demonstrate a minimum of four years of experience in the discipline of practice. Co-op Experience If an applicant has completed a co-op program, this experience may be counted toward the minimum of two years of experience at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. However, co-op experience may not be counted towards the required nine months of experience at the technologist level. English Language Proficiency Applicants for whom English is a second language must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language that is sufficient to enable the applicant to responsibly practice the profession. Graduates from academic programs delivered in English are exempt from this requirement. Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016
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Residency Requirement All applicants must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or provide a valid work permit indicating that the applicant is lawfully entitled to work in Canada. International applicants may apply prior to arriving in Canada but must provide a valid work permit before certification can be granted. Technician vs. Technologist Technicians and technologists usually work in a team with other professionals. They are usually involved with the application or adaptation of technology. Performance as a certified technician or technologist requires the application of principles, methods and techniques appropriate to a field of technology. Practical knowledge of the construction, application, properties, operation and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices or materials, is usually required. The following chart outlines ASET’s definitions of Technician and Technologist, and may be of assistance to applicants in preparing a resume and job description. Technician (C.Tech.)
Technologist (C.E.T.)
An applied science, information, or engineering technology professional who performs routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision and who may assume limited responsibility for any decision making process.
An applied science, information, or engineering technology professional who is capable of assuming responsibility and exercising independent judgment to perform technical tasks and solve problems in complex technological areas with limited direct supervision.
Typical activities include testing, troubleshooting, inspection, calibration, design drafting, quality control, maintenance, modeling, data compilation, estimating, sales, surveying, field supervision, technical sales and teaching. Uses a practical approach based on a detailed understanding of standard methods and techniques in solving technical problems. Examines assignments, objectives and instructions to select procedures and actions to resolve the assigned problem.
Typical activities include design, production, marketing, testing, quality control, estimating, surveying, inspection, diagnostic evaluation, supervision, management, technical sales and teaching. Such activities may be carried out in association with other professionals. Uses an applied approach based on a comprehensive understanding of a specific technology. Evaluates assignments, determines procedures and implements solutions, schedules work to meet objectives, participates in short- and longrange planning, and may become involved in developing and promoting conceptual change. May assume managerial or administrative responsibility for a wide range of technical endeavours. May supervise and coordinate a diverse working group and train less experienced technical and professional staff.
Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016
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Ethics/Law All applicants for C.E.T. must successfully complete the ASET Professional Practice Exam to demonstrate knowledge of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act and related Regulations and general knowledge related to the practice of applied science, information, or engineering technology. Applicants register for this exam online as part of the application process. All applicants must also demonstrate good character and reputation, which are confirmed by the applicant’s references, declared by the applicant as part of the online application process (good character questionnaire), and demonstrated through the applicant’s conduct. Note: Answering "Yes" to a question(s) on the good character questionnaire does not mean automatic rejection; you may, however, be asked to provide more information (e.g., criminal record check).
Application Checklist The following checklist provides additional details regarding each step in the application process and specific documentary requirements. Step 1. Submit application and payment of required fees online. 2. Mail academic transcripts or thirdparty academic assessment to ASET.
3.
Upload a current job description signed by supervisor.
Notes to Applicant • Processing times for this step is between 2-5 business days. Applicants receive an email when the initial application is approved. • Transcripts must be final and note that graduation was awarded. Transcripts and assessments must be original or true copies certified by a notary, a regulated member of ASET or APEGA, or an ASET staff member. ASET accepts basic assessments completed by the International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) or other assessments services with membership in the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services (WES, ICES, ICAS, CES, MIDI). o Please note that IQAS does not evaluate trades training or vocational/technical professional training (e.g., City and Guilds of London Institute). The basic assessment will include an evaluation of secondary schooling completed and a description of any trades training or vocational/technical professional training completed. Trades training or vocational/technical professional training qualifies applicants academically for C.Tech. only. Documents in a language other than English must be officially translated into English. Applicants must submit the original document that was translated and the official translated document. If you have already provided transcripts to ASET as part of a previous application, please check “Yes” on the Proof of Education page of your online application and ASET will search your file for the transcripts. If no transcripts are found, ASET will notify you to resubmit. • Provide detailed information clearly explaining relevant current job responsibilities as they relate to a technician versus technologist role. A job description template is available on the applicant portal if the applicant does not have a current job description. • If an applicant cannot provide a supervisory signature, applicants may request special consideration by the Board of Examiners. Please contact
[email protected] for more information.
Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016
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4. 5.
Upload a current resume. Provide contact information for a minimum of three professional references.
6.
Upload a Competency Summary appropriate to the applicant’s discipline of practice and signed by a supervisor.
•
•
• •
7.
Successfully complete the ASET Professional Practice Exam.
• • • •
8.
9.
Successfully complete the ASET Certification Exam, if applicable. (For Non-Accredited Program Graduates and Reclassification Applicants Only) Upload evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable.
• • • •
•
10. Upload a copy of a valid work permit, if applicable.
•
Provide detailed information clearly explaining relevant work history as it relates to a technician vs technologist role. References are contacted directly by ASET and are asked to complete the ASET Applicant Reference Request Form. It is recommended that referees be regulated memb4ers of ASET or APEGA (C.Tech., C.E.T., R.E.T., P.Tech., P.L.(Eng.), P.Eng., P.Geo.). In accordance with privacy law, completed reference forms may be provided to applicants upon request. The Competency Summary is a point-form description of the applicant’s work experience in relation to six key competencies. Instructions for completing the report are included within the document and a sample summary is available for review. If a competency summary is not available in the applicant’s discipline, the General Competency Summary should be completed. This summary is available for applicants working in small and emerging disciplines. If an applicant cannot provide a supervisory signature, applicants may request special consideration by the Board of Examiners. Please contact
[email protected] for more information. If an applicant would like to demonstrate competencies developed with different employers, the applicant may complete additional summaries and have them signed by a supervisor from each place of employment. Required study materials, syllabus/handbook, and exam dates are available on the ASET website. The exam writing time and testing centre locations will be provided by Yardstick Inc., ASET’s exam administrator, via email two weeks before the exam date. Exam results are sent to applicants within one to two weeks of the examination date. Applicants who have successfully completed the National Professional Practice Exam are not required to complete the ASET PPE. Required study materials, syllabus/handbook, and exam dates are available on the ASET website. The exam writing time and testing centre locations will be provided by Yardstick Inc., ASET’s exam administrator, via email two weeks before the exam date. Exam results are sent to applicants within one to two weeks of the examination date. Applicants may provide IELTS or CELPIP_G test results. The following minimum test scores are accepted: 5 (C.Tech.)/ 6 (C.E.T.) for the IELTS General Training test or 5 (C.Tech.)/7 (C.E.T.) for the CELPIP-G General test. If an applicant cannot provide IELTS or CELPIP_G test results, applicants may request special consideration by the Board of Examiners. Please contact
[email protected] for more information. The work permit must not be expired.
Certified Engineering Technologist Application Handbook •gineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016 © The Association of Science and En
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Applicant Reference Form ASET No.
Applicant Name INFORMATION FOR REFEREE
1. This form must be completed and signed by the referee. 2. Applicants must have at least 24 months of technical work experience to be considered for registration as a Certified Technician or Certified Engineering Technologist. Within these 24 months, applicants must have at least 9 months at the technologist-level to be considered for registration as a Certified Engineering Technologist. 3. In accordance with privacy legislation, completed reference forms may be provided to applicants upon request. REFEREE CONTACT INFORMATION
ASET / APEGA No. (if applicable)
Name Employer
Prov./Terr.
Phone Number
Email
Postal Code
N
City
LY
Street Address
Designation Choose one... (if applicable)
WORK EXPERIENCE
O
1. At what employer did you work with the applicant (if different from above)?
Colleague
Mentor
Client
PL
Supervisor
E
2. What is your relationship to the applicant?
Other (specify)
SA M
3. What role did/does the applicant hold in your organization?
4. How long did/have you worked with the applicant? No. of Months
From:
To: (MM/YY)
(MM/YY)
5. Based on the period in which you worked with the applicant, please indicate the applicant’s level of practice. IMPORTANT: The total number of months you enter below should match the number of months you have worked with the applicant as noted in section 4. above. This total should be distributed between technician and/or technologist (E.g., 24 total = 8 technician and 16 technologist). Do not repeat the total number of months in both boxes. Certified Technician The applicant is capable of performing routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision and may assume limited responsibility for any decision making process.
No. of Months
Certified Engineering Technologist The applicant is capable of assuming responsibility and exercising independent judgment to perform technical tasks and solve problems in complex technological areas with limited direct supervision.
No. of Months
Applicant Reference Form - Page 2 6. Select one option below that best describes the initiative and complexity of the applicant’s position. Applies technical skills under close supervision or as part of a work team. Performs routine technical procedures and makes few decisions. Performs routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. Assumes limited responsibility for decisions. Performs technical tasks and solves problems based on the principles of applied technology. Makes frequent decisions and assumes responsibility for those decisions. Receives limited direct supervision. Occupies a senior position requiring a technical background. May act as a consultant or be regarded as a technical expert in his/her field. Independently conceives programs and defines problems to be studied. Participates in the development of operating policies and program objectives. Involved in long-range planning.
LY
Supervises the work of a team of professional, ultimately responsible for projects and/or an executive fulfilling a senior management role in significant technological undertakings. GOOD CHARACTER AND REPUTATION
N
7. Does the applicant exhibit an appropriate level of professionalism and ethical practice in his or her role? YES NO
O
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
$'',7,21$/&200(176
YES YES
NO NO
PL
a. Verbal b. Written
E
8. Does the applicant demonstrate an acceptable level of verbal and written communication in the workplace?
SA M
If you have any additional comments about the competency or level of practice of the applicant, please include them here:
REFEREE DECLARATION “I, the undersigned, certify that I have direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and that the information provided on this form is complete, true, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I authorize ASET to use this information for the purposes of evaluating the applicant’s eligibility for certification. I understand that, in accordance with privacy legislation, this reference may be shared with the applicant upon request with the referee’s personal information removed.”
Signature
Date
Please print, sign, and submit to ASET by email to
[email protected], mail, or fax. All personal information you provide is subject to the conditions and protection of the ASET Privacy Policy, which can be viewed online at aset.ab.ca.