Why Can't Recent Graduates and Interns not Officially Call Themselves "Engineers"?

Embarking on a Professional Experience Year (PEY), diving into an internship, or proudly earning a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is a milestone in the academic journey of every engineering student. But does crossing that stage, or stepping into the workplace, automatically make someone an 'Engineer'? Not quite.

The Weight of the Designation 

Under the Professional Engineers Act of Ontario, the title “Engineer” is reserved exclusively for individuals licensed by the appropriate provincial or territorial engineering regulator. 

One key reason for the field’s legal protection is that it involves complex intellectual activities, ranging from planning and design to the construction and maintenance of vital infrastructure and technologies that underpin the foundations of society. Additionally, public safety and trust are paramount in this profession. Given engineering’s influence on daily life, engineers are entrusted with ensuring the safety, reliability, and integrity of the systems and structures they design and build. 

To maintain the profession’s integrity and responsibility, it must be governed by strict standards and careful oversight.

The “Engineer” Conundrum 

A common misconception is the use of the title “Engineer” by individuals outside of engineering programs or without professional licensure, particularly in roles such as “Software Engineer” or “Data Engineer”. 

In traditional engineering disciplines, licensed practitioners typically come from programs accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, with well-defined scopes, practices, and standards. However, the regulation and enforcement of software engineering often overlap with those of software programming. This is further complicated as many professionals in software-related fields come from diverse academic and industry backgrounds outside of traditional engineering pathways. 

While fields like software and data engineering are exciting and innovative branches of the tech world, they often do not fall under the traditional definitions governed by engineering regulators. Still, it’s important to remember that the title “Engineer” is legally protected in Canada to uphold the trust, safety, and standards associated with the profession.

The Path to Becoming an “Engineer” 

After finishing their engineering degree, graduates take an important step toward becoming a licensed engineer by enrolling as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT), Member-in-Training, or a similar designation, depending on the province or territory. The requirements for this designation vary by region, and some provinces, like Ontario, do not currently offer it.. 

This transitional phase helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice, offering several valuable advantages:

1. Signals to employers your dedication to career development and intent to meet the standards required to become an Engineer. 

2. Recognizes your commitment to upholding the public interest and ethical practice, granting you the legal right to use titles such as “Engineer-in-Training,” “Member-in-Training,” or “Junior Engineer.”

3. Develops your technical judgment and practical competencies through supervised experience under a licensed Professional Engineer (P. Eng).

4. Provides access to mentorship, career resources, and exclusive benefits available to EITs. 

Achieving the Title of “Engineer” or “Professional Engineer”

In Canada, a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) is the official designation granted upon licensure to practice engineering. As such, recent graduates of engineering programs are referred to as engineering graduates and can only legally practice engineering if a P.Eng. assumes responsibility for the work. 

Several requirements for licensure vary by jurisdiction, but generally, to legally use the title “Engineer,” “Professional Engineer,” or the “P.Eng.” designation, individuals must: 

1. Complete an accredited engineering degree

2. Gain the required amount of engineering work experience 

3. Pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE)

4. Demonstrate good character

5. Meet language proficiency requirements

Only once these steps are fulfilled can an individual officially and legally refer to themselves as an engineer. 

Becoming a licensed engineer is a journey that goes beyond earning a degree. From gaining practical experience to meeting professional designations, each step is designed to ensure engineers are prepared to take on the responsibility, safety, and trust that the profession demands. By following these standards, aspiring engineers not only build their careers, they help shape the reliable and safe infrastructure that supports society every day.