What is the significance of APEGS Competency Based Assessment

he Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) Competency-Based Assessment helps in determining the ability of engineers before they attain a license of practicing engineering in Canada. This transparent and efficient mode of evaluation came into effect after the May 2018 Annual Meeting of the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). From January 1, 2019, the EGBC adopted the APEGS Competency-Based Assessment for all professional engineer applicants.

The analysis is valid for all national as well as foreign engineers-in-training applicants. The pre-requisites for appearing for the APEGS Competency-Based Assessment in Canada include four years’ experience as engineers-in training (including at least one-year experience in Canada or a different geographical area with a Canada-like environment), and up to one year of pre-graduation experience. Have a look at the significance of APEGS Competency-Based Assessment in Canada.

There are seven Competency Categories, consisting of 34 competencies or skills under the CBA framework. These seven categories help in determining the efficiency of engineers in ensuring public safety. A professional can score six different levels of competence, ranging from 0 to 5, under the Competency Rating Scale. To successfully accomplish the APEGS Competency-Based Assessment in Canada, an engineer should score a minimum value of 1 in each competency, and a minimum category average of 2 or 3, depending on the assessment rules for ‘entry to practice’. Listed below are the 34-skill bases or competencies:

Now that you have understood the framework of APEGS Competency-Based Assessment, have a look at the advantages of this evaluation process.

The APEGS Competency-Based Assessment, currently followed in Canada, is a transparent system that helps applicants to take the evaluation conveniently. It provides a clear picture of the assessment with the aid of detailed indicators and examples for each skillset. Student members and Engineers-in-Training undertaking the examination can form a clear picture of the prevalent practices, gauze their present competency level, and develop their portfolio accordingly. There is also a system of seeking interim validation from supervisors to get an idea about the proficiency level of applicants. The transparent and precise assessment helps in enhancing the confidence level and morality of Engineers-in-Training.

The presence of a Competency Rating Scale with a score value from 0 to 5 helps in maintaining the consistency of the evaluation method. Applicants can undergo the quantitative assessment based on the precise scoring process confidently. It promotes trust in the existing scoring process and makes the system consistent for all applicants.

Since the APEGS Competency-Based Assessment is an online evaluation, applicants can undergo this process from anywhere in the world, irrespective of geographical barrier. The entire process of entry of information, sharing of data, and the notification goes through online method. It facilitates a hassle-free evaluation program. There is no requirement of obtaining signatures from the assessment authority and extensive paperwork. Moreover, all the data are available for download by the applicant from anywhere in the world. They can review their entry in the pdf format and can analyze their strengths and weaknesses in various skill sets.

Candidates going through the online APEGS Competency-Based Assessment can significantly reduce time and resources burden. They can directly upload all data concerning the evaluation of the system and manage the competency report. Applicants also have the opportunity of appointing validators and following up with them. It is even a beneficial approach for the management as they can now conduct the assessment with reduced staff.

In the present APEGS Competency-Based Assessment, applicants get a validator, who is usually a professional engineer having first-hand knowledge about the candidate’s work. The validator at first gain information about the applicant’s education and employment history. Then he reviews the candidate’s Competency Self?Assessment and offers his expert opinion on the same. They also provide a score and comment on the Competency Rating Scale. This form of validator-candidate association helps in a smooth assessment process.

So, this was all about the recent APEGS Competency-Based Assessment, currently followed in Canada. This innovative evaluation process for Engineers-in-Training facilitates smooth attainment of license for practicing engineering in the country.

Should you need any further information/details regarding the APEGS Competency-Based Assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us for quick assistance.