Continuing education becomes mandatory for Quebec engineers

The Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec is introducing a mandatory continuing education program for its licensed professionals. The new “reglement sur la formation continué des ingénieurs” is intended to ensure the continuing competence of engineers and is in step with rules for other professionals.

The OIQ program will require engineers to complete a minimum of 30 hours of development activities over two years, beginning this April 1.

Individual engineers will be responsible for reporting their activities to OIQ and they will have to keep evidence and documents related to their activities. These activities might be courses given by l’OIQ or other recognized organizations, as well as attendance at conferences and workshops, and participation in technical committees.

Firms are reminded that it will be important that they ensure their employees fulfil the continuing education requirements, and employers are encouraged to establish professional development plans for their employees. The employers can ask their employees to provide them with a copy of their declaration to OIQ.

OIQ already has a guide for developing professional competence on its website, but it will soon be launching a detailed microsite on the program, with questions and answers.

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Quebec (AICQ) latest newsletter points out that it is important that an engineer’s program of activities are tailored to his or her particular area of work.

The only exceptions for not having to complete the 30 hours of development are if an individual has medical problems or is out of the country for prolonged periods.