Professional Geoscientist Registration

Geoscience is a regulated profession in Canada. This means that those planning on working as a geoscientist in Canada must either:

• be registered as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in the province or territory where the work will take place; or
• work under the direct supervision of someone who is registered as a P.Geo. in the province or territory where the work will take place

In British Columbia, the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC - the business name of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC) regulates and governs the geoscience profession under the authority of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act. The association is charged with protecting the public interest by setting and maintaining high academic, experience, and professional practice standards for all 34,000 members. Individuals licensed by Engineers and

Geoscientists BC are the only persons permitted by law to undertake and assume responsibility for engineering and geoscience projects in BC.  EGBC is linked to other Provincial and territorial associations through Geoscientists Canada.

In addition to non-academic requirements (e.g., geoscience practice experience), P.Geo. applicants are required to have the equivalent of graduation from a four-year, full-time bachelor of science program and meet certain syllabus requirements depending on the discipline (Geology, Environmental Geoscience or Geophysics) in which they plan on practicing. Currently, students taking select courses (either required or elective) specified in SEOS' Earth Sciences and Combined Geography and Earth & Ocean Sciences programs can meet the syllabus requirements of the Geology and Environmental Geoscience disciplines, respectively. It is important, however, that students carefully plan their program (prefereably starting in their second year) with EGBC syllabus requirements in mind.

2011 (Current) Syllabi:

As of January 1st, 2011, APEGBC has adopted national Geoscience Knowledge & Experience (or GKE) requirements for Professional Registration in Canada. The knowledge requirements are set out by discipline into five groups from which a total of 27 Educational Units (EU's - equivalent to a one semester course) must be completed. Course equivalent lists specific to UVic for both the Geology and Environmental Science designations can be found by clicking on the associated link. A similar list pertaining to the Geophysics designation is currently being compiled, however UVic offers all but one of the courses required to meet this designation's syllabus requirements at this time.

Additional information regarding professional registration are summarized in this presentation.