Limited Licenses present an opportunity to recognize those that have achieved a level of expertise and could be trusted to safely carry out specific engineering or geoscience work in a carefully limited and regulated scope. Limited Licenses are expected to improve the ability of qualified newcomers to use their skills to contribute to New Brunswick’s economy.

A limited licencee (called a professional licencee in some other jurisdictions) has the academic and work experience requirements to practice engineering or geoscience within a clearly defined scope of practice that is specific to their experience and education. This is different from professional engineers and professional geoscientists, who do not have limitations on their practice.

• The professional licencee designation is covered specifically in the by-laws under the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act under Licencees 3.1.2, Certificates of Authorization 4.1.3, Academic & Experience Standards- Limited Licencees 5.3.0 to 5.3.3, Professional Practice Exam 5.7.0, and Seals 12.1.2.
• Limited licencees may use the designation LEL (Limited Engineering Licence) or LGL (Limited Geoscience Licence). Read about the right to use a designation.
• Limited licencees take responsibility for their work within their scope of practice, and they do not need to be supervised by a professional engineer or professional geoscientist if they are working within their scope of practice.
• A Limited Licencee is not permitted to hold a Certificate of Authorization.

Basic Requirements

• Confirmation of Canadian residency is required prior to the Limited License being granted.
• Applicant must be at the age of legal majority.
• Applicants for registration may be required to show competence in the English or French language. (For example, the completion of a degree or diploma in either English or French meets this requirement.)
• APEGNB has adopted the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE). All applicants must write and pass this examination or its equivalent before becoming registered as a Limited Licencee.
  • If the applicant has successfully written this examination in another province or territory through an engineering / geoscience regulatory body, they are exempt from writing this exam again.

Educational and Experience Requirements for Limited Licencee Applicants

Applications are made for one of the following categories:

• Category 1 Limited Licencee
  • The academic requirements for a Category 1 Limited Licencee shall be satisfied by graduation from an accredited bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, geoscience, or related science. (APEGNB By-law 5.3.0)
  • At least five years of engineering or geoscience work experience directly related to the scope of practice for which the applicant is applying. (APEGNB By-law 5.3.2)
• Category 2 Limited Licencee
  • The academic requirements a Category 2 Limited Licencee shall be satisfied by (APEGNB By-law 5.3.1):
    • (i) graduation from an accredited diploma program in engineering or geoscience (such diploma should be from a Sydney Accord engineering technology program or a program of equivalent content); or
    • (ii) successful completion of three years of an accredited engineering or geoscience program
  • At least eight years of engineering or geoscience work experience directly related to the scope of practice for which the applicant is applying. (APEGNB By-law 5.3.3)

• All educational requirements must be supported by official transcripts from the Registrar sent directly from the academic institution to APEGNB.
  • The original sealed transcripts must be included for all completed degrees, diplomas and/or certificates or partially-completed engineering or geoscience degrees. Transcripts should show courses taken, marks received, and the qualification awarded (if any). All non-English or non-French documentation must be accompanied by an official English or French translation.
• Acceptable experience is experience obtained under the direct supervision of a registered professional engineer or geoscientist. It must be attested to by at least one Professional who was the applicant’s most recent, immediate supervisor or works in close association with the applicant and can therefore verify the skill and competency of the applicant.
• Applicants must provide detailed experience records for each activity proposed within the scope of practice, clearly demonstrating competency development during the supervised period and experience in each of the areas noted. Experience must show the application of engineering or geoscience principles as defined in the Act, and must include the following:
  • The application of relevant engineering or geoscience methodologies and problem-solving that requires work beyond the routine application of codes and standards.
  • Evidence of the skillful application of engineering, geology or geophysical principles and practical experience.
  • Demonstrated growth in competency and increasing ability to work as an independent practitioner. Acceptable experience may include: selecting solutions and solving problems, preparing and checking engineering designs or interpretations, showing evidence of sound technical judgment and practices, demonstrating familiarity with the use and application of pertinent technologies, procedures, systems and programs.
  • Acceptable experience may also include the collection and analysis of information and data. However, data collection and analysis should not be the major component of the experience for a significant period of time.