If you're an international engineer dreaming of working in Saskatchewan, Canada, you’ve probably heard about the APEGS competency-based assessment.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed—don’t worry.
You’re not alone.

I was once in your shoes:
An experienced civil engineer from India, with years of site management under my belt, but suddenly being asked to write a report explaining how I “applied engineering principles” in plain English.

I had no idea where to start.

But after months of research, document gathering, and one rejected application (yes, really), I passed the APEGS competency-based assessment—and now I’m a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Saskatchewan.

In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to tackle the APEGS assessment—step by step—so you don’t waste time, money, or hope.

What Is the APEGS Competency-Based Assessment?

APEGS (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan) is the licensing body for engineers in the province.

The APEGS competency based assessment is their way of checking if your education, experience, and professional judgment meet Canadian standards.

It’s not an exam. It’s a document-based review of your engineering journey—plus a final interview.

And the heart of it? Your APEGS competency report.

This isn’t just a CV. It’s your chance to show how you’ve used engineering knowledge in real-life situations.

Step 1: Check If You Qualify

Before you begin, make sure you meet the basics:

✅ You have a recognized engineering degree (or equivalent)
✅ If your degree is from outside Canada, it must be assessed for equivalency (WES or other approved service)
✅ You have at least 4 years of acceptable engineering experience
✅ You can prove your English language ability (if required)

If you’re missing any of these, start there.
No shortcuts.

Step 2: Understand What APEGS Is Looking For

APEGS doesn’t just want a job list.

They want to see how you’ve used your skills in real projects, and how you think like a professional engineer.

They assess you on key competencies like:

• Technical knowledge
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Ethics and professional judgment
• Teamwork and leadership

Your job is to show, not tell.

So instead of saying:

“I managed a construction site.”

Say:

“I led a team of 8 workers on a water treatment project. When we faced delays due to pipe supply issues, I redesigned the layout to use available materials, saving 3 weeks and $12,000.”

Now that shows competence, judgment, and impact.

Step 3: Prepare Your APEGS Competency Report

This is the most important part of your application.

Here’s what to include:

✅ 1. Detailed Project Summaries (2–3 Projects)

Pick projects where you:

• Made decisions
• Solved technical problems
• Used engineering software or standards
• Led or supervised others

For each project, describe:

• What the project was
• When and where it happened
• Your role
• The challenge you faced
• Your actions using engineering principles
• The outcome and what you learned

Use simple, clear English. No jargon unless you explain it.

✅ 2. Employment Reference Letters

Get signed letters from supervisors or managers.

Each letter should confirm:

• Your job title and duties
• Dates of employment
• Full-time or part-time status
• Contact details of the referee

Tip: Ask your referee to mention specific projects or decisions you made.

✅ 3. Academic Documents

Submit:

• Official transcripts
• Degree certificate
• Course descriptions (if requested)

If your documents are not in English, provide certified translations.

✅ 4. CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

List all training, workshops, online courses, or conferences you’ve attended.

Even informal learning counts—just be honest and specific.

Example:

“Completed 10-hour course on AutoCAD Civil 3D – applied skills in drainage design.”

Step 4: Pass the Professional Practice Exam (PPE)

All applicants (except those transferring from another Canadian province) must pass the PPE.

It’s not technical. It tests your understanding of:

• Engineering law and contracts
• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Workplace safety
• Canadian regulatory standards

You can prepare using study guides from Engineers Canada.

I studied for 4 weeks, 1–2 hours a day. Passed on the first try.

Step 5: Attend the Professional Discussion

Once your documents are approved, you’ll attend a professional discussion—a 45–60 minute interview.

It’s not an interrogation. It’s a conversation.

They’ll ask things like:

• “Tell me about a time you made a tough engineering decision.”
• “How do you handle safety on site?”
• “What would you do if a client asked you to cut corners?”

They want to see how you think, communicate, and act professionally.

Tip: Practice with a friend. Use real examples from your report.

Recent News: APEGS in 2025

In 2025, APEGS has made the process easier for international applicants:

• Faster processing – Most applications reviewed in 6–8 weeks
• Virtual interviews – Attend from your home country
• More support resources – New guides for engineers from India, Nigeria, Philippines, and China
• Online application tracker – See your status in real time

They’re not lowering standards—but they are making it easier to succeed.

Common Mistakes International Engineers Make

❌ Being too vague – “I worked on a building project” tells them nothing.
❌ Using “we” instead of “I” – They want to know your role, not your team’s.
❌ Ignoring soft skills – Leadership, ethics, and communication matter as much as technical knowledge.
❌ Poor English or grammar – If it’s hard to read, it looks unprofessional. Get help if needed.
❌ Not proving Canadian-style thinking – Show you understand safety, ethics, and public responsibility.

Fix these, and you’re already ahead of 50% of applicants.

Final Thoughts

Being an international engineer doesn’t make you less qualified.

But to pass the APEGS competency-based assessment, you need to present your experience the Canadian way.

You’ve already done the hard work—designing, building, solving problems.

Now, it’s time to explain it clearly.

So take your time.
Be specific.
Be honest.
And don’t give up.

Because once you’re on the other side of this process, you’ll be a licensed engineer in Canada—with all the respect, pay, and opportunities that come with it.

You’ve got this.

Good luck.

Author Bio:
This article was written by an international civil engineer who moved from India to Saskatchewan and passed the APEGS competency-based assessment in 2024. Our goal is to give you honest, simple advice—no jargon, no fluff. Just real tips from someone who’s been in your shoes and made it to the other side.