Education and Designations
Provincial Professional Associations (PPAs) -- e.g. ASET, AETTNL, ASTTBC, CTTAM, ITP, NBSCETT, OACETT, TechNova, TPS-- evaluate the qualifications of applicants against national technology benchmarks. Only those who demonstrate their competency -- including adherence to standards of ethics -- and remain members in good standing of their respective PPA, can use the following designations:
Technologist in Training – T.T. (Alberta only)
Certified Technician - C.Tech.
Applied Science Technologist - A.Sc.T.
Certified Engineering Technologist - C.E.T.
Registered Engineering Technologist - R.E.T. (Alberta only)
Professional Technologist (Engineering) and (Geosciences) - P.Tech. (Eng.) and P.Tech. (Geo.) (Alberta only)
Technologist in Training (T.T.) members have graduated from a technical program (official transcripts required) that would lead to at least the certified technician level based on academics, but have not yet gained the minimum two years' related work experience requirement for certification.
- Works under general supervision.
- Typical activities include testing, troubleshooting, inspection, calibration, design drafting, quality control, maintenance, modelling, data compilation, estimating, sales, surveying, field supervision, technical sales and teaching.
- Uses a practical approach based on a detailed understanding of standard methods and techniques in solving technical problems.
- Examines assignments, objectives and instructions to select procedures and actions to resolve the assigned problem.
- Carries out a wide range of complex work, either independently or under general direction.
- Typical activities include design, production, marketing, testing, quality control, estimating, surveying, inspection, diagnostic evaluation, supervision, management, technical sales and teaching. Such activities may be carried out in association with other professionals.
- Uses an applied approach based on a comprehensive understanding of a specific technology. Evaluates assignments, determines procedures and implements solutions, schedules work to meet objectives, participates in short- and long-range planning, and may become involved in developing and promoting conceptual change.
- May assume managerial or administrative responsibility for a wide range of technical endeavours. May supervise and coordinate a diverse working group and train less experienced technical and professional staff.
- Carries out a wide range of complex work, either independently or under general direction.
- Typical activities include design, production, marketing, testing, quality control, estimating, surveying, inspection, diagnostic evaluation, supervision, management, technical sales and teaching. Such activities may be carried out in association with other professionals.
- Uses an applied approach based on a comprehensive understanding of a specific technology. Evaluates assignments, determines procedures and implements solutions, schedules work to meet objectives, participates in short- and long-range planning, and may become involved in developing and promoting conceptual change.
- May assume managerial or administrative responsibility for a wide range of technical endeavours. May supervise and coordinate a diverse working group and train less experienced technical and professional staff.
- The R.E.T. category was created in Alberta legislation in 1985 to recognize the important contributions made by technologists who have reached a senior level. This legislation provides for the recognition of a person engaged in the practice of engineering who most often provides support services within an engineering team and who works closely with professional engineers, technicians and other professionals. The regulations provide for a unique and distinct stamp which may be applied to drawings, specifications and reports which the R.E.T. has prepared, or to work which has been done under his/her direction. Because the professional engineer is always required to accept ultimate professional responsibility for the practice of engineering, an engineer's stamp will accompany that of the R.E.T. The R.E.T. stamp is also intended to provide and enhance pride in authorship and a form of quality assurance and integrity. Many R.E.T.s have progressed to management-level positions with major firms and organizations, while many others are self-employed.
- No new Registered Engineering Technologist (R.E.T.) designations have been issued as of October 2009, following proclamation of Alberta’s new provincial Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Amendment Act.
- Members holding a R.E.T. designation continue to be recognized in Alberta as senior-level practitioners of engineering technology or applied science technology.
This new Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geosciences) designation in Alberta allows the practitioner to engage in the independent practice of engineering within an approved scope of practice and existing codes and standards. With this designation, a member is able to sign off and stamp his or her own work.
This provides a number of benefits to employers including:
- operating efficiencies in the professional, scientific and technical services industry
- qualified technologists work to their full potential
- an innovative and cost-effective option when staffing engineering teams
- easing of the workforce shortage in engineering occupations
- enhances the perception of technology professions
