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It is true that a person whose primary area of practice is software can become a professional engineer in all Canadian jurisdictions, but is comparatively diffi

It is true that a person whose primary area of practice is software can become a professional engineer in all Canadian jurisdictions, but is comparatively difficult to meet the experience requirements relative to traditional engineering disciplines and very few software professionals hold a P.Eng. license even though they may have the relevant degree. The license is also seen as largely irrelevant in software as unlike traditional disciplines there are no legislative requirements to have a P.Eng. sign off on certain types of work, nor does most software development fall under the definition of engineering. In contrast, I work in the power industry and the involvement of a P.Eng. is usually a necessity at the design, construction and commissioning phases of utility electrical work. Also, Canadian jurisdictions do not distinguish between disciplines of engineering in licensing, a Professional Engineer is responsible for self-regulating themselves to the areas of practice in which they are competent. That is, a Professional Engineer holding a degree in mechanical engineering can seal electrical schematics, if she feels that she is competent to do so. In short, yes you can be a Professional Engineer as a software developer in Canada, but since most software work is not considered to be engineering under the official definition[1], one does not need to be a P.Eng. to do it. [1] http://peo.on.ca/index.php?ci_id=1813&la_id=1 http://peo.on.ca/index.php?ci_id=1813&la_id=1

dylandempsey 12y ago
It is actually a specific degree that is a minimum four years at specific Universities and then at least one year under another acknowledged Professional Engineer. You are then honoured with an Iron Ring that is well known in Canada that you can only obtain through the proper certification (as some colleges try to offer lesser degrees that aren't acknowledged). It's no different than a doctor or dentist, you can't legally professionally practice without it. The courses are geared towards theory, business, management and ethics rather than just proper or efficient coding and documentation.
- eigenvector 12y ago
  The Iron Ring has nothing to do with the licensure of professional engineering. It is administered by the Corporation of the Seven Wardens which is not connected to Engineers Canada or any of the provincial or territorial licensing bodies. Source: I have an iron ring.
  - dylandempsey 12y ago
    The point is, even socially it's weird here to claim you're an engineer if you don't have it

dylandempsey 12y ago

It is actually a specific degree that is a minimum four years at specific Universities and then at least one year under another acknowledged Professional Engineer. You are then honoured with an Iron Ring that is well known in Canada that you can only obtain through the proper certification (as some colleges try to offer lesser degrees that aren't acknowledged). It's no different than a doctor or dentist, you can't legally professionally practice without it. The courses are geared towards theory, business, management and ethics rather than just proper or efficient coding and documentation.

eigenvector 12y ago
The Iron Ring has nothing to do with the licensure of professional engineering. It is administered by the Corporation of the Seven Wardens which is not connected to Engineers Canada or any of the provincial or territorial licensing bodies. Source: I have an iron ring.
- dylandempsey 12y ago
  The point is, even socially it's weird here to claim you're an engineer if you don't have it