APEGA CPD Changes 2025
2025-10-28
Overview
New CPD program involves mandatory learning modules in myAPEGA and creating a Personal Annual Competency Evaluation (PACE) plan.
New CPD program will come into effect November 1, 2025 as licensed members will need to prepare their new program on their next annual renewal date.
Practicing members will begin the new program after November 1.
Who is required to take it?
All APEGA licensed professionals will be required to adhere to the conditions set out in the revised Continuing Professional Development practice standard.
Life members, non-practising licensed professionals, students, examination candidates, and members-in-training do not have to complete the requirements (for now).
Old CPD Program
At least 240 hours over three years with hours in three or more categories:
Professional Practice: 50 h max
Formal: 30 h max
Informal: 30 h max
Participation: 20 h max
Presentations: 20 h max
Contributions to knowledge: 30 h max
What is out of the CPD program?
Reporting CPD hours and activities ended October 17, 2025.
Six categories are gone: Formal, Contributions to knowledge, Presentations, etc.
Minimum hours, e.g., 30 h for Formal, are also eliminated.
Professional practice by itself may not be sufficient to maintain competency and licensed professionals are expected to undertake additional CPD activities.
However, activities that are outside of your routine work and that contribute to maintaining competency can be included in PACE plans.
What is new?
- Learning modules
- Focus on core concepts of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act and common issues identified in practice reviews
- PACE Plan
- Licensed members create their own PACE plan and will continue to take responsibility for maintaining and enhancing their professional competence
Learning Modules
Learning modules are hosted on APEGA’s learning management system and can be accessed by logging into their myAPEGA account.
Even if a licensed professional has taken one of the modules before, they must complete them again by their expiry date on their registrant card in myAPEGA.
Current modules: Authentication, Duty to Report, Ethical Practice, Regulatory, Relying on the Work of Others and Outsourcing.
Your PACE plan
Is a personalized plan each licensed professional creates for themselves to ensure they are completing the continuing professional development (CPD) activities required to: [Definitions]
Remain competent at their practice
Fulfill their role and responsibilities in their profession
PACE Plan requirements-1 [3.2 -3.4]
Must describe your current area of practice and any future areas being pursued (with job title and employer) [3.2]
Could include a self assessment of current competency [3.3]
Must identify skills and knowledge that will contribute to your continued competency [3.4]
PACE Plan requirements-2 [3.5]
Include at least one technical activity related to maintaining or enhancing technical skills and knowledge
Include at least one regulatory; ethical practice; or communications, management and leadership activity.
Must explain how each CPD activity contributes to your continuing competency
Should connect the CPD activity with one or more of the skills or knowledge areas you have identified as relevant for maintaining or enhancing competency
Example of Pace technical activities-1 [3.5.1.1]
| Example Topic | Activity |
|---|---|
| Technical codes, regulations and standards | Write a Thurber quality management document. Read sections from the NBCC or CFEM. |
| Developing knowledge | Attend technical society presentations and conferences. Write technical papers. Read journal and conference papers. |
Example of Pace technical activities-2 [3.5.1.1]
| Example Topic | Activity |
|---|---|
| New or emerging technologies | Attend vendor lunch and learns; |
| Developing skills | Learn Global Mapper or borehole logging. |
| Review | Conduct peer reviews. |
Example of PACE regulatory activities [3.5.1.2]
| Example Topics | Activity |
|---|---|
| Regulations, codes, bylaws and standards | Review APEGA standards, bulletins; |
| Professional obligations under legislation relevant to your practice | Review codes and regulations, e.g., Alberta Canal and Dam Safety Directive |
| International and national quality management standards | Review relevant industry standards, e.g., ISO, GISTM, CSA, CDA, etc. |
Example of PACE ethical practice activities [3.5.1.3]
| Example Topics | Activity |
|---|---|
| Conflict of interest | Review APEGA Ethics guide |
| Managing professional liability | Review case histories and law suits, e.g., Mount Polley report, Bankers Hall, |
| EDI | Attend training on equity, diversity and inclusion |
Example of PACE Communication, Management and Leadership Activities [3.5.1.4]
| Example Topic | Activity |
|---|---|
| Consulting and business skills | Take a PSMJ seminar |
| Leadership | Chair a volunteer group |
| Safety and health | Take the Leadership in Safety Excellence |
| Team effectiveness | Mentor colleagues to assist with career development |
Reporting
Record the completed CPD activities including title or description, organizer/provider, activity date and activity duration (hours or days) [3.5.2]
Explain how each CPD activity contributed to continuing competency [3.5.3]
Include supporting documentation as evidence of completed CPD activities [3.7].
Seek peer review of your PACE Plan [3.6]
Summary of New CPD
Prepare your PACE Plan to include at least:
one technical activity
one regulatory; ethical practice; or communications, management and leadership activity
Include professional practice activities if it entails training and acquiring new skills or knowledge.
Take the mandatory APEGA Learning Modules.
Call APEGA to ask for a special exemption if you cannot meet the minimum requirements.
Other details
APEGA will provide a template.
APEGA recommends the PACE plan be discussed with your supervisor, peer or mentor.
APEGA will not verify PACE plans and do not send them to APEGA.
You only need to submit it to APEGA when they request it; failure to provide it, including the supporting documents, will result in cancellation.
If APEGA is not satisfied you are complying with the CPD practice standard, they may conduct an review of your professional practice and, if they find non-conformances, may assign conditions or penalties.
Temporary Withdrawal from Practice
New CPD allows those not practicing full time to remain compliant by completing learning modules and customizing their PACE plan to their specific circumstances and abilities.
If your personal circumstances do not permit compliance with this standard, contact APEGA.
APEGA discourages members from entering non-practicing status as this requires PRB to review your application to return from non-practicing status.
Professions Governance Act does not include the non-practicing option (PGA legislation).
Resources for APEGA’s CPD
Questions?
EGBC
Record 1 CE hour of ethical learning
Complete the Regulatory learning module
Create a Continuing Education (CE) Plan annually
identify areas of practice
assess the risks associated with their practice
outline learning goals and activities planned to meet them
Complete 60 CE hours of learning activities over three years and across four learning areas: regulatory, ethical, technical and communications and leadership
Professional development courses, sessions, seminars, workshops, presentations, conferences, trade shows, and field trips;
Self-directed study, professional association meetings, and structured peer discussions;
Exposure to new ideas and technologies through mentoring or tutoring;
Contributing to professional expertise through service on public bodies, committees, or associations;
Presentations at professional events, educational settings, or organizational meetings (repeated deliveries count as one activity); and
Creating codes, securing patents, publishing peer-reviewed papers, completing a thesis, authoring books or articles.