Professional Technologist (PTech)
A graduate of an accredited curriculum in engineering technology (or equivalent) who has completed two years of satisfactory practical experience in employment following graduation may be certified as an engineering technologist.
The curriculum followed by the engineering technologist shall have been based upon a core of applied science and applied mathematics generally including topics such as differential and integral calculus, and introduction to differential equations, statistics, linear algebra and computer science which will permit the graduate to use mathematics as a tool in the synthesis of designs or in the analysis of technical problems.
The curriculum will also have included the fundamentals of science and engineering applicable to a particular branch or specialty of engineering technology, taught in term of the mathematics core. The academic and theoretical portions of the technical curriculum will have been reinforced by suitable laboratory experiments and exercises amounting to approximately one-third of the total academic curriculum.
The occupational functions of the engineering technologist vary widely. In a technical capacity they may progress from the relatively simple tasks of the recent graduate to complex technical responsibilities which are comparable to those of professional engineers and engineering supervisors, where the exercise of judgment is required and responsible decisions are essential.
Where professional decisions are required, the engineering technologist will always find that they will be associated with professional engineers except where otherwise provided by law.
In an administrative capacity, the engineering technologist may gravitate away from purely technical responsibilities assuming instead the responsibilities of administration and management up to the highest levels.
The engineering technologist may carry out a wide range of complex work processes under general direction in areas such as engineering, design production, marketing, maintenance, quality control, quantity surveying, inspection and supervision of construction activities. They may be employed as a technical sales representative and in all of the levels of responsibility related to technical sales.
The engineering technologist evaluates their assignments, determines the objectives, defines the problems and determines the procedures to effect solutions to the problems, either to interpret the creative ideas of engineers or on his own initiative (they will often be the only technical authority in a plant, especially in smaller plants). The engineering technologist schedules work to meet the objectives and participates in long and short range planning.
They may supervise and coordinate the activities of engineering technologist, engineering technicians and skilled craftsmen and they may be assigned administrative responsibility for engineering specialists and scientists. They may often assist in the training of less experienced technical staff including professionals.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the terms Professional Technologist (PTech), Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Applied Science Technologist (AScT) are all equivalent. However, we only currently award the designation PTech.