What you need to know about PEO Mandated Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

From January 1, 2023, as a licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario, Canada, it is mandatory to participate in ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in order to maintain your license to practice. The CPD is based on the existing PEO's Practice Evaluation and Knowledge (PEAK) program which had been piloted since last several years. The purpose of CPD is to ensure that professional engineers stay current with the latest developments in their field, and to maintain and enhance the skills and knowledge required for the safe and competent practice of engineering. Through CPD, engineers can demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and development, and to the protection of the public interest.

All licensed professional engineers in Ontario are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per licensing year, with at least 15 hours being formal and structured learning activities. Formal CPD activities include things like courses, workshops, seminars, and webinars, while structured learning activities can include things like self-directed study, mentoring, and project work. These activities should be relevant to the practice of engineering, and should align with the engineer's current or future professional responsibilities.

It is the responsibility of each engineer to maintain a record of their CPD activities, and to submit this record to the regulatory body upon request. This regulatory body conducts audits of CPD records to ensure compliance with the requirements, and may take disciplinary action against engineers who fail to meet the CPD requirements.

In addition, to maintain the standards and quality of engineering practice, engineers are encouraged to seek out activities that will help them to stay current with the latest technological developments, and to improve their skills in areas such as project management, leadership, and communication. Furthermore, opportunities for CPD can be found through involvement in professional associations and other organizations, as well as through volunteering with the regulatory body's committees.

In conclusion, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a mandatory requirement for all licensed professional engineers in the province of Ontario, Canada. It serves as a means to ensure that engineers stay current with the latest developments in their field, and to maintain and enhance the skills and knowledge required for the safe and competent practice of engineering. Engineers are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per licensing year, and it is the responsibility of each engineer to maintain a record of their CPD activities and to submit this record to the regulatory body upon request. It is important for engineers to take an active role in their own professional development to ensure the highest standards of engineering practice.