Communication competencies are the second category within the Competency Based Assessment (CBA). Effective communication is one of the most critical skills an engineer can possess. Whether you’re explaining a complex technical concept to a client, crafting a detailed project report, or reviewing critical design documents, the ability to convey and interpret information effectively can make or break a project’s success. Communication ensures clarity, fosters collaboration, and builds trust among team members, clients, and stakeholders.
In the context of the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), the Communication Competencies evaluates your proficiency in verbal, written, and document review skills. These competencies go beyond technical expertise, emphasizing your ability to connect with diverse audiences and contribute to projects in a meaningful way. Demonstrating these skills is not just a licensing requirement—it’s a vital aspect of your professional growth.
This blog unpacks the Communication category, offering practical insights into each competency. With real-world examples and actionable tips, you’ll learn how to effectively showcase your communication abilities and set yourself apart as a well-rounded engineer ready for licensure. This is a follow-up to the Competency Based Assessment blog series. In the past blogs we have discussed the Technical competencies in details.
The Importance of Communication Competencies in Engineering
Communication competencies are the foundation of successful engineering practice. They enable engineers to bridge the gap between technical expertise and practical application, ensuring that projects are executed effectively and stakeholders remain aligned. In an industry where collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and the public is common, strong communication skills are not just desirable—they are essential.
Consider the case of a highway expansion project where local residents express concerns about the safety and accessibility of their neighborhood. An engineer with strong communication competencies can articulate the technical aspects of a revised traffic management plan in a way that is clear and reassuring. By using visual aids like simplified diagrams and addressing questions in a thoughtful, non-technical manner, the engineer builds trust and helps the community feel confident in the project’s approach.
Written communication competencies are equally vital. Engineers often need to convey complex ideas through reports, memos, or presentations. For example, during an environmental assessment for a new manufacturing facility, a well-written report with concise summaries, technical details, and annotated diagrams ensures that both regulatory authorities and non-technical stakeholders understand the key findings. This level of clarity not only facilitates decision-making but also minimizes delays and prevents miscommunication.
The ability to review and interpret documents is another critical communication competency. On a municipal bridge project, an engineer may need to identify inconsistencies in contractor design documents and propose actionable corrections. By communicating these findings effectively to the project team, the engineer helps prevent potential structural issues and ensures the project’s integrity.
In all these scenarios, communication competencies enable engineers to translate technical knowledge into actionable insights, fostering collaboration and maintaining project momentum. For those pursuing PEO licensure, demonstrating these competencies is crucial to proving their readiness for professional engineering practice. Whether through verbal presentations, written reports, or document reviews, communication competencies are the key to thriving in the engineering profession.
Breaking Down the Communication Competencies
The Communication Competencies outlined in the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) highlight three key areas: verbal communication, written communication, and document review. Each of these skills is crucial for engineers to perform effectively in collaborative, technical, and public-facing roles. Let’s delve into each competency and explore how they play out in real-world engineering scenarios.
Effective Verbal Communication Competency
Verbal communication is a fundamental skill for engineers, allowing them to articulate ideas, exchange knowledge, and engage effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders. As outlined in the Communication Competencies of Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), this competency emphasizes the importance of clear, concise, and impactful verbal interactions in diverse professional contexts.
Verbal communication competency requires engineers to effectively convey technical and non-technical information in various settings. The key indicators of this competency include presenting technical data, participating in meetings and discussions, and conducting public presentations.
Imagine an engineer working on a highway construction project where a revised traffic management plan must be communicated to concerned residents. In this situation, the engineer plays a pivotal role in translating complex engineering data into understandable information for the public. By organizing a town hall meeting, the engineer uses simplified diagrams to illustrate the plan and addresses the residents’ concerns with patience and clarity. This not only reassures the community about safety measures but also facilitates smoother implementation of the project.
Such scenarios are common in engineering, where professionals must bridge the gap between technical teams and broader audiences. Verbal communication ensures that all stakeholders, regardless of their technical background, can understand and contribute to the project’s success.
Tips for Mastering Verbal Communication
To excel in verbal communication:
- Structure Your Presentations: Organize your content with a clear introduction, main points, and a strong conclusion. Use visual aids like diagrams or slides to enhance understanding.
- Practice Active Listening: Encourage feedback and questions from your audience. Address their concerns thoughtfully to build trust and engagement.
- Tailor Your Message: Adjust your tone, language, and level of detail based on your audience’s technical knowledge and needs.
Mastering verbal communication not only supports your CBA submission but also strengthens your ability to lead discussions, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts effectively in professional engineering environments. This competency reflects not just technical expertise but also the ability to connect, engage, and inspire confidence in all aspects of engineering practice.
Electrical Engineering Sample – APEGS
Situation
The energy study project required that I have multiple in person meetings with the client. During these meetings I was required to explain all aspects of the project
to different stakeholders with different levels of understanding of the project.
Action
I was responsible for pitching our idea to the client prior to being awarded the contract, I was required to explain the approach and steps to achieve their objectives.
My presentation included the type of software we would be using, examples of similar projects and a budget breakdown.
After we were awarded the contract I provided the client with details on what information I would need to complete the lighting analysis. Along with the client we
completed a site review with staff who were familiar with each site. I provided an over view of each site and what information would be required and most applicable
for each upgrades.
When the analysis was completed a draft report was completed and I presented the findings and recommendations to the stakeholders. I was also involved in a
short training session on how we conducted our analysis.
Outcome
The feedback received from the client was positive. We finalized our report based on feedback and requests from the client. There was also discussion oh how the
scope of work could be expanded into the future and develop energy efficient policies.
Effective Written Communication Competency
Written communication is an essential skill for engineers, serving as a bridge between technical information and practical application. As highlighted in the communication competencies of Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), the ability to craft clear, concise, and audience-appropriate documents is critical for effective collaboration, decision-making, and project success.
Written communication competency focuses on producing documents that convey technical and non-technical information effectively. This includes writing technical reports, memos, and field observation summaries, as well as using visual aids like drawings and sketches to support key points. Engineers must tailor their written communication to their audience, ensuring clarity and relevance.
Consider a scenario where an engineer is tasked with preparing a report on the environmental impact of a proposed manufacturing facility expansion. The report must detail findings from environmental assessments, highlight potential challenges, and provide actionable recommendations. To ensure the document is impactful, the engineer organizes the information logically, using clear headings, concise summaries, and annotated diagrams to illustrate key points. By tailoring the language to suit regulatory authorities and non-technical stakeholders, the engineer ensures the report is accessible and actionable.
This comprehensive and well-structured document facilitates decision-making by regulatory bodies and garners support from stakeholders. It also demonstrates the engineer’s ability to communicate complex technical data in a way that drives results.
Tips for Mastering Written Communication
To excel in written communication:
- Know Your Audience: Adjust your tone, level of detail, and vocabulary based on who will read your document. Use plain language for non-technical stakeholders and include sufficient technical depth for experts.
- Organize Your Content: Use clear headings, bullet points, and visual aids like charts or sketches to make your document easy to navigate and understand.
- Review and Revise: Proofread your work for clarity, accuracy, and grammar. Seek feedback from colleagues to ensure your message is effective.
Mastering written communication allows engineers to document and share insights effectively, ensuring alignment among teams, stakeholders, and decision-makers. By showcasing strong written communication skills in your CBA submission, you demonstrate your readiness to handle the documentation demands of professional engineering practice with precision and professionalism.
Electrical Engineering Sample – APEGS
Situation
The firm was hired to conduct a feasibility study for electrical vehicle charging stations for a multi unit residential building. The intent of the project was to calculate
costs for providing charging stations in the parking space in new building developments and in existing buildings.
Action
The summary report was based on the analysis and calculations I had completed. The report contained detailed descriptions of my research methods, outlines of
the electrical sizing calculations for different models and the costing breakdowns. Descriptions were included on how the final numbers were calculated.
Outcome
My supervisor was satisfied with the report and the feedback from the client was positive.
Document Review Competency
Document review is a critical skill for engineers, ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and effectiveness of technical documentation. Recognized as a professional standards competency in the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), this skill highlights an engineer’s ability to analyze, interpret, and provide actionable feedback on key project documents.
Document review competency requires engineers to carefully examine technical documents, identify potential errors or improvements, and summarize their findings clearly. Key indicators include reviewing technical details, understanding their implications, and providing constructive recommendations that enhance the overall quality and reliability of a project.
In practice, document review often serves as the final safeguard against errors that could impact project safety, timelines, or costs. Consider a municipal bridge project where an engineer is assigned to review contractor design documents. During the review process, the engineer identifies discrepancies in load calculations that could lead to structural weaknesses. By providing detailed recommendations for corrections and collaborating with the contractor to revise the design, the engineer helps prevent potential structural failures and saves the project from costly rework.
This example underscores the importance of meticulous document review in maintaining project integrity and upholding professional standards. Effective communication of findings ensures that all stakeholders understand the implications and can take corrective actions promptly.
Tips for Mastering Document Review
To excel in document review:
- Develop a Checklist: Create a structured approach to reviewing documents, focusing on key areas such as compliance with regulations, accuracy of calculations, and clarity of designs.
- Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with the project’s objectives, standards, and constraints to provide meaningful feedback.
- Communicate Effectively: Summarize your findings in a clear and concise format, linking observations to potential risks or impacts.
Document review competency is more than just a technical skill—it reflects an engineer’s commitment to safety, quality, and professional accountability. Demonstrating proficiency in this area not only strengthens your CBA submission but also positions you as a trusted professional capable of ensuring the success of complex engineering projects.
Electrical Engineering Sample – APEGS
Situation
In order to determine scope and budget for projects I must review proposal documents and understand key points in order to put together a detailed quote and
scope of work for the power system studies. Working with a P.Eng. to understand the work needing to be performed and reference codes and standards.
Action
In order to itemize scope of work I review the drawings and specifications. For the power system studies I summarize work requirements and review them with a P.Eng. who is an expert power systems engineer. If there are questions we review the appropriate codes and standards which include CSA Z462, NFPA 70E to resolve any technical issues. For the electrical equipment I applied reference standards which include the Canadian Electrical Code and incorporated the IEEE guidelines to ensure safety.
Outcome
I reviewed specification and drawings to asses the required effort of our power systems engineering and equipment experts. I summarized key points and presented the results concisely.
Conclusion
Effective communication is a cornerstone of engineering practice and a critical component of the PEO licensing process. Mastering the Communication Competencies—verbal, written, and document review—enables engineers to connect technical knowledge with practical application, fostering collaboration, ensuring clarity, and enhancing project outcomes. These skills are not just requirements for licensure but are also key to professional growth and success in the field.
To succeed, it’s essential to practice these competencies, document your experiences effectively, and seek feedback to continually improve. Whether it’s leading a technical discussion, drafting a comprehensive report, or reviewing critical design documents, showcasing your communication skills will set you apart as a well-rounded professional.
Are you ready to elevate your competency assessment? Test out our CBA Pro to facilitate your PEO licensing journey. With personalized feedback, skill gap analysis, and an intuitive interface, CBA Pro helps you craft and present your work experience with confidence. Take the next step in your professional engineering career—try CBA Pro today!
