How Does the CBA Scoring Scale Work?
Whether you’re an internationally trained engineer or a recent Canadian graduate, one thing is clear—navigating the CBA scoring scale is key to your journey toward obtaining your P.Eng. license. The Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) is not just about listing your years of experience; it’s about proving that you can do the job—consistently, safely, and professionally. And […]
Soft Skills in CBA: Mastering Communication, Conflict Resolution & Team Effectiveness
Introduction Soft Skills in CBA are increasingly recognized as essential to success in Canada’s engineering licensure process. While technical knowledge forms the foundation, it is your ability to communicate, collaborate, and resolve conflicts that sets you apart as a capable professional engineer. For applicants undergoing the Competency-Based Assessment, these soft skills aren’t just a bonus—they’re […]
Common Mistakes in CBA Writing
Introduction For engineers pursuing their P.Eng. licensure in Canada, writing the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) is a pivotal milestone. It’s your opportunity to showcase not just your work history, but your ability to think critically, apply engineering principles, and uphold professional standards in real-world settings. Unfortunately, many applicants stumble, not because they lack the experience, but […]
When to Start Writing CBA for PEng
If you’re planning to earn your Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license in Canada, you’ve probably heard about the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). The CBA isn’t just another form—it’s the core of your P.Eng. application, showcasing how your engineering experience proves you’re ready for independent practice. But here’s a question we hear all the time at CertNova: “When […]
How to Handle Confidential or Proprietary Information in Competency Based Assessment for PEng
Introduction Competency Based Assessment for PEng is a critical requirement for engineers seeking licensure in Canada. As part of this process, applicants must demonstrate their engineering competencies through detailed examples of work experience. However, these examples often involve confidential or proprietary information, posing a challenge in crafting a submission that is both comprehensive and compliant. […]
How to Write CBA for PEng Application
Writing your Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) can feel like one of the most daunting steps on the path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada. For many applicants, the challenge isn’t just about recalling their engineering experience—it’s about effectively communicating it in a way that meets strict assessment criteria. If you’re feeling unsure where […]
How to Choose the Right Validators in CBA?
Choosing the right Validators is a pivotal step in Canada’s Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) process. For engineers seeking licensure across the country, Validators stand as credible witnesses to the depth, breadth, and authenticity of an applicant’s engineering work experience. They are the ones who confirm whether your claims about solving technical problems or managing projects actually […]
Who Can Validate Your PEO CBA?
Navigating the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) Competency Based Assessment (CBA) process is a significant milestone for aspiring Professional Engineers in Ontario. Among the many steps involved, one critical aspect that often raises questions is who can validate your submission. Validators serve as the link between your experience claims and PEO’s licensing standards, ensuring that your […]
How Long Does It Take to Write a Competency-Based Assessment?
Writing a Competency Based Assessment (CBA) can be an intensive process, particularly for engineering professionals juggling full-time jobs and personal commitments. Based on interviews with 52 PEng applicants across Canada up until March 12, 2025, we found that it typically takes 3 to 6 hours of focused effort to complete just one competency. This figure […]
Who Uses CBA in Canada?
Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) has become a cornerstone of engineering licensure in Canada. Whether you are a recent engineering graduate, an internationally trained engineer (ITE), or simply someone interested in understanding the pathway to obtaining the prestigious Professional Engineer (PEng) designation, knowing who uses CBA and how they use it is crucial. Overview of Competency-Based Assessment […]
