NPPE syllabus: the blueprint, section by section

I.1 Definition and interpretation of professionalism and professional status

The defining elements of a professional, in the context of the self-regulating professions (engineers, geoscientists, doctors, lawyers, and others) versus other occupations.

• Have advanced technical knowledge and skills that the public takes on trust
• Give service to the public and in the public interest
• Are bound by a distinct ethical code
• Belong to self-governing organizations that regulate the profession to maintain standards
• Right to self-regulate is earned
• Requires participation of members to fulfill the self-regulating function
• Undergo long and intensive preparation
• Requires continued study and development

I.2 The role and responsibilities of professionals in society

• Skilled and regulated practice
• Personal accountability and responsibility for own professional practice
• Accountable for the professional practice of those under their supervision
• Dependence on the confidence of stakeholders: employers, clients, authorities, public
• Justify and uphold trust from the stakeholders
• Protection of the public
• Definition of the public in different circumstances: general public, client, employer, fellow workers
• Definition of protection: physical safety, physical protection, physical failures, environmental protection, economic safety

I.3 Engineering and geoscience professions in Canada; definitions and scopes of practice

This topic is considered at a high level: who, what, when, the source of authority, and the reason for it. Detailed processes and requirements are considered in other blueprint sections.

• Provincial and territorial regulators
• Authority to license and self-regulate the professions
• Authority to discipline and enforce
• Jurisdiction and independence between regulators
• Right to title and exclusive scope of practice
• Definition of engineering: "advising, evaluating, designing ... matter, materials ... math, chemistry, physics..."
• Definition of geosciences: "advising, evaluating, interpreting... earth sciences... discovery development ...math, chemistry, physics..."
• Professional seals
• Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada: regulator of regulators, non-regulatory roles
• Brief histories
• The iron and earth rings

I.4 The value of engineering and geoscience professions to society

• Economic benefits of work and projects
• Technology applications
• Technology research and development
• Infrastructure development
• Energy research, development, production, and generation
• Products research and development
• Manufacturing and processing
• Resource research and development
• Limits and sustainability

II.1 The role of ethics in society; cultures and customs

• Ethics: the study of right and wrong (morality)
• Moral principles are developed by societies and groups
• Laws of a society flow from its moral principles

II.2 Ethical theories and principles

• Recognition that there are different and contrasting ethical theories and perspectives that can result in different outcomes, each considered correct within the given theory
• Ethics applied to professional issues from the perspectives of the classical and modern theories
• The ethical perspectives and theories that form the basis for establishing the Code of Ethics for the professions and that guide disciplinary actions
• Candidates are not required to know the classical ethical theories by rote, but should recognize the principles of each in application
• Classical ethical theories: greater good/maximum benefit (utilitarianism), duty, human rights, virtue

II.3 Codes of ethics of professional engineers and geoscientists in Canada

• Source and legal authority of the codes of ethics: derived from the acts, and their status
• Understanding of the core tenets of the codes of ethics
• Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public
• Have regard for the public
• Practice only in areas of competence
• Conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, fairness, and objectivity in their professional activities
• Compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and bylaws
• Uphold and enhance the honour, dignity, and reputation of their professions
• Avoid conflicts of interest
• Maintain competence of self and of subordinates
• Present the possible consequences of ignoring professional judgments
• Report illegal or unethical professional decisions or practices
• Promote the equitable treatment of all individuals
• Use of the codes of ethics in regulating the professions
• Recognition that minor differences exist between regulators

II.4 Common ethical issues and dilemmas; making ethical decisions

• Issues and cases concerning ethical dilemmas, looked at through the lens of the code of ethics and other approaches to seek solutions
• Conflict of interest from the perspective of ethical dilemmas, solutions, and decisions
• Conflicts between technical authority and management authority
• Duty to report/whistleblowing as an ethical dilemma
• Loyalty to the employer
• Limiting practice to areas of competence
• Plagiarism and copyright infringement
• Professional responsibility versus employment issues
• Professional competence
• Reviewing work of others
• Confidentiality
• Foreign assignments

III.1 Professional accountability for work, workplace issues, job responsibilities, and standards of practice

• Professional responsibility for work: how it comes into being, and where it rests
• Responsibility for work of junior members and subordinates
• Responsibility for work created by several members in multiple disciplines
• The corporate world: corporate ethics and pressures on the professional
• Corporate responsibilities and loyalty versus professional responsibilities
• Confidentiality versus professional responsibilities, transparency, or accountability
• Confidentiality or ownership of data and knowledge
• Due diligence
• Globalization: responsibilities of international work, including when laws differ, what governs
• Responsibilities of using products and knowledge developed internationally
• Legality: practise within the boundaries and intents of the law
• Meet the spirit of the law
• Professional responsibilities in developing software
• Relying on work prepared by others

III.2 The role and responsibilities of professionals to employers and clients

• Duty to the employer or client
• Loyalty, confidentiality, competence, and diligence
• Conflict of interest: recognition, avoidance, and expected conduct when in a conflict of interest
• Personal interest versus employer's or client's interest
• Duty to the employer or client versus duty to the public
• Professional environment and development: recognition of the code of ethics by the employer as necessary to support professionals in their work and career

III.3 Relations with other professionals and non-professionals; business practices

• Roles of technicians, technologists, and scientists in multidisciplinary teams
• Respect and consultation with other professions
• Reviewing the work of another professional
• Need to consult with experts outside of one’s own field of practice

III.4 Statutory and non-statutory standards and codes of practice

• Professional, legal, and social standards
• Generally accepted professional practices
• Finality and interpretation
• Limitation of standards
• The role of standards (international, national, government)
• Legal authority responsible for codes (municipal, provincial, national)
• Application of codes and standards
• Standards and code setting bodies

III.5 Risk management, insurance, quality management and due diligence

• Risk management: general principles and benefits (a basic requirement of public protection)
• Risk management legal framework (general)
• Overview of current methods of risk analysis: risk assessment, hazard identification, types of hazards, types of risks, analysis and estimation, and evaluating the risks
• Risk management for professional practice
• Transfer, retention, and monitoring of risk
• Hazard reduction and failure analysis
• Risk management case studies
• Insurance: commercial general insurance (purpose)
• Professional errors and omissions insurance: purpose and what is covered, statute of limitations (retroactive date), compulsory versus optional (where so), corporate versus individual, consultant versus employee
• Quality management: general principles (a basic requirement of public protection)
• Quality management legal framework (general): overview of quality management standards, overview of current methods of analysis such as ISO, Six Sigma, CSA, LEAN, and TQM, application to professional practice, management of technical quality, communication and records
• Due diligence: concept and requirements
• Due diligence concepts of foreseeability, preventability, and controllability

III.6 Environmental responsibilities and sustainable development

• Considered from a non-politicized perspective
• Understanding environmental and sustainability issues in the field of expertise
• Use of environmental or sustainability specialists when necessary
• Application of professional and responsible judgment to environmental and sustainability considerations
• Ensuring that environmental planning and management are implemented
• Consideration of environmental costs when evaluating the economic viability of projects
• Recognition of the value of environmental efficiency and sustainability
• Responding to environmental concerns in a timely fashion
• The desire to meet or exceed regulatory environmental and sustainability practices
• Working with others to improve environmental understanding and sustainability practices
• Examples and case studies

III.7 Use of software, computers and internet-based tools; liability for software errors

• Validation of (analysis and design) software: responsibility for the outputs of software
• The role of computers in professional practice
• Respect of copyright law: software piracy and plagiarism
• Computer system security from the perspective of licensed professionals
• Internet ethics (harassment, courtesy, "netiquette")

III.8 Document authentication and control

• Authentication of documents
• Use of stamp or seal, verification stamps
• Electronic authentication of documents
• Review of documents
• Document revision control
• As-built drawings: responsibility for
• Record keeping and turning over records when required
• Preservation of records in a usable format (8" floppies, faded paper, etc.)
• Responsibility for control of personal stamp or seal

III.9 Duty to inform; whistleblowing

• To clients or employers, regulatory agencies, and the public
• Communicate openly, honestly and truthfully (the whole story)
• Whistleblower protection

III.10 Communication

• Legal, ethical, and practical aspects of communication, including problems of internet-based communications
• Issues concerning electronic documents and records
• Proper use of the professional title
• The professional relationship
• Communication skills: important aspects of technical writing and reports
• Important aspects of presentations
• Oral communication
• Technical writing
• Internet communication
• Languages

IV.1 The Canadian legal system

• The Canadian Constitution
• The Canadian court system
• The creation of law
• Common law: what it is and where it applies
• Case law and the role of precedent
• Civil Code in Quebec, as compared to common law
• Claims and disputes
• International law
• Types of law: private versus public, criminal law, civil law, administrative law
• Constitutional framework
• Charter of Rights and Freedoms

IV.2 Contract law: elements, principles, and applications

• Essential elements of contracts: general principles of contract formation, invitation to treat, offer, and acceptance
• Consideration
• Agreements to agree, letters of intent, and memorandums of understanding
• Amendment of contracts
• Waiver and estoppel
• Quantum meruit
• Breach of contract
• Remedies of breach of contract; damages
• Termination of contract
• Repudiation and anticipatory breach
• Principles of interpretation of contracts
• Agency and authority
• Using contractual terms to manage risk: changed circumstances, conditional agreements
• Limitation of liability clause
• Exemption clause
• Liquidated damages clause
• Transfer of risk or obligation
• Indemnification clauses
• Misrepresentations and important mistakes
• Selected contract topics and issues: procurement approaches and methods, the formal tendering and bid process
• Qualifications based selection (QBS) in hiring consultants
• Project delivery
• International and interprovincial trade agreements
• Requirements of writing for certain contracts to be enforceable (statute of frauds)
• Specific types of contracts: common and standard clauses, standard form contracts
• Fixed price; time and charges; unit rate; and other pricing structures
• Professional service agreements
• Licensing agreements
• Design and build

IV.3 Tort law: elements, principles, and applications

• Definition of torts
• Categories and types of torts: negligence, trespass, nuisance (Rylands v. Fletcher), and defamation
• Negligence: steps to a negligence action, and the professional standard of care
• Duty to warn of impending danger
• Professional liability, negligent misstatement: to clients, to third parties, and disclaimers
• Products liability
• Managing tort risk in professional practice: common issues in contract and tort
• Concurrent liability in contract and tort
• Limitation periods
• Joint and several liability
• Vicarious liability
• Codes and standards

IV.4 Civil law in Quebec

• Contracts: conditions of formation, interpretation, and effects of contracts
• Civil liability: conditions of liability, contractual liability, extra-contractual liability, and modalities of obligations (solitary, joint, divisible, and indivisible)
• Performance of obligations: right to enforce performance, default, specific performance, resolution or termination (reciliation) of contracts, and extinction of obligations
• Contract of enterprise or for services: nature and scope of the contract, and rights and obligations of the parties

IV.5 Business, employment, and labour law

• Business organizations: forms, advantages, and disadvantages
• Labour law: trade unions and collective agreements
• Layoffs and seniority
• Employment law: implied terms, restrictive covenants, employment standards legislation
• Termination
• Independent contractor versus employee
• Human rights in the context of employment: the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

IV.6 Dispute resolution

• Litigation
• Arbitration
• Negotiation
• Mediation

IV.7 Intellectual property (patents, trade secrets, copyright, trademarks); intellectual property issues

• Patents
• Trade secrets
• Copyright: as related to professional designs and documents, and in relation to software
• Trademarks
• Intellectual property issues: software issues
• The creation and ownership of intellectual property: assignment and licensing, and consultant versus employee

IV.8 Expert witness

• Role
• Neutrality
• Fees

IV.9 Bonds and construction liens

• Bonds: roles and responsibilities of parties, indemnities
• Types of bonds: bid, performance, and payment
• Construction liens: making a claim, who may claim, and holdbacks

IV.10 International law

• Trade agreements
• Human rights
• Environmental
• Laws of jurisdiction
• Applicability of home code of ethics, Engineering & Geoscience Act, regulations and bylaws
• International treaties and organizations (tax, goods)
• Registration requirements (licensure), codes, laws, regulations
• Work permits

IV.11 Environmental law

• Federal and provincial laws
• Jurisdiction
• Environmental offences
• Duty to report
• Site assessments and audits
• The environmental assessment process

IV.12 Workers compensation and occupational health & safety

Of concern is what is common to all engineering and geoscience regulators in Canada.

• Occupational health and safety law: federal and provincial law, including Criminal Code provisions
• Responsibilities
• Role of the prime contractor
• When an accident occurs
• OH&S regulators
• Worker's compensation law: torts
• Worker insurance for injuries
• Prevention of worker lawsuits against employers

IV.13 Human rights and privacy legislation

• Human rights
• The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Privacy law

IV.14 Further areas of law

• Real property and chattels
• Delay and impact claims
• Aboriginal law
• Securities law

V.1 The acts, regulations, and bylaws of provincial and territorial regulators

• Self-regulation; the regulators
• The acts, regulations, and other laws
• Right to title
• Definitions of engineering and geosciences
• Scope of practice
• The role of Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada

V.2 Admission to the professions

• Meaning of licensure
• Registration: experience, academics, and examinations
• Interprovincial mobility agreements; international agreements
• Licensing of corporations: permit to practice, certificate of authorization, for consultants and firms

V.3 Illegal practice, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and misuse of title

• Practice-related issues
• Title-related issues

V.4 Professional and technical societies

• Purpose and benefits
• Comparison with the regulatory regulators

VI.1 Discipline procedures

• Unprofessional conduct
• Unskilled practice
• Purpose, procedure, and consequences of discipline: response to complaints from clients, the public, or fellow members
• Response to unethical or unskilled practice
• Consequences of unethical practice or unskilled practice

VI.2 Practice review of individuals

• Purpose, procedure, and consequences of practice review

VI.3 Practice review of firms

• Purpose, procedure, and consequences of practice review of firms

VI.4 Continuing professional development

The common, high-level requirements across all engineering and geoscience regulators in Canada.

• Purpose
• Requirements