Vision & History of the Institute

The Institute of Chartered Technical Practitioners of Canada, [ICTPC] has had a long and cherished history. It was founded in 1954 as "The Institute of Chartered Engineers of Ontario" and in 1979 the Institute sought for and gained a Federal Charter and thus became "The Institute of Chartered Engineers of Canada [ICEC/IIAC]".

The Institute of Chartered Technical Practitioners of Canada is a professional body which represents and reflects the integrity and professional contribution of technical designers, engineering designers, and technical graduates in all disciplines of applied sciences and engineering relating to design, manufacturing and tertiary service industries.

The Institute's focus is now directed towards graduates in applied sciences related to engineering and engineering technology, which, by their qualifications and experience, meet the minimum standards of entry for membership within the Institute.

The Institute recognizes the importance of the role of its members in the development of Canadian industry, and also for their contribution to the engineering profession in a specific field of knowledge, expertise and practice.

The Institute represents qualified and experienced technical practitioners, technical specialists and designers who hold degrees in Applied Sciences, Bachelor of Technology, and graduates from accredited engineering or engineering technology programs, many of whom have graduated from approved universities and colleges in Canada, the U.S.A., Europe and other parts of the world.

The Institute acts as a 'stepping stone' for those gaining academic and experiential abilities and who are working towards university degree status but through various limitations are unable to attend a full time course at an approved college or university.

It also represents students who are undertaking accredited technical studies/courses in various disciplines who aspire to become certified and recognized for their contributions to the Canadian industry. These students are encouraged to work towards this goal through courses in engineering at universities or colleges approved by the Institute.

The Institute lays stress on demonstrated capability and practical work experience in a technical or managerial position, with a minimum academic qualification in order to become a member. (refer to Membership and Certification categories)

As well as the necessary educational standard, the Institute lays a strong emphasis on 'proven ability' by any applicant before consideration of "Full Membership" is taken. The Institute requires that the applicant demonstrate his/her success by requiring him/her to attain a minimum number of years of continuous experience either in a technical or design position or as a manager or supervisor in an engineering capacity. (refer to Membership and Certification categories)

The Institute was primarily conceived in 1954 out of necessity to represent technical personnel who were engaged in all areas and at all levels of technology yet, who were generally not recognized for their contributions. This active group now includes professional engineers registered in Canada, UK, and the USA. In this regard, the Institute upholds a moral imperative which is shared by other professional organizations, that stresses that the public's interest must be served and protected by a code of ethics which governs reasonable controls to maintain and develop due competence and knowledge in all fields of professional activity.

Moreover, members of the ICTPC must not accept or undertake work for which they do not have sufficient competence, time or authority to perform. Compliance of Federal and Provincial Government Regulations pertaining to such practice must be observed.

The Institute exists to recognize the technical competence and ability of its members and has consistently been in the forefront in presenting briefs to various technical institutes and other responsible bodies.

Entrance into the Institute is gained by the submission of documentary evidence of technical education and work experience. Various grades of memberships and certifications exist and each is appropriate to an individual's training and experience.

The Institute encourages its members to advance through the certification grades in order to attain the highest membership category, that of a Chartered Technical Practitioner.

In support of the engineering profession, the Institute of Chartered Technical Practitioners of Canada and through higher education, encourages its members to seek Limited Licenses or to become Licensed Professional Engineers by applying to the relevant provincial engineering association (licensing body) specific to their place of residence or employment whichever is appropriate. The Institute will assist its current and future members, through a step-by-step, thorough guidance and educational upgrade programs, to work towards achieving such goals.

Individuals who's only goal is to be able to practice professional engineering in Canada and aspire to become Licensed Professional Engineers, must contact the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers at www.ccpe.ca for further information and guidance.