How to Prepare a Successful APEGS Competency-Based Assessment Submission

Simple advice from someone who understands the process

Starting your APEGS journey?

If you’re applying to become a licensed engineer in Saskatchewan, Canada, you’ll need to complete the apegs competency assessment. When I first looked into it, I thought it was just a standard form or checklist. But I soon realised it’s actually a competency based assessment, which means it’s more about telling your professional story clearly and honestly.

If you’re feeling unsure where to start, here’s what I’ve learned about preparing a strong submission—written simply, just like I’d share with a friend.

What is an apegs competency assessment?

The apegs competency assessment is part of the licensing process by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). Instead of relying only on years of experience, it asks you to show specific competencies: your skills, decisions, and understanding of engineering principles.

It’s called a competency based assessment in long form because you don’t just tick boxes—you write short narratives (about 200–250 words each) explaining real projects you’ve worked on, focusing on what you did, why, and what you learned.

Step 1: Understand the competencies first

Before you start writing, read the list of required competencies carefully. These are grouped into categories like:

✅ Technical competence
✅ Communication
✅ Project and financial management
✅ Team effectiveness
✅ Professional accountability

Understanding what each competency actually asks for will help you pick the best examples from your work.

Step 2: Choose real projects that match the competencies

Don’t worry about picking the biggest or most complex project. What matters is choosing projects where:

• Your role was clear

• You made decisions, not just followed instructions

• You can explain the reasoning behind those decisions

Even smaller projects can show strong evidence if you clearly describe your part.

Step 3: Use “I” instead of “we”

One thing I noticed many people struggle with in the apegs competency assessment is writing about their own work. Assessors want to see what you did, not what the team or company did.

Use phrases like:

• “I designed…”

• “I reviewed…”

• “I identified and solved…”

This keeps your submission focused on your personal contribution.

Step 4: Keep it short, clear, and honest

Each narrative should be around 200–250 words. You don’t need long technical explanations. Focus on:

• What the challenge was

• What action you took

• Why you made that choice

• What the result was or what you learned

Simple language is better than complicated words. The goal is clarity, not to sound overly formal.

Step 5: Show depth and reflection

A good competency based assessment in long form isn’t just about listing tasks. It’s about showing that you understand why your work matters.

Try to include lines like:

• “I chose this approach because…”

• “From this project, I learned…”

• “This experience helped me improve how I…”

These reflections prove you’re thinking like a professional engineer.

Step 6: Work closely with your validators

You’ll need validators—senior engineers who can confirm your examples. Choose people who really know your work, and share your drafts with them early.

This helps them remember the projects you mention and makes their validation process smoother.

Step 7: Check and revise

Before you submit, read your narratives out loud. Make sure each one:

• Matches the correct competency

• Explains your personal role clearly

• Is free of grammar or spelling mistakes

If possible, ask a colleague to review your answers—they might spot areas where you could be clearer.

My personal tips

✅ Don’t wait until the last minute—writing thoughtfully takes time
✅ Keep a simple document with all your projects, roles, and dates; it helps a lot when writing
✅ Remember the assessment isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being honest and professional

Why it matters

Completing the apegs competency assessment isn’t just a formality. It helps you reflect on your own journey and shows assessors that you:

• Understand engineering principles

• Can communicate your work clearly

• Take responsibility for your decisions

This is what truly makes you ready to be licensed as a professional engineer in Saskatchewan.

Final thoughts

Preparing a successful competency based assessment might feel overwhelming at first—but when you break it down, it’s really about telling your real story as an engineer.

Use clear, honest language. Focus on what you did and why. And remember: it’s not about writing the “perfect” answer—it’s about showing assessors how you think and work as a professional.

In the end, it’s your experience that matters most. Tell it confidently, and you’re already halfway there.