Certified Technician Application Handbook

Certified Technician Application Handbook

2 Certified Technician Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3

C.Tech. Requirements .................................................................................................. 3 Theoretical Knowledge .............................................................................................. 3 Practical Application .................................................................................................. 4 Professional Currency/Level of Experience ............................................................... 4 Ethics/Law ................................................................................................................. 6

Application Checklist ..................................................................................................... 6

3

Introduction

The Certified Technician Application Handbook has been prepared by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to assist applicants with understanding the certification process. The handbook is designed to provide applicants with essential information regarding the application process.

C.Tech. Requirements

The following sections outline the legislative and policy requirements and application components for the C.Tech. designation in Alberta. The ASET Board of Examiners is responsible for reviewing C.Tech. applications and assesses all applicants according to Theoretical Knowledge, Practical Application, Professional Currency/Level of Experience, and Ethics/Law. You must meet the requirements in all four of these application sections. Please review the following sections to ensure you understand the application requirements and then refer to the Application Checklist at the end of the handbook for more detailed information about specific documentary requirements.

Theoretical Knowledge

All applicants for C.Tech. must be graduates of a two- to three-year applied science, engineering or information technology technician program, any relevant technical program of less than two years, a military program, or a journeyman program, or be able to demonstrate academic equivalency. The three key academic categories and related requirements are as follows:

Applicant Category

Graduates from Technology Accreditation Canada accredited academic programs in Canada.1

Graduates from non-accredited academic programs within or outside of Canada.

Non-graduates or applicants who cannot produce academic documentation and must demonstrate academic equivalency.

Academic Requirements

Provideoriginal or truecopies ofacademictranscripts

Canadian

Provide originalor true copies ofacademictranscripts

Complete aLearningAssessment

International

Provide originalor true copiesof a third-partyacademicassessment

Complete aLearningAssessment

Complete theASET PLARPortfolio

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Portfolio (For Non-Graduates or Applicants Without Academic Transcripts Only) The ASET Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Portfolio evaluates an applicant’s skill and knowledge against the Canadian Technology Accreditation Criteria (national academic benchmarks). This portfolio is required for all applicants who have not graduated from a technical program or cannot produce academic documentation.

1 Until January 1, 2018 all graduates of technology programs in Alberta may apply as accredited applicants.

Certified Technician Application Handbook © The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016


Bridging to C.E.T.Applicants who qualify academically for C.Tech. may challenge the ASET Certification Exam to be considered for the C.E.T. designation. Successful completion of the exam does not guarantee that an applicant will be granted the C.E.T. designation. The ASET Board of Examiners makes the final decision on applications and considers training, competency, work experience, and professional currency as part of the review process.

The ASET Certification Exam tests applicants’ skills and knowledge in relation to their field of practice. Discipline-specific exams are available in the Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and Petroleum disciplines. All other applicants must complete the Fundamentals of Technology exam. Exam manuals are available for download on the website with full information about the exams.

Practical Application

All applicants for C.Tech must demonstrate six discipline-specific competencies by achieving achieving the minimum score required in each competency in the Competency Summary. A sample summary is available on the website to assist applicants with completing the requirement.

Professional Currency/Level of Experience

All applicants for C.Tech. must demonstrate a minimum of two years of work experience of an applied science, information, or engineering technology nature that is acceptable to the ASET Board of Examiners. To demonstrate this experience, applicants must provide the following documentation:

Current resume Job description signed by a supervisor Three professional references (see sample reference form at the end of the handbook)

Academics Different From Professional Experience If an applicant’s academics do not match the applicant’s discipline of practice (for example, a certificate in chemical engineering technology and work experience in petroleum engineering technology), the applicant must demonstrate a minimum of four years of experience in the discipline of practice.

Co-op Experience If an applicant has completed a co-op program, this experience may be counted toward the minimum of two years of experience. However, co-op experience may not be counted towards the required nine months of experience at the technologist level.

English Language Proficiency Applicants for whom English is a second language must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language that is sufficient to enable the applicant to responsibly practice the profession. Graduates from academic programs delivered in English are exempt from this requirement.

http://www.aset.ab.ca/Become-a-Member/Professional-Pathway/Designation-Requirements/Become-a-Member/C-E-T.aspx



Residency Requirement All applicants must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or provide a valid work permit indicating that the applicant is lawfully entitled to work in Canada. International applicants may apply prior to arriving in Canada but must provide a valid work permit before certification can be granted.

Technician vs. Technologist Technicians and technologists usually work in a team with other professionals. They are usually involved with the application or adaptation of technology. Performance as a certified technician or technologist requires the application of principles, methods and techniques appropriate to a field of technology. Practical knowledge of the construction, application, properties, operation and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices or materials, is usually required.

The following chart outlines ASET’s definitions of Technician and Technologist, and may be of assistance to applicants in preparing a resume and job description.

Technician (C.Tech.) Technologist (C.E.T.)

An applied science, information, or engineering technology professional who performs routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision and who may assume limited responsibility for any decision making process.

Typical activities include testing, troubleshooting, inspection, calibration, design drafting, quality control, maintenance, modeling, data compilation, estimating, sales, surveying, field supervision, technical sales and teaching.

Uses a practical approach based on a detailed understanding of standard methods and techniques in solving technical problems. Examines assignments, objectives and instructions to select procedures and actions to resolve the assigned problem.

An applied science, information, or engineering technology professional who is capable of assuming responsibility and exercising independent judgment to perform technical tasks and solve problems in complex technological areas with limited direct supervision.

Typical activities include design, production, marketing, testing, quality control, estimating, surveying, inspection, diagnostic evaluation, supervision, management, technical sales and teaching. Such activities may be carried out in association with other professionals. Uses an applied approach based on a comprehensive understanding of a specific technology.

Evaluates assignments, determines procedures and implements solutions, schedules work to meet objectives, participates in short- and long-range planning, and may become involved in developing and promoting conceptual change.


May assume managerial or administrative responsibility for a wide range of technical endeavours.

May supervise and coordinate a diverse working group and train less experienced technical and professional staff.

Ethics/Law

All applicants for C.Tech. must successfully complete the ASET Professional Practice Exam to demonstrate knowledge of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act and related Regulations and general knowledge related to the practice of applied science, information, or engineering technology. Applicants register for this exam online as part of the application process.

All applicants must also demonstrate good character and reputation, which are confirmed by the applicant’s references, declared by the applicant as part of the online application process (good character questionnaire, and demonstrated through the applicant’s conduct. Note: Answering "Yes" to a question(s) on the good character questionnaire does not mean automatic rejection; you may, however, be asked to provide more information (e.g., criminal record check).



Step Notes to Applicant Complete?

1. Submit application andpayment of requiredfees online.

Processing times for this step is between 2-5 business days.Applicants receive an email when the initial application isapproved.

2. Mail academictranscripts or third-party academicassessment to ASET.

Transcripts must be final and note that graduation was awarded. Transcripts and assessments must be original or true copies

certified by a notary, a regulated member of ASET or APEGA, oran ASET staff member.

ASET accepts basic assessments completed by the InternationalQualification Assessment Service (IQAS) or other assessmentsservices with membership in the Alliance of CredentialEvaluation Services (WES, ICES, ICAS, CES, MIDI).

o Please note that IQAS does not evaluate trades trainingor vocational/technical professional training (e.g., Cityand Guilds of London Institute). The basic assessmentwill include an evaluation of secondary schoolingcompleted and a description of any trades training orvocational/technical professional trainingcompleted. Trades training or vocational/technicalprofessional training qualifies applicants academically forC.Tech. only.

Documents in a language other than English must be officiallytranslated into English. Applicants must submit the originaldocument that was translated and the official translateddocument.

3. Upload a current jobdescription signed bysupervisor.

• Provide detailed information clearly explaining relevant currentjob responsibilities as they relate to a technician versustechnologist role. A job description template is available on theapplicant portal if the applicant does not have a current jobdescription.

• If an applicant cannot provide a supervisory signature, applicantsmay request special consideration by the Board of Examiners.Please contact [email protected] for more information.

• If you have already provided transcripts to ASET as part of aprevious application, please check “Yes” on the Proof ofEducation page of your online application and ASET will searchyour file for the transcripts. If no transcripts are found, ASET willnotify you to resubmit.

4. Upload a currentresume.

Provide detailed information clearly explaining relevant workhistory as it relates to a technician vs technologist role.

5. Provide contactinformation for aminimum of threeprofessionalreferences.

References are contacted directly by ASET and are asked tocomplete the ASET Applicant Reference Request Form.

It is recommended that referees be regulated members of ASETor APEGA (C.Tech., C.E.T., R.E.T., P.Tech., P.L.(Eng.), P.Eng.,P.Geo.).

In accordance with privacy law, completed reference forms maybe provided to applicants upon request.

Application Checklist

The following checklist provides additional details regarding each step in the application process and specific documentary requirements.

http://work.alberta.ca/Immigration/international-qualifications-assessment-service.html

http://work.alberta.ca/Immigration/international-qualifications-assessment-service.html

http://www.canalliance.org/index.en.stm

http://www.canalliance.org/index.en.stm




mailto:[email protected]


6. Upload a CompetencySummary appropriateto the applicant’sdiscipline of practiceand signed by asupervisor.

• The Competency Summary is a point-form description of theapplicant’s work experience in relation to six key competencies.Instructions for completing the summary are included within thedocument and a sample summary is available for review.

• If a competency summary is not available in the applicant’sdiscipline, the General Competency Summary should becompleted. This summary is available for applicants working insmall and emerging disciplines.

• If an applicant cannot provide a supervisory signature, applicantsmay request special consideration by the Board of Examiners.Please contact [email protected] for more information.

• If an applicant would like to demonstrate competenciesdeveloped with different employers, the applicant may completeadditional summaries and have them signed by a supervisor fromeach place of employment.

7. Successfully completethe ASET ProfessionalPractice Exam.

• Required study materials, syllabus/handbook, and exam datesare available on the ASET website.

• The exam writing time and testing centre locations will beprovided by Yardstick Inc., ASET’s exam administrator, via emailtwo weeks before the exam date.

• Exam results are sent to applicants within one to two weeks ofthe examination date.

• Applicants who have successfully completed the NationalProfessional Practice Exam are not required to complete theASET PPE.

8. Upload evidence ofEnglish languageproficiency, ifapplicable.

• Applicants may provide IELTS or CELPIP-G test results.The following minimum test scores are accepted:5 (C.Tech.)/ 6 (C.E.T.) for the IELTS General Training testor 5 (C.Tech.)/7 (C.E.T.) for the CELPIP-G General test.

• If an applicant cannot provide IELTS or CELPIP_G testresults, applicants may request special consideration bythe Board of Examiners. Please [email protected] for more information.

9. Upload a copy of avalid work permit, ifapplicable.

The work permit must not be expired. 9. Upload a copy of a

http://www.aset.ab.ca/Become-a-Member/Professional-Pathway/Exam-Resources/Overview/ASET-PPE.aspx


http://www.ielts.org/

http://www.celpiptest.ca/


Applicant Reference Form

Applicant Name ASET No.

INFORMATION FOR REFEREE 1. This form must be completed and signed by the referee.2. Applicants must have at least 24 months of technical work experience to be considered for

registration as a Certified Technician or Certified Engineering Technologist. Within these 24months, applicants must have at least 9 months at the technologist-level to be considered forregistration as a Certified Engineering Technologist.

REFEREE CONTACT INFORMATION Name ASET / Designation

Employer APEGA No. (if applicable) (if applicable)

Street Address

City Prov./Terr. Postal Code

Phone Number Email

WORK EXPERIENCE

Supervisor

Colleague

Mentor Client Other(specify)

To:

(MM/YY) (MM/YY)

1. At what employer did you work with the applicant (if different from above)?

2. What is your relationship to the applicant?

3. What role did/does the applicant hold in your organization?

4. How long did/have you worked with the applicant?

No. of Months From:

3. In accordance with privacy legislation, completed reference forms may be provided toapplicants upon request.

SAM

PLE

ONLY

No. of Months

No. of Months

Certified Technician

The applicant is capable of performing routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision and may assume limited responsibility for any decision making process.

Certified Engineering Technologist

The applicant is capable of assuming responsibility and exercising independent judgment to perform technical tasks and solve problems in complex technological areas with limited direct supervision.

5. Based on the period in which you worked with the applicant, please indicate the applicant’s level ofpractice. IMPORTANT: The total number of months you enter below should match the number ofmonths you have worked with the applicant as noted in section 4. above. This total should bedistributed between technician and/or technologist (E.g., 24 total = 8 technician and 16technologist). Do not repeat the total number of months in both boxes.

Applicant Reference Form - Page 2

subject to the conditions and protection of the ASET Privacy Policy, which can be viewed online at aset.ab.ca.

GOOD CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

a. Verbal YES NO b. Written YES NO

Signature Date

6. Select one option below that best describes the initiative and complexity of the applicant’s position.

Applies technical skills under close supervision or as part of a work team. Performs routine technical procedures and makes few decisions.

Performs routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. Assumes limited responsibility for decisions.

Performs technical tasks and solves problems based on the principles of applied technology. Makes frequent decisions and assumes responsibility for those decisions. Receives limited direct supervision.

Occupies a senior position requiring a technical background. May act as a consultant or be regarded as a technical expert in his/her field. Independently conceives programs and defines problems to be studied. Participates in the development of operating policies and program objectives. Involved in long-range planning.

Supervises the work of a team of professional, ultimately responsible for projects and/or an executive fulfilling a senior management role in significant technological undertakings.

7. Does the applicant exhibit an appropriate level of professionalism and ethical practice in his or herrole? YES NO

8. Does the applicant demonstrate an acceptable level of verbal and written communication in theworkplace?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

REFEREE DECLARATION

Please print, sign, and submit to ASET by email to [email protected], mail, or fax. All personal information you provide is

“I, the undersigned, certify that I have direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and that the information provided on this form is complete, true, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I authorize ASET to use this information for the purposes of evaluating the applicant’s eligibility for certification. I understand that, in accordance with privacy legislation, this reference may be shared with the applicant upon request with the referee’s personal information removed.”

SAM

PLE

ONLY

If you have any additional comments about the competency or level of practice of the applicant, please include them here:
