Certified Technician

Application Handbook

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
C.E.T. Requirements .................................................................................................... 3
Theoretical Knowledge .............................................................................................. 3
Practical Application .................................................................................................. 4
Professional Currency/Level of Experience ............................................................... 4
Ethics/Law ................................................................................................................. 6
Application Checklist ..................................................................................................... 6

Certified Technicians Application Handbook

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016

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. 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

Academic
Requirements

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

Provide original
or true copies
of academic
transcripts

Graduates from non-accredited academic

programs within or outside of Canada.

Canadian

Provide original
or true copies of
academic
transcripts

Complete a
Learning
Assessment

International

Provide original
or true copies of
a third-party
academic
assessment

Complete a
Learning
Assessment

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

Complete the ASET

PLAR Portfolio

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Portfolio

The ASET Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Portfolio evaluates an
applicants 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 Technicians 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 Technologist
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 Technologist 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 with full
information about the exams.

Practical Application
All applicants for C.Tech. must demonstrate at least five discipline-specific competencies by
completing a Competency Report. A sample report is available to assist applicants with
completing the report 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 applicants academics do not match the applicants 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.

Certified Technicians Application Handbook

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016

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 ASETs definitions of Technician and Technologist, and may be of
assistance to applicants in preparing a resume and job description.
Technician
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.
The certified technician designation
is C.Tech.

Technologist
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

Certified Technicians Application Handbook

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016

endeavours.
May supervise and coordinate a diverse
working group and train less experienced
technical and professional staff.
The certified technologist designation
is C.E.T.

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 applicants references, declared by the applicant as part of the online application process,
and demonstrated through the applicants conduct.

Application Checklist
The following checklist provides additional details regarding each step in the application
process and specific documentary requirements.
Step
1. Submit application and
payment of required
fees online.
2. Mail academic
transcripts or thirdparty academic
assessment to ASET.

Notes to Applicant

Processing times for this step is between 2-5 business days.

Applicants receive an email when the initial application is
approved.

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, or
an ASET staff member.

ASET accepts basic assessments completed by the International

Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) or other assessments
services with membership in the Alliance of Credential
Evaluation Services (WES, ICES, ICAS, CES, MIDI).
o Please note that IQAS does not evaluate trades training
or vocational/technical professional training (e.g., City
and Guilds of London Institute). The basic assessment
will include an evaluation of secondary schooling
completed and a description of any trades training or
vocational/technical professional training
completed. Trades training or vocational/technical
professional training qualifies applicants academically for
C.Tech. only.

Documents in a language other than English must be officially

translated into English. Applicants must submit the original
document that was translated and the official translated
document.

Certified Technicians Application Handbook

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016

Complete?

3.

Upload a current job

description signed by
supervisor.

4.
5.

Upload a current
resume.
Provide contact
information for a
minimum of three
professional
references.

6.

Upload a Competency
Report appropriate to
the applicants
discipline of practice
and signed by a
supervisor.

7.

Successfully complete
the ASET Professional
Practice Exam.

8.

9.

Successfully complete
the ASET Prior
Learning Assessment
and Recognition
Portfolio, if applicable.
Upload evidence of
English language
proficiency, if
applicable.

10. Upload a copy of a

valid work permit, if
applicable.

Provide detailed information clearly explaining relevant current

job responsibilities as they relate to a technician versus
technologist role. A job description template is available on the
applicant portal if the applicant does not have a current job
description.
If an applicant cannot provide a supervisory signature, the
applicant must submit a letter to the Board of Examiners
describing the challenges in gaining supervisory validation of the
document.
Provide detailed information clearly explaining relevant work
history as it relates to a technician vs technologist role.
References are contacted directly by ASET and are asked to
complete the ASET Applicant Reference Request Form.
It is recommended that referees be regulated members of ASET
or 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 may
be provided to applicants upon request.
The Competency Report is a point-form description of the
applicants work experience in relation to six key competencies.
Instructions for completing the report are included within the
document and a sample report is available for review.
If a competency report is not available in the applicants
discipline, the General Competency Report should be
completed. This report is available for applicants working in small
and emerging disciplines.
If an applicant cannot provide a supervisory signature, the
applicant must submit a letter to the Board of Examiners
describing the challenges in gaining supervisory validation of the
document.
If an applicant would like to demonstrate competencies
developed with different employers, the applicant may complete
additional reports and have them signed by a supervisor from
each place of employment.
Required study materials, syllabus/handbook, and exam dates
are available on the ASET website.
The exam writing time and testing centre locations will be
provided by Yardstick Inc., ASETs exam administrator, via email
two weeks before the exam date.
Exam results are sent to applicants within four to six weeks of
the examination date.
Applicants who have successfully completed the National
Professional Practice Exam are not required to complete the
ASET PPE.
The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Portfolio
(PLAR) is completed online.
Only non-graduates or those unable to produce academic
transcripts are required to complete a PLAR Portfolio.
Applicants may provide TOEFL or equivalent test results or a
letter signed by a supervisor describing how the applicant
became proficient in the English language. Please see the
English Language Proficiency page on the ASET website for
more information.
The work permit must not be expired.

Certified Technicians Application Handbook

The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta, 2016

Applicant Reference Form

ASET No.

Applicant Name
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 24
months, applicants must have at least 9 months at the technologist-level to be considered for
registration as a Certified Engineering Technologist.
3. In accordance with privacy legislation, completed reference forms may be provided to
applicants upon request.
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANT

LY

1. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references. At least one of the three references
should be provided by the applicants current supervisor.
2. References for the same timeframe will not be counted towards the 24-month work experience
requirement. Applicants must demonstrate 24 unique months of experience.
3. The Board of Examiners requires demonstration of relevant technical experience within the past
five years to appropriately assess professional currency.
4. It is recommended that referees be regulated members of ASET or APEGA (for example, C.E.T.,
R.E.T., P.Tech., P.L.(Eng.), P.Eng., or P.Geo.
5. The Board of Examiners may accept co-op work experience validated by a reference for the
purposes of evaluation. Co-op work experience may be used towards the 24-month work
experience requirement, but not as part of the 9-month technologist-level requirement.
REFEREE CONTACT INFORMATION

ASET /
APEGA No. (if applicable)

PL

Name

Street Address
City
Phone Number

SA
M

Employer

Prov./Terr.

Designation P.L.(Eng.)
(if applicable)

Postal Code

Email

WORK EXPERIENCE

1. At what employer did you work with the applicant (if different from above)?
2. What is your relationship to the applicant?
Supervisor

Colleague

Mentor

Client

Other
(specify)

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:

To:
(MM/YY)

(MM/YY)

Applicant Reference Form - Page 2

5. Based on the period in which you worked with the applicant, please indicate the applicants level of
practice. The total number of months below should match the number of months you have worked
with the applicant.
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.

No. of Months

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.

No. of Months

6. Select one option below that best describes the initiative and complexity of the applicants position.

LY

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.

PL

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.

SA
M

GOOD CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

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

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

8. Does the applicant demonstrate an acceptable level of verbal and written communication in the
workplace?
a. Verbal
b. Written

YES
YES

NO
NO

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REFEREE DECLARATION
I, the undersigned, certify that I have direct knowledge of the applicants 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 applicants eligibility for certification. I understand that, in accordance with privacy
legislation, this reference may be shared with the applicant upon request with the referees personal information
removed.

Signature

Date

Please print, sign, and submit to ASET by email to registration@aset.ab.ca, mail, or fax. All personal information you provide is
subject to the conditions and protection of the ASET Privacy Policy, which can be viewed online at aset.ab.ca.