Become an Environmental Professional
EP® designation recognizes your environmental expertise and builds trust in your industry. Get noticed, cultivate leadership, increase your influence, and safeguard stakeholder trust as a designated EP®.
Change-makers · Forward-thinkers · Thought Leaders
Use EP® Designation to Make Your Mark in the Sector
Environmental Professionals (EPs) are the next wave of change-makers in the shift to a sustainable Canadian economy.
The EP® designation is the only nationally recognised designation for environmental professionals, with the skills and learning to promote green job creation. We are working with employers and legislators across Canada to achieve this. Are you ready to be a change-maker? Are you ready to make your mark? Then get started on your path to EP®.
The EP® Designation
Canada's Mark of Environmental Excellence
The Environmental Professional (EP®) designation is a nationally recognized certification that validates the knowledge, skills, and ethical practice of environmental professionals across all disciplines.
Validated expertise
Demonstrates your knowledge meets a rigorous national standard.
Nationally recognized
Respected by employers across Canada.
Career advancement
Opens doors to senior roles, contracts, and leadership positions.
Peer community
Join 6,000+ EP® professionals across Canada’s environmental sector.
Emphasise Your Expertise
Benefits of the EP® Designation
More than a credential, a professional network, financial benefits, and a platform for industry leadership.
National Member Network
Connect with environmental professionals across Canada through regional events, national conferences, and online community spaces.
Use of the EP® Title to Enhance Professional Identity
Append EP® after your name on business cards, LinkedIn, and proposals, a credential employers and clients across Canada recognise and value.
Insurance Benefits
Access professional liability and accident insurance coverage, along with exclusive discounts from partner organizations.
Events & Conferences
Attend the annual ECO IMPACT national conference and participate in events that bring together leaders in the environmental sector.
Mentorship Opportunities
Mentor emerging professionals or connect with senior EP® members, contributing to the strength and depth of Canada’s environmental workforce.
Continuing Education Access
Receive 25% discounts on live and on-demand training programs, webinars, and industry events to help you stay current.
Before you Apply
16 Specializations to Choose From
The environmental sector is constantly evolving, and the EPt Certification path is keeping pace. Now, with 16 specializations to choose from, you can showcase your expertise in even more fields. Specializations provide you with an extra credential to promote your areas of expertise. You will need to select at least one and up to two of 16 specializations to include as part of your application.
Over 300 competency statements have been classified into one or more of the environmental sub-sectors:
- Environmental Protection
- Resource Management
- Environmental Sustainability
- Impact Assessment
- Environmental Management
Don’t see a perfect fit? Not to worry. You can earn an EP® without a specialization. Recognizing the wide variety of environmental science and expertise, we offer a flexible path. Environmental professionals are encouraged to proceed with or without a specialization.
Become Designated
How to Become EP® Designated
Follow these five easy steps to start your certification journey. Please note that after approval, the EP® Canada Exam team will work directly with you to complete the remaining steps of your application.
Apply
Review requirements, pay $300 CAD (application + exam) & fill out your application online
1–2 hours
Validation
ECO Canada reviews and validates your application
10 business days
Exam
Closed-book exam
2.5 hours
Certification Fee
Pay $230 CAD your certification fee once approved
Upon approval
Designated
You’re officially a designated EP®
You’re in!
Before You Apply
Application & Exam Guide
The EP® exam proves the program competencies required by all EP® designations, focusing on knowledge and ethics of the profession. All applicants must achieve a passing grade on the EP® Body of Knowledge Exam before becoming eligible for EP® certification.
Code of Ethics
The philosophy underpinning the EP® Code of Ethics aspires to ensure the advancement of environmental practice, recognising that all EPs, within their sphere of influenc, can act in a manner consistent with the values of the designation. The code ensures EP® professionals continuously conduct themselves to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Body of Knowledge
Being a strong environmental professional demands broad knowledge and technical skills. The EP® Body of Knowledge Framework guides you on all the professional and technical competencies required to achieve EP® status, helping to instil values and stakeholder trust in the profession.
Free Download
Application & Exam Guide PDF
A complete overview of the certification process, from eligibility requirements to final submission and exam preparation. Use it to plan your timeline and avoid surprises.
- Eligibility criteria and certification timelines
- Exam structure and preparation guidance
- Application requirements and documentation
- Step-by-step orientation to certification
Ever-Evolving Professionalism
Maintaining Your EP® Status
To maintain your commitment to competency standards as an EP®, you are required to complete professional development activities and submit your membership fees on an annual basis.
Annual Membership Fee
Renew your EP® membership each year by the due date to maintain your designation, public directory listing, and access to all member benefits.
Due each April
Professional development
15 professional development credits per year are required to demonstrate continued engagement with current standards and industry practices.
75 credits / 5 years
If payment is not received within 30 days of the due date, a $100 CAD late fee will be applied. The member will also be listed as not in good standing in the public member directory until payment is received.
Ready to Apply
Join the Thousands of Practitioners Who Have Become Certified
Begin your EP® application today. Applications are reviewed within 10 business days and exam windows are available monthly.
Application fee: $300 + taxes · Annual renewal: $230 + taxes is due on April 1 each year