EP® DESIGNATION
EP® Designation Frequently
Asked Questions
Questions About the EP Designation?
Explore the FAQs below:
Why Become an EP?
Top benefits include:
- Establishes your professional credibility with a nationwide credential
- Formally recognizes and verifies environmental skills and knowledge
- Enhances marketability and mobility
- Networking opportunities with our growing community of environmental professionals, including the ECO Impact annual conference
- Valuable discounts and prequalification on liability insurance
- Mentorship and Coaching opportunities with other members
- Free Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Access to lifelong learning resources to support career growth
Eligibility Requirements
Yes, there are no stipulations on citizenship to obtain the EPt/EP/EP Auditor designations. But you are required to have Canadian work experience for EP and EP Auditor eligibility.
It is not necessary to pass all specializations to become an EP. Applicants may choose not to specialize or apply for specialization at a later date. However, all EP applicants must pass the exam to be approved as a practicing member. Once you are certified, either a general designation status or successfully completed specializations will be included on your profile in the member roster.
Fee & Member Costs
- EPt Fees: $200 Application Fee, $130 Membership Fee
- EP Fees: $300 Application Fee, $230 Membership Fee
- EP Auditor Fees: $450 Application Fee, $230 Membership Fee
All membership fees are due upon receiving membership approval and then annually in April.
Download the application guides for all the information on application and membership fees.
As a graduate of an accredited program, only the EPt application fee of $200+ GST is waived. You are still required to pay the annual membership fee of $130 + GST. The first payment is due upon being granted the EPt designation.
Application & Exam Preparation
Yes. Our preferred provider is World Education Services (WES), but you can also use IQAS, ICES, or ICAS. These must be sent to ECO Canada directly from the organization verifying your education. We cannot accept a copy directly from you.
There is no pass/fail for the EPt self-assessment. It is designed as a training tool for junior environmental professionals to help guide their career development. EP applicants must pass the Self Assessment, however.
Member Benefits
You will not be eligible for member benefits until your application is complete, and you have become fully certified as an EPt, EP or EP Auditor.
To join the EP Mentorship Program, please go to the Mentorship page on the ECO Canada website to sign-up.
Specializations
For the EPt application, you can choose up to 2 specializations and for the EP application, you can choose up to 5 specializations. EP applicants have the option not to specialize and become certified with a General status.
It is not necessary to pass all specializations to become an EP. Applicants may choose not to specialize or apply for specialization at a later date. However, all EP applicants must pass the exam to be approved as a practicing member. Once you are certified, either a general designation status or successfully completed specializations will be included on your profile in the member roster.
Using Your Membership
You may start using your EPt, EP, EP(EMSLA) or EP(CEA) designation once you receive final notice that the Approvals Board (CECAB) has formally approved your application, you have paid the prorated membership fee, and submitted your completed ethics agreement (this is only a requirement for EPt’s).
EP Community Connections is ECO Canada’s exclusive LinkedIn group for members and provides networking opportunities to connect with other environmental professionals. To join, please contact us at EP@eco.ca.
Membership Maintenance
To be eligible to upgrade to the full EP designation, you must have 5 years/60 months of full-time paid environmental work experience. For graduates from accredited programs, this standard is reduced to four years. Our International members are required to have a total of 6 years/72 months of full-time, paid environmental work experience, with at least 1 year in Canada.
Your EPt designation must also be in good standing. If eligible, an ‘Upgrade to EP’ link will be available in your member account. A $200 fee is required and applicants will be required to undergo successful Self-Assessment and Peer Validation (should they choose to specialize) and pass the EP Examination.
As an EPt, you can change your specialization, for free, once per year. As an EP, the cost to change your specialization is $100+ tax. Please contact us at EP@eco.ca for assistance in changing your specialization.
