How to apply

Steps to apply for membership are outlined below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Download and read the Geoscience Knowledge and Experience Requirements (the “GKE”) for Professional Registration in Canada.

2. Download the Academic Assessment Guide and Geoscientists Nova Scotia Self Evaluation Worksheet then fill in your information.
  • This will help you to figure out if you have all of the required academic courses to qualify for registration. You will need a copy of your transcript, course syllabus, or a good working knowledge of the courses you have taken.
  • List the courses that you have taken under the appropriate categories in Part 2.
  • Courses are measured in “Educational Units”, or EUs. A one-semester course will typically count as one EU. Consult the Academic Assessment Guide and the GKE for more detail.
  • Having read these documents, if you are still unsure whether a specific course qualifies as an EU, contact the registrar@geoscientistsns.ca.

The Self Evaluation should indicate which application is right for you:

  • Member (You meet all requirements, including cumulative and progressive geoscience work experience).
  • License to Practice (As a non-resident of N.S. and a member in good standing of another Canadian geoscience regulator).
  • Member in Training (You meet the academic requirements, but you need additional geoscience work experience).
  • Student Member (You need additional courses to meet the Knowledge Requirements – note that student registration is free and provides access to APGNS information and activities as well as contact with the members).

3. Download the current Application Form and fill in your information.

  • Attach a cover letter to introduce yourself to the Registrar and the Admissions Board.
  • Attach an up-to-date, signed and dated resume.
  • Provide the names and contact information for at least four (4) professional references (see page 4 of the Application).
  • MITs need provide two (2) references.

4. Calculate your fees remit a payment (e-transfer to info@geoscientistsns.ca , or use the secure credit card tool on the Association website Payments tool or attach a cheque or money order to the application).

  • Include the one-time application fee, the annual registration fee + the professional stamp fee + the HST.

5. Contact the College or University Registrar’s office and request that your official transcripts of all of your college and university courses, and have them sent directly to APGNS Registrar.

6. Prepare a cover letter and include any other information (e.g., abstracts from a thesis or publication, etc.) which may assist the Admissions Board in evaluating your application.

7. Present evidence of legal residence in Canada by providing a copy of one of the following:

  • The picture page of your passport.
  • A Ministerial permit.
  • Legal entry into Canada.
  • Provincial or territorial health card.

8. Assemble your application and mail it to the address indicated on the Application Form (APGNS does not offer on-line application at this time). Make sure that you have included:

  • Application for Membership.
  • Resume/CV.
  • Fees.
  • Cover letter and any additional information.
  • Evidence of legal residence.

9.  

  • The NPPE is offered five times per year by APGNS.
  • It is a computer-based exam.
  • All applicants for registration are required to successfully complete the NPPE before they can be approved for membership.
  • MIT’s are eligible to take the NPPE if they have completed at least 24 months of approved geoscience work experience.
  • Visit the Forms page to download the introduction and application form, order study materials. Note that Engineers Nova Scotia offers an NPPE preparation course and makes it available to geoscience applicants. If you would like to attend, contact Engineers Nova Scotia directly.
  • Apply and write the exam.

What Happens Next?

  • The Registrar will contact you to acknowledge receipt of your application.
  • The Registrar will compile all of the elements of your application for submission to the Admissions Board
  • The Admissions Board will review your file and the Registrar will contact you with any questions or requests for further information.
  • The Admissions Board will make a recommendation to the APGNS Council regarding the success of your application, conditional on the results of the NPPE exam.
  • The Registrar will receive and review the results of your NPPE exam.
  • The Registrar will notify you of the Council’s decision.
  • Please be prepared to allow 3 to 4 months for processing of your application. The Admissions Board will take this time to consider your individual file with care and in detail.