OACETT members have voted for change
Members strongly engage in pivotal votes shaping the future of engineering technology certification in Ontario.
On September 16, OACETT members voted to change the name of the C.E.T. designation to the Professional Technologist (P.Tech.) title and change the organization's name to Engineering Technology Professionals Ontario (ETPO).
Member engagement sets the stage in 2024
In the third quarter of 2024, OACETT launched a province-wide sentiment survey to gauge member perspectives on a proposed national harmonization initiative. The initiative would change the Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) title and potentially rename the organization.
While the survey received a strong response, the results were inconclusive. The Board responded by providing members with more information and opportunities to weigh in—through chapter and provincial events, Annual Chapter Meetings (ACMs), Fireside Chats, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Fireside Chat draws record participation this September
On Tuesday, September 9, OACETT leadership hosted a Fireside Chat webinar devoted to member questions on the proposed changes: changing the name of the C.E.T. designation to Professional Technologist (P.Tech.) and renaming the organization to Engineering Technology Professionals Ontario (ETPO).
The response was significant. Over 1,500 members registered, and attendance peaked at more than 900. Hundreds of questions were submitted, and any that could not be addressed live were answered on the OACETT website later that week.
Special Meeting of Members and voting results in September
The process culminated at the Special Meeting of Members held on Tuesday, September 16. Once again, engagement was high. More than 1,500 members registered, with 890 attending at the peak and an additional 715 submitting proxies.
After an open discussion period, two key motions were put to a vote:
C.E.T. to P.Tech. title change
Motion: “Be it resolved that OACETT supports the change of the certification title Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) to Professional Technologist (P.Tech.), provided that all current members of Technology Professionals Canada commit to this as a common national title before the end of 2030.”
Outcome: Carried — 660 in favour, 627 opposed, 34 abstentions.
Organization name change
Motion: “Be it resolved that the name ‘Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists’ (OACETT) be changed to ‘Engineering Technology Professionals Ontario’ (ETPO).”
Outcome: Carried — 724 in favour, 534 opposed, 26 abstentions.
Conditional path to national alignment
The adoption of the P.Tech. title depends on all Technology Professionals Canada (TPC) members agreeing to a common national title. Current provincial status:
| Province | Status |
|---|
| Alberta | P.Tech. exists but functions more like LET; would need adjustment
|
| British Columbia | P.Tech. in application for new legislation; approval expected this year
|
| Manitoba | C.E.T. |
| New Brunswick | P.TEch. |
Newfoundland & Labrador
| P.Tech. |
| Nova Scotia | C.E.T. |
| Prince Edward Island | C.E.T., but agreed to change if there is a national consensus.
|
| Saskatchewan | Changed to P.Tech. in 2024 as part of this process
|
Note: Quebec is not a TPC member, though discussions are underway.
Next steps
Because several provinces have yet to finalize their decisions, the change is unlikely to take effect before 2028, and possibly later. OACETT plans to implement both the P.Tech. designation and the organization’s new name simultaneously to maintain consistency and achieve marketing efficiencies.
OACETT leadership thanks all members for their active participation in this milestone process. As they become available, updates on provincial decisions and detailed implementation plans will be shared.
