If you are enrolled in an Ontario post-secondary program in engineering technology or applied science, and are at least 18 years old, you can join OACETT as an Associate Member. Joining OACETT as an Associate Member is the first step to becoming either a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) or a Certified Technician (C.Tech.).
As a student you have reduced application and membership fees when you apply. The student application and membership fee is $50 plus HST for the first year, and $51.49 plus HST for each additional year, providing you with a savings of over $200 per year as a student member. If your membership does not lapse, you will continue to receive the benefit of the reduced student membership fee for an additional two years after you graduate before regular membership dues begin. If you membership does lapse you will stop receiving the discounted rate and will reinstate at the regular member rate. You must apply as a student member before you graduate to receive the discount post-graduation.
Here’s how to become an OACETT Associate Member as a student:
- Log into the OACETT portal to submit a Post-Secondary Student Membership Application Form. Complete all sections including e-mail address, Good Character Policy, and your field of study. A copy of your personal ID is required and an unofficial transcript is encouraged as part of your application. The application fee is currently available at a significantly reduced rate and your membership dues for your first year of membership are free. You will be registered within one month as an Associate Member.
- The Institute of Engineering Technology of Ontario (IETO), the registration and certification arm of OACETT, reviews your application and registers you for membership if eligible. As soon as you receive your membership card, you will have access to the CTEN job network and your benefits as an Associate Member.
- To become certified as either a technician or a technologist, Associate Members must write and pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE). Writing the PPE enables you to meet the high professional standards set by your association in the area of ethics and responsibility to the public and your employer. You may write the PPE any time after you join as an Associate Member and while you are still in school. The fee to write the PPE is significantly reduced for student members.
- Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits engineering technology and applied science programs at post-secondary educational institutions in Ontario for the purpose of identifying whether they meet the profession's approved standards and criteria. Find the Ontario programs that are nationally accredited.
- One of the requirements to become certified is at least two years of work experience in your discipline. Co-op, internship, or other similar experience while a student in an engineering technology or applied science program can be counted towards the two year experience requirement. Up to one year may be credited if you attended or are attending a nationally accredited program or, if your supervisor during the co-op placement is a certified member of OACETT or a licenced professional such as a P.Eng, OAA, P.GEO, or O.L.S. If your co-op work experience does not fall into either of these two categories it is recognized at 50% of the time worked, up to a maximum of 6 months.
- When you graduate, ask your educational institution to mail an official transcript directly to us. Be sure to update your profile through our portal so we have accurate contact information to which to send this.