Register for the PPE/IEPPE and Seminars through your OACETT Portal Account.
2023 PPE/IEPPE Update - New study guides and seminars as of March 31, 2023. New exams to be launched on May 1, 2023. Previous exam registrants can access updated study materials following the directions here.
Introduction to the PPE and IEPPE
As an applicant for C.Tech. or C.E.T. certification, you must pass either the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) or the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) to ensure awareness of your legal and ethical responsibilities to the public, employers and yourself. Writing the PPE/IEPPE enables you to meet the high professional standards set by OACETT in the area of law, ethics and professional practice.
The PPE/IEPPE are online, on demand, multiple choice exams written with an online proctor from the comfort and convenience of your home or office. The exams are self-study and are based on Canadian civil law, the OACETT Act, Bylaw 19, OACETT's Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct and the IETO Terms of Reference. All of these study materials are included in a convenient eBook to which you will be given 6 months access when you register for the exam. The eBook can be downloaded and printed.
You may apply to write the exam at any point during your certification process.
The PPE has three sections: Law, Ethics and Practice. The IEPPE has four parts: Law, Ethics, Practice, and Enhanced Practice. If you are a student or you completed your education in Canada, you will take the PPE. If you completed your education outside of Canada and have not completed your one year of Canadian work experience, you will take the IEPPE.
You must pass each section of the PPE/IEPPE to be successful on the overall exam. If you fail one or more sections, you will only need to rewrite the failed section(s).
The PPE is three (3) hours long. The IEPPE is three and a half (3.5) hours long. The exams are closed book exams. No materials of any kind, including scrap paper, cell phones, study notes and study manuals, are permitted in the exam area. When writing the exam, you will be able to take a short bio break after each part is completed if you need to. Be aware that if you take a break, you will not be given any extra time to complete the exam.
We recommend that you plan approximately two months of study time, three nights a week, in order to prepare for the exam. This will give you plenty of time left in your 6 months’ subscription to complete the exam, even if you happen to fail a section or sections of the exam and need to rewrite. To be successful on the exam you need to commit to a regular study schedule.
The Professional Practice Exam (PPE) is for OACETT members who completed their education in Canada, who completed their education internationally and have already completed one year of Canadian work experience, or who are currently a post-secondary student in Ontario. The PPE is completed online with a live online proctor.
OACETT also offers an optional online seminar to help you prepare for the PPE. The optional seminar follows the exam study materials closely. It guides you with tips on which information is most important, and helps you review with progress quizzes and a complete practice exam. When you purchase the seminar you have six months of access to the seminar material.
To register for the PPE, follow these easy steps:
- Create or log in to your OACETT Portal account. From the homepage, select the "Register for PPE/IEPPE and Seminars" button.
- Purchase the Professional Practice Exam (PPE Package)
- If you would like to take the online seminar to guide you through the PPE content, also select the PPE Online Seminar when you make your purchase.
- When you purchase the PPE Package you will receive an Exam Access Code (EAC). Put this somewhere safe. DO NOT LOSE IT. You will need this code to write the exam.
- Print and/or download the eBook study materials. You only have online access to the study guide for 6 months.
- Study the eBook material over a 2 to 3 month period, depending on your study habits and schedule. Note that the PPE is a closed book exam. No study notes or materials are permitted during the exam.
- When you feel you are ready to write the PPE, register with Examity, the online proctor.
- Review the Examity guide on how to register for your proctered exam.
- You need to schedule the exam a minimum 24 hours before you plan to write.
- Remember you have contracted with a live proctor to be available for you to write the exam at a specific date and time. If you miss this date and time postponement fees may apply.
- Read the Instructions for Writing an Online Exam with a Proctor.
- Test your technology prior to the date and time of your exam (get support if needed) or when you receive your confirmation email.
- When your exam day and time arrives, have your Exam Access Code (EAC) with you. If you have misplaced your EAC, check the email purchase receipt your received from Captus.
The following are the registration options and fees for the Professional Practice Exam (PPE):
All exam packages are non-refundable.
1. Professional Practice Exam (PPE) Package: With this purchase you will have access to the PPE study materials in a printable, downloadable eBook format for six (6) months plus one complete exam session (3 hours).
Fee: $255.00 + $15.60 HST = $271.60
2. PPE Rewrite: This purchase is for those who have failed one or more sections of the PPE. This purchase is for one exam session only. When you register below you will be asked to indicate which section or sections you need to rewrite.
Fee: $160.00 + $00.00 HST = $160.00
3. PPE Extension: With this purchase you will receive a six (6) month extension to write the exam that you originally registered for. This purchase is for those who did not have time to write the exam they purchased within the original six (6) month timeframe.
Fee: $160.00 + 20.80 HST = $180.80
4. PPE Online Seminar: The online seminar provides you with a guided approach to studying for the PPE. It includes voiced over PowerPoint presentations on each chapter of the eBook, quizzes for each module and a complete sample practice exam. You will have access to the seminar for six (6) months. The seminar does not include the PPE study guide.
Fee: $160.00 + $20.80 HST =
$180.80
5. PPE/IEPPE Online Seminar Extensions: You may extend your access to the online course within one year of your original registration in the course. To request an extension, send an email to
sales@captus.com with the subject of "OACETT Extension". Include your full name (and your username for the course, if you know it). You will then receive instructions for making payment.
Fee: $75.00 + $9.75 HST =
$84.75
The IEPPE and IEPPE Seminar are for OACETT members who completed their education outside of Canada and have not completed at least one year of Canadian work experience. The IEPPE is completed online with a live online proctor.
OACETT also offers an online seminar to help you prepare for the IEPPE. The seminar follows the exam study materials closely. It guides you with tips on which information is most important, and helps you review with progress quizzes and a complete practice exam. When you purchase the seminar you have six months of access to the seminar material.
To register for the IEPPE, follow these easy steps:
- Create or log in to your OACETT Portal account. From the homepage, select the "Register for PPE/IEPPE and Seminars" button.
- Purchase the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE Package)
- When you purchase the IEPPE package you will receive an Exam Access Code (EAC). Put this somewhere safe. DO NOT LOSE IT. You will need this code to write the exam.
- If you would like to also take a seminar to guide you through the IEPPE content, also select the IEPPE Online Seminar when you make your purchase.
- Print and/or download the eBook study materials. You only have online access to the study guide for 6 months.
- Study the eBook material for over a 2 to 3 month period, depending on your study habits and schedule. Note that the IEPPE is a closed book exam. No study notes or materials are permitted during the exam.
- When you feel you are ready to write the exam, register with the online proctor.
- Review the Examity guide on how to register for your proctered exam.
- You need to schedule the exam a minimum 24 hours before you plan to write.
- Remember you have contracted with a live proctor to be available for you to write the exam at a specific date and time. If you miss this date and time postponement fees may apply.
- Read the Instructions for Writing an Online Exam with a Proctor.
- Test your technology prior to the date and time of your exam (get support if needed) or when you receive your confirmation email.
- When your exam day and time arrives, have your Exam Access Code (EAC) with you. If you have misplaced your EAC, check the email purchase receipt your received from Captus.
The following are the registration options and fees for the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE):
All exam packages are non-refundable.
1. Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) Package: With this purchase you will have access to the IEPPE study materials in a printable, downloadable eBook format for six (6) months plus one complete exam session.
Fee: $255.00 + $15.60 HST = $271.60
2. IEPPE Rewrite: This purchase is for those who have failed one or more sections of the IEPPE. This purchase is for one exam session only. When you register below you will be asked to indicate which section or sections you need to rewrite.
Fee: $160.00 + $00.00 HST = $160.00
3. IEPPE Extension: With this purchase you will receive a six (6) month extension to write the exam that you originally registered for. This purchase is for those who did not have time to write the exam they purchased within the original six (6) month timeframe.
Fee: $160.00 + 20.80 HST = $180.80
4. IEPPE Online Seminar: The online seminar provides you with a guided approach to studying for the IEPPE. It includes voiced over PowerPoint presentations on each chapter of the eBook, quizzes for each module and a complete sample practice exam. You will have access to the seminar for six (6) months. The seminar does not include the IEPPE study guide.
Fee: $160.00 + $20.80 HST =
$180.80
5. PPE/IEPPE Online Seminar Extensions: You may extend your access to the online course within one year of your original registration in the course. To request an extension, send an email to
sales@captus.com with the subject of "OACETT Extension". Include your full name (and your username for the course, if you know it). You will then receive instructions for making payment.
Fee: $75.00 + $9.75 HST =
$84.75
If you are currently registered in a post-secondary engineering technology and applied science programs or the equivalent you can purchase the PPE study materials package and write the exam prior to graduation at a reduced fee.
To register for the PPE as a student, follow these easy steps:
- Create or log in to your OACETT Portal account. From the homepage, select the "Register for PPE/IEPPE and Seminars" button.
- Purchase one of the Full-time Post Secondary Student PPE Packages.
- In-class Proctor
- Online Proctor
- When you purchase the PPE package you will receive an Exam Access Code (EAC). Put this somewhere safe. DO NOT LOSE IT. You will need this code to write the exam.
- If will be writing the PPE at your college with your instructor acting as the proctor, make sure you select your college location in the drop down menu when you purchase the package.
- If you are writing the PPE using the online proctor Examity, then you do not select your college.
- Print and/or download the eBook study materials.
- Study the eBook material for over a 2 to 3 month period, depending on your study habits and schedule. If you are covering the eBook material in a college course, follow the syllabus from the professor. Note that the PPE is a closed book exam. No study notes or materials are permitted during the exam.
- If you are writing the PPE at your college, your professor will give you the exam date and time. You do not need to schedule an online exam.
- If you are writing the PPE with the online proctor, schedule a time with the online proctor.
- Review the Examity guide on how to register for your proctered exam.
- You need to schedule the exam a minimum 24 hours before you plan to write.
- Remember you have contracted with a live proctor to be available for you to write the exam at a specific date and time. If you miss this date and time postponement fees may apply.
- Read the Instructions for Writing an Online Exam with a Proctor.
- Test your technology prior to the date and time of your exam (get support if needed) or when you receive your confirmation email.
- When your exam day and time arrives, have your Exam Access Code (EAC) with you. If you have misplaced your EAC, check the email purchase receipt your received from Captus.
The following are the registration options and fees for Ontario College Students:
All exam packages are non-refundable.
1. Full-time Post Secondary Student PPE Package - In-Class Proctor: With this purchase you will have access to the PPE study materials in a printable, downloadable eBook format for six (6) months plus one complete exam session in-class.
Fee: $90.00 + $5.30 HST = $95.30
2. Full-time Post Secondary Student PPE Package - Online Proctor: With this purchase you will have access to the PPE study materials in a printable, downloadable eBook format for six (6) months plus one complete exam session online with Examity.
Fee: $125.40 + $9.90 HST = $135.30
3. Full-time Post-Secondary Student PPE Rewrite: This purchase is for those who have failed one or more sections of the PPE. This purchase is for one exam session only. When you register below you will be asked to indicate which section or sections you need to rewrite. Rewrites are by online proctor only.
Fee: $130.00 + $00.00 HST = $130.00
4. Full-time Post Secondary Student PPE Extension: With this purchase you will receive a six (6) month extension to write the exam that you originally registered for. This purchase is for those who did not have time to write the exam they purchased within the original six (6) month timeframe.
Fee: $90.00 + $11.70 HST = $101.70
5. PPE Online Seminar (optional): The online seminar provides you with a guided approach to studying for the PPE. It includes voiced over PowerPoint presentations on each chapter of the eBook, quizzes for each module and a complete sample practice exam. You will have access to the seminar for six (6) months. The seminar does not include the PPE study guide.
Fee: $160.00 + $20.80 HST =
$180.80
6. PPE/IEPPE Online Seminar Extensions: You may extend your access to the online course within one year of your original registration in the course. To request an extension, send an email to
sales@captus.com with the subject of "OACETT Extension". Include your full name (and your username for the course, if you know it). You will then receive instructions for making payment.
Fee: $75.00 + $9.75 HST =
$84.75
If you are writing the exam with the online proctor, the following are suitable locations in which to complete the exam:
- Your home office
- Your work office
- Any private and quiet room
No one else is allowed in the room while you are completing the exam.
Your computer workspace area must be COMPLETELY clear before you start the exam. You are not permitted to have any documents or examination aids near you while completing this closed book exam. You are prohibited from using ANY examination aids, including the following: scrap paper, cell phones, study notes, study manuals, chat, email or other applications that can provide aid in answering questions, multiple monitors for displaying additional aids, 3rd party applications that allow other parties to access your exam in order to aid you, as well as any technology that would copy, replicate, or capture exam questions for extraction before, during and after your exam.
If you are a student taking the exam at your college, your professor will provide you with the exam location information.
The computer requirements are as follows:
- PC/Mac (no iPads)
- Browser released in the last four years
- Uninterrupted internet connection
- Webcam
Prior to your exam day do the following:
- Review the Student Quick Guide
- Test your technology prior to selecting a date and time to write your exam.
- Create an account on the online proctor website and then login to choose a date and time of an available proctor. You must have purchased the exam package prior to registering for an exam. If you attempt to write an exam and have not purchased the exam package, your name will be forwarded by the online proctor to the OACETT Registrar.
On exam day do the following:
- Make sure you choose a quiet and secure location. Exams cannot be taken in public locations where others are within speaking distance or may have access to your computer, or where you can become distracted while taking your exam.
- The area you choose must be free of all clutter and distracting materials. The exam is a closed book exam. No materials of any kind, including scrap paper, study notes and study manuals, are permitted around you as you complete the exam.
- Make sure you have your Exam Access Code (EAC) as you will need this code to access the exam.
- If you have misplaced your EAC, contact Captus at support@captus.com.
The online proctor must validate your government-issued photo identification. You will be asked to hold your photo ID directly in front of the webcam. You will be asked to confirm that you are taking the OACETT exam and to confirm your OACETT membership number.
The length of the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) is 3 hours. The length of the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) is 3 ½ hours.
If you experience technical issues during the exam our online proctor Examity is available for support 24/7 via:
Phone: 855-392-6489
Email: support@examity.com
Live Chat: Click on the live chat link located at the top and bottom of your Examity portal.
As part of our proctoring guidelines, the online proctor will view your exam setting. Remember the exam is a closed book exam. Ensure your computer workspace area is COMPLETELY clear. You will be asked to slowly rotate your webcam full circle (360 degrees) and show the entire surface of your computer and workspace area.
You are not permitted to talk out loud (including not reading the questions and answer choices out loud) or to talk to anyone or receive any assistance. You must be in the room alone throughout your exam.
You need to keep your eyes focused on your computer and work area only. You cannot look around the room.
No food/drink is allowed in the room. A glass/bottle of water is acceptable.
No cell phones are allowed in the room.
You must remain seated at all times.
There are three sections for the PPE exam and four sections for the IEPPE. You will be permitted to leave the room for a washroom break in between each section. Note that the exam time will NOT be stopped if you take a break. Also note that you will not be able to suspend your exam once you have started a section.
If any abnormal behavior is observed during the exam, the online proctor has the authority to discontinue your exam.
Proctors are not permitted to interpret or re-state a question on the exam or lead you in any way in answering a question.
At the beginning of the exam, you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions of the exam by clicking on the “I Accept” button. These terms and conditions include such things as to not reproduce any part of the exam or the answers in any fashion, including by memory; and to keep confidential the contents of the exam and answers. If you refuse to accept the conditions, you will not be permitted to write the exam.
The exam navigation is designed to move you through the sections in order by clicking the submit button at the end of each section. You must answer each question to move to the next section. You cannot move to a new section if some questions in the previous section have been left unanswered.
If you are rewriting the exam, you will be provided the appropriate section or sections that you need to rewrite. You will not be provided with the whole exam.
All activities associated with your online proctor are monitored, and recorded for authenticity purposes.This includes audio and video, as well as screen activity. We adhere to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) regarding record privacy and access to your information.
The proctor’s instructions and directions regarding conduct and procedures during the exam must be followed at all times. Candidates can appeal a direction by the proctor with the Registrar after the exam, but must comply with his/her requests during the exam.
If you have any questions about any of these requirements, please do not hesitate to ask the proctor prior to the commencement of the exam.
The PPE and IEPPE are closed exams. You are prohibited from using ANY examination aids for either exam, including the following: scrap paper, cell phones, study notes, study manuals, chat, email or other applications that can provide aid in answering questions, multiple monitors for displaying additional aids, 3rd party applications that allow other parties to access your exam in order to aid you, as well as any technology that would copy, replicate, or capture exam questions for extraction before, during and after your exam. If our online proctor detects any of the above aberrant activities your exam may be subject to exam termination
Accomodations for Special Needs
OACETT is committed to working with our members with special needs.
For the PPE and IEPPE we provide are extra time for the exams and/or writing with a single invigilator for those members with learning disabilities.
The study manual for both exams is available in an accessible electronic version for applicants with visual impairments. This format can be used with TextHelp Read&Write 8.1/PDFAloud (screen reading software).
If you have an inquiry about special needs’ accommodations for the PPE/IEPPE, contact OACETT at (416) 621-9621 or at
certify@oacett.org
Your exam results will be posted within the OACETT Member Portal. Log into the portal
here. Scroll down the homepage and click on the blue 'Register for PPE/IEPPE and Seminars and Purchase Extensions' button.
OACETT makes every effort to ensure that the online Professional Practice Exam and Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam will be delivered as scheduled. However, circumstances such as power failure, server error, severe weather, etc. may interfere with its delivery. OACETT cannot offer any compensation regarding the inability to run the exam as planned caused by the above situations.
1. Do I need to write this exam?
Yes, this is a mandatory certification exam for C.Tech. or C.E.T. certification. You must pass the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) or the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) to ensure awareness of your legal and ethical responsibilities to the public, employers and yourself. Writing the PPE or the IEPPE enables you to meet the high professional standards set by your association in the area of ethics, law and responsibility to the public.
2. Which exam should I write?
If you are currently registered in a post-secondary engineering technology and applied science programs completed your education in Canada you should write the regular PPE.
If you completed your education in Canada you should write the regular PPE.
If you completed your education internationally you should write the IEPPE. This will satisfy the OACETT requirement to prove understanding of the standards, codes and practices of the engineering technology or applied science workplace in Canada which was previously proven by one year of Canadian work experience.
If you completed your education internationally and have one year of work experience in Canada out of the two years required for certification you can write the regular PPE or the IEPPE.
3. When should I apply for the PPE or IEPPE?
You may apply for either the PPE or IEPPE after you have applied for membership and certification.
4. When are the exams held?
The Professional Practice Exam (PPE) and the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) are available online, on demand, written at an appropriate quiet location of your choosing, but with the services of an online proctor chosen by OACETT. You should apply to write either exam and purchase the study materials at least 2 months prior to your target exam date to allow for appropriate study time. You must write the exam within 6 months of registering.
5. How do I purchase the PPE or IEPPE?
Log into your OACETT Portal Account and scroll to the bottom of the home page. Select the "Register for PPE/IEPPE and Seminars" button. Complete the registration process and pay for your exam.
6. How do I schedule an exam writing time with the proctor? Once I have selected a date and time, what do I do if I need to reschedule or cancel.
Log onto the
online proctor website to choose a date and time for your exam when a proctor is available. Review the
Student Quick Guide. You must have purchased an exam package prior to registering for an online proctor. If you attempt to register for an online proctor and have not purchased an exam package, or your 6 month purchase has expired, you will not be able to write the exam.
7. What computer requirements are needed to write the PPE or IEPPE?
• Operating System: macOS X 10.5 or higher, Windows Vista or higher. Examity does not support Linux or Chrome OS
• Browser: Google Chrome or Firefox – please disable your pop-up blocker.
• Hardware: Desktop or laptop (tablets, Chromebooks, and mobile are not supported)
– Built-in or external webcam
– Built-in or external microphone
– Built-in or external speakers
• Internet: A required upload and download speed of 2Mbps, with 10Mbps preferred. Hot spots are not recommended.
8. What are the required materials and costs to take the PPE or IEPPE?
The exam package includes an eBook study manual and one exam registration to be written within 6 months of purchasing the package. The eBook study manual contains all of the material for the exam, a study outline, the OACETT Act, By-law 19, IETO Terms of Reference, the Code of Ethics and the Rules of Professional Conduct. For the IEPPE additional content in Legislation and Professional Practice, Workplace Culture and Health and Safety has been added to the eBook.
For the costs of the exam, materials and seminars, see
Fee Summary.
9. Can I take study materials into the exam?
No. Both the PPE and the IEPPE are closed book exams. You are prohibited from using ANY examination aids, including the following: scrap paper, study notes, study manuals, chat, email or other applications that can provide aid in answering questions, multiple monitors for displaying additional aids, 3rd party applications that allow other parties to access your exam in order to aid you, as well as any technology that would copy, replicate, or capture exam questions for extraction before, during and after your exam.
10. I failed the regular PPE and would like to rewrite the IEPPE in order to satisfy the requirement for demonstrating a facility with the standards, codes and practices in the Canadian workplace, previously demonstrated by one year of Canadian work experience. Can I do this?
Yes, you may now take the IEPPE as your rewrite. The regular rewrite fee will apply. This applies if you need to write the whole exam or just sections. Please note you will need to write the specific sections that pertain to demonstrating a facility with the standards, codes and practices of the Canadian workplace. If you choose to write the IEPPE, you must also prove that you meet the English language proficiency that was introduced in January 2016. For more information on English language proficiency requirements, contact
PPE@oacett.org.
11. I passed the regular PPE and would like to write the IEPPE in order to satisfy the requirement for demonstrating a facility with the working language and facility with the standards, codes and practices of the discipline (normally gained by working in Canada for one year) in which I am seeking certification. Can I do this?
Yes, you may now take the IEPPE exam and just write the Enhanced Practice section which includes the new content for this exam instead of satisfying the one year Canadian experience requirement. The regular rewrite fee will apply. If you choose to write the IEPPE, you must also prove that you meet the
English language benchmark. For more information on English language proficiency requirements, contact us at
certify@oacett.org.
12. Do I need to study the entire eBook or are only specific sections necessary?
Yes, you need to study the entire eBook. The Study Outline (included in the eBook – Appendix E) will assist you in identifying how you should direct your studies.
13. Are past exam papers available?
No, past exam papers are not distributed.
14. I don't need to know about law in my current position. Do I need to write the entire exam?
The Professional Practice Exam (PPE) consists of three parts: Law, Ethics and Practice. The Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) consists of four parts: Law, Ethics, Practice and Enhanced Practice (additional questions on Legislation and Professional Practice, Workplace Culture and Health and Safety). The Law questions in the exam relate to general topics in law of which most Technicians and Technologists need to be aware. In order to pass the exam, you must achieve a satisfactory result in all parts. If you do not pass all sections you will need to rewrite the section or sections that were unsatisfactory.
15. Are there courses or seminars available to prepare for the PPE or IEPPE?
Yes, there are online seminars to help candidates to prepare for the exams. There is a
PPE Seminar and an IEPPE Seminar. The seminars consist of voiced over PowerPoint slides highlighting the key points on each topic, module quizzes to review the content presented and a complete practice exam. The seminars are not mandatory although many members have found them extremely useful in studying the material systematically. For further information, check the Professional Practice Exam Seminars page on the OACETT website.
16. How do I find out my marks?
You can find your exam results in the OACETT
Member Portal. Log in, scroll to the bottom of the home page, and click the blue "Register for PPE/IEPPE..." button. This will tell you whether you were satisfactory or unsatisfactory in your exam attempt. Percentage grades are not available.
17. What happens if I am not successful in the exam?
You must pass each section of the exam. If you do not pass one or more sections you will be required to rewrite the section or sections that were unsatisfactory. You can register for a rewrite at any time after reviewing the material in the sections you failed. You will be given 3 hours for the rewrite. For information about rewriting a section or sections of the exam, go to the Registration for PPE and PPE Seminar page or the Registration for IEPPE and IEPPE Seminar page. Choose the rewrite option and pay the rewrite fee. When you are ready to rewrite, choose a date and time of an available online proctor.
Still have questions? Contact OACETT staff at ppe@oacett.org we're here to help.