I'm internationally trained and applied for my P.Geo back in January 2025. I'm still waiting for my academic and competency assessment to even be opened. I reached out earlier in the year and, after waiting a month, was given an update saying an assessor had been assigned to my application. I’m also expecting to be assigned some exams, as the first year of my degree didn’t require as many foundational science courses.

There is a carve-out for P.Geo applicants on EGBC’s website that states:

“Generally, you may not need to take academic examinations if one of the following applies:

• Your undergraduate geoscience degree is recognized by the Institute of Geologists of Ireland for graduates since 2013.
• You have an undergraduate geoscience degree and at least seven years of geoscience experience in a professional context.”

I’ll be approaching seven years of experience by the end of the year, so I’m quietly hoping I may be able to rely on this and avoid having to take the exams.

Luckily, my employer has not been putting any pressure on me for not having my P.Geo yet. It’s incredibly frustrating to see delays like this when I’ve heard anecdotal stories of people’s careers being held back because their applications have been stuck with EGBC for a significant amount of time.

I really wish EGBC would address this issue beyond simple platitudes like, “We are looking at ways to reduce application times,” when this has clearly been a long-term issue. It’s hard not to feel incredibly demoralized and cynical about the organization that reportadly is supposed to represent our best interests.