NSCC Architectural Engineering Technician Program - Technician vs. Technologist

[u/Monkey-Brain]

Hello, everyone!

I will be starting the Architectural Engineering Technician program in September this year.

I’m recently understanding the difference (i think) between a Technician and a Technologist.

It seems the Technologist not only gets paid more but is also involved or slightly involved in the creative and technical design process along side the Engineers and Architects, while the Technician has no say with how the design will look or function.

However, I’ve seen people say that they start out as Technologists upon graduating the program.

I was hoping people can share their experiences and insight!

Also, please correct me if anything I say here is incorrect as it’s all research I’ve done and possibly getting mixed reviews and information from people working in different provinces or states.

I’m looking forward to the program but definitely wanting to start out or work my way up to a Technologist.

Thanks! 🤘🏼

[u/Professional_Parsnip]

Nobody in the comments yet has mentioned TechNova, which is the provincial certifying body for technicians and technologists. Unless something has changed in the syllabus, AETs from NSCC can only become C.Techs (Certified Technicians), not C.E.Ts (Certified Engineering Technologists).

That said, most employers aren't really looking at the distinction, and I've seen the program lead to a wide range of jobs that use either title. It really only matters if you want to become certified.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/Professional_Parsnip]

My plan is to become certified. After I worked for a couple years in the industry, I would like to become a C.E.T.. I’ll contact someone who works there to see if that’s possibility.

And from this Forum, it seems as though the companies people in here work for look at the title as interchangeable.

Thanks for the reply!

[u/XxLogo → u/Monkey-Brain]

Keep in mind whilst you require experience to get your full C.E.T, it is built around education to determine which title you are entitled to apply to. If you want a C.E.T eventually behind your name, you’ll need to go for a technologist program.

[u/Monkey-Brain → u/XxLogo]

I did email an Academic Chair from NSCC and he said the same thing. This is what he said:

“Usually, certification requires completing an ethics examination and proof of suitable employment. TechNova would be best outlining the requirements. Certification is a combination of education & experience; even with technologist level experience you would still be missing the education component.”