Securing professional membership with Engineers Australia is a significant milestone in any engineering career. For many candidates, especially those with non‑accredited or international qualifications, this journey includes a competency assessment, also known as an entry‑to‑practice assessment. This is your comprehensive guide to obtaining engineering recognition in Australia.
Who Needs the Competency Assessment?
You have to complete this assessment if any of the following apply to you:
1. You obtained your engineering qualification in Australia; however, Engineers Australia has not accredited it.
2. You hold an engineering certification from another country that Engineers Australia does not recognise.
3. You have an academic qualification in a discipline closely related to engineering, science, or mathematics, even if you finished postgraduate engineering studies and possess several years of engineering work experience.
What the Assessment Covers
Your capabilities will be assessed under three key areas:
1. Knowledge Base: You will need to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental engineering knowledge and theory.
2. Engineering Ability: This encompasses the application of technical know-how to solve practical challenges within a specific field.
3. Professional Attributes: This area covers social responsibilities relating to ethics, communication, safety, and professionalism.
How to Apply
Begin by creating an account on the Engineers Australia member portal. As part of this procedure, you will have to submit the following documents:
● Colour photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
● Name-change documentation, if applicable
● Qualification evidence: diplomas/certificates and full academic transcripts
● Detailed CV outlining academic studies, work history, placements, and relevant skills
● Proof of English-language proficiency, if you’re not exempt
● Career Episodes: written reports describing three engineering projects, tied to the required competencies
● Summary Statement aligning each career episode with Engineers Australia’s competency elements
● (Optional) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) evidence
What Are Career Episodes & Summary Statements?
● Career Episodes are in-depth written accounts of three key engineering experiences, ranging from site work to research or design.
● The Summary Statement aligns each episode with the competency elements, illustrating how you meet the standards expected of a professional engineer, technologist, or associate.
Tip: Follow each step provided by Engineers Australia to ensure your submissions align with their expectations.
Assessment Timeline & Outcomes
● Normal response time: Approximately four weeks; however, this may vary depending on the volume of applications being processed at that time.
● Results are communicated via the portal. Successful applicants may immediately proceed to apply for membership.
● If you’re unsuccessful, you may request a review within three months or file an appeal within six months (additional fees apply).
Fees
● Entry-to-practice Competency Assessment: $835 AUD (inclusive of GST).
● Upon passing, you’ll also incur standard annual membership dues.
Visit Engineers Australia’s membership fees section to view the latest pricing.
Why This Matters
Completion of the competency assessment confirms that you hold qualifications recognized by Engineers Australia under the Washington Accord. It helps in enhancing the global acceptance of your skills and qualifications.
Pro Tips for a Successful Application
- Structure your Career Episodes clearly, including your role, tasks, engineering actions taken, and outcomes.
- Use the Summary Statement to reference Engineers Australia’s competency elements directly.
- Be thorough: Include all requested documentation, especially English proficiency and CV details.
- Pay close attention to the submission deadlines and be prepared to act promptly after receiving the results for review or appeal.
- Ensure you proceed with your membership application as soon as you have secured approval.