Guide to Professional Registration with the
Engineering Council
What is professional registration? ................................................................................................2
Am I eligible to apply? ..................................................................................................................2
Professional registration titles – definitions and recognised qualifications ................................... 2
Engineering Technician (EngTech) ..........................................................................................2
Recognised qualifications for EngTech: ................................................................................ 3
Incorporated Engineer (IEng) ...................................................................................................3
Recognised qualifications for IEng: .......................................................................................3
Chartered Engineer (CEng) ......................................................................................................4
Recognised qualifications for CEng: .....................................................................................4
Application process ......................................................................................................................4
Stage 1 ..................................................................................................................................4
Stage 2 ..................................................................................................................................5
IRSE Licence holders applying for EngTech registration [5] ................................................. 5
Final steps ....................................................................................................................................6
How long will it take? ....................................................................................................................6
How much will it cost? ..................................................................................................................6
What to do next? ..........................................................................................................................6
References and links ....................................................................................................................6
Appendix A: Overview of professional registration titles .............................................................. 7
Appendix B: Flowchart showing the IRSE process for professional registration .......................... 8
What is professional registration?
Professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
or Chartered Engineer (CEng) enables you to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and
commitment as an engineer and provides a benchmark through which the public, employers and
their customers can be assured that you have met globally recognised professional standards.
Appendix A below provides an overview of the three professional registration titles.
Professional registration provides a valuable addition to any engineer’s CV.
The IRSE is licenced by the Engineering Council to assess an applicant against a set of criteria
and standards, laid down by the Engineering Council, and to recommend the applicant’s inclusion
on the register of professional engineers. These standards are set out in the Engineering
Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (4th edition) (UK-SPEC (4th
edition)) and define the level of knowledge, understanding, competence and relevant work
experience required for each of the registration titles. The UK-SPEC documents can be found
on the Engineering Council website – engc.org.uk/standards-guidance/standards/uk-spec/ –
there is also a link from the References section below [1].
Am I eligible to apply?
Professional registration is open to all engineers and technicians who can demonstrate
knowledge, competence and commitment to perform professional work to the necessary
standard.
Anyone wishing to be registered must apply through one of the professional engineering
institutions licensed by the Engineering Council, of which the IRSE is one. You must be a fully
paid-up member of the IRSE before applying for professional registration through the IRSE.
Before you decide to apply, you should first consider the definitions of each of the three titles of
registration and the associated recognised qualifications, these are outlined below.
You will be required to not only meet the recognised qualification for the registration title that wish
to apply for but also demonstrate that, through your work experience, you meet the competence
and commitment for registration. You will also be required to provide evidence of your continued
professional development (CPD) to demonstrate how your knowledge, experience, competence
and commitment have developed as you have moved through your career. It is good practice
to start recording your CPD as soon as possible in your career and to review this regularly. The
’Qualifications & Careers’ section of the IRSE website has more information and guidance to help
you with recording you CPD (see Maintaining your Competence). Once you are professionally
registered you will be required to maintain a record of your CPD activity in order to retain your
registration title [2].
Those who feel their experience is relevant to one of the titles, but do not have the recognised
academic qualifications, can submit their career history and education and training record for
assessment. Where appropriate they will then be advised on the nature and extent of any
remaining evidence of knowledge and understanding required.
Professional registration titles – definitions and recognised
qualifications
Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Engineering Technicians apply proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical
engineering problems. They are required to apply safe systems of work and are able to
demonstrate:
• evidence of their contribution to either the design, development, manufacture,
commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment,
processes or services
• supervisory or technical responsibility
2
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
• effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters
• commitment to professional engineering values.
Recognised qualifications for EngTech:
Typically, applicants will have completed an Advanced/Modern Apprenticeship or other work-
based learning programme approved by a licensed professional engineering institution,
alternatively, alongside appropriate work experience, they will hold:
• a qualification, approved by a licensed professional engineering institution, in engineering
or construction set at level 3 (or above) in the Qualifications and Credit
Framework/National Qualifications Framework for England and Northern Ireland, or level
6 (or above) in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, or at level 3 (or above)
in the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales, or
• equivalent qualifications approved by a licensed professional engineering institution, such
as an IRSE Licence.
Many potential Engineering Technicians have not had the advantage of formal training but are
able to demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary competence through substantial work
experience. Individuals without the types of qualifications described above may apply for an
Individual Route assessment. This process, administered by the IRSE, includes assessment of
prior learning and of current performance. Evidence of employer recognition of competences
and relevant skills may be helpful.
Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Incorporated Engineers maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology,
and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, constructionand operation.
They are able to demonstrate:
• the theoretical knowledge to solve problems in developed technologies using well proven
analytical techniques
• successful application of their knowledge to deliver engineering projects or servicesusing
established technologies and methods
• responsibility for project and financial planning and management together with some
responsibility for leading and developing other professional staff
• effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters
• commitment to professional engineering values.
Recognised qualifications for IEng:
• an accredited [3] Bachelors degree in engineering or technology, or
• a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Degree in engineering or technology
(achieved before September 1999)
• a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Degree in engineering or technology (started
after September 1999, but before September 2010 in the case of an HNC), plus
appropriate further learning to degree level (which may include passing the full IRSE
professional examination), or
• an NVQ4 or SVQ4 which has been approved for the purpose by a licensed professional
engineering institution, plus appropriate further learning to degree level (see
www.qaa.ac.uk for further details of qualification levels and Higher Education reference
points)
Applicants who do not have recognised qualifications may demonstrate the required knowledge
and understanding in other ways but must clearly demonstrate they have achieved the same
3
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
level of knowledge and understanding as those with recognised qualifications. Such applicants
may be able to apply for an Individual Route assessment. This process, administered by the
IRSE, includes assessment of prior learning and of current performance. Evidence that
demonstrates an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of engineering principles
may be helpful.
Chartered Engineer (CEng)
Chartered Engineers develop solutions to engineering problems using new or existing
technologies, through innovation, creativity and change and/or they may have technical
accountability for complex systems with significant levels of risk. Chartered Engineers are able
to demonstrate:
• the theoretical knowledge to solve problems in new technologies and develop new
analytical techniques
• successful application of the knowledge to deliver innovative products and servicesand/or
take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems
• accountability for project, finance and personnel management and managing trade-offs
between technical and socio-economic factors
• skill sets necessary to develop other technical staff
• effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters.
Recognised qualifications for CEng:
• an accredited [3] Bachelors degree with honours in engineering or technology, plus either
an appropriate Masters degree or Engineering Doctorate (EngD) accredited by a
professional engineering institution, or appropriate further learning to Masters level (which
may include passing the full IRSE professional examination) (see www.qaa.ac.uk for
further details of qualification levels and Higher Education reference points)*, or
• an accredited integrated MEng degree.
Applicants who do not have recognised qualifications may demonstrate the required knowledge
and understanding in other ways but must clearly demonstrate they have achieved the same
level of knowledge and understanding as those with recognised qualifications. As for IEng above,
such applicants may be able to apply for an Individual Route assessment. This process,
administered by the IRSE, includes assessment of prior learning and of current performance.
Evidence that demonstrates an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of engineering
principles may be helpful.
Application process
The application process for professional registration is shown visually in the flowchart at Appendix
A below. An administration fee is charged by the IRSE to process your application.
Stage 1
If you are a fully paid-up member of the IRSE we will firstly ask you to complete and return the
‘Initial Application Form for Engineering Council Registration’ (available to download from the
Registration page of the IRSE website [4]). If you are not yet a member of the IRSE you will need
to complete the application process – more guidance and information can be found on the
Membership pages of the IRSE website where an application form can also be downloaded. If
you have any questions regarding membership, please contact us at membership@irse.org.
Your completed Initial Application form will enable us to confirm that you meet the Engineering
Council’s recognised qualifications (i.e. you have the required underpinning knowledge) for the
registration title you wish to apply for. If you do, you will have met the interim stage of
registration and we will send you a Summary of Evidence form to complete (unless you are
applying for EngTech and hold a current IRSE Licence at the right level – see sub-section below).
4
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
If your academic and professional engineering qualifications do not match the Engineering
Council’s requirements the information you have provided will be submitted to IRSE’s Individual
Case Panel (ICP), a group of experienced engineers and academics.
The ICP considers each case separately and will make a recommendation based on the
information you have provided. You will be informed of this recommendation which will usually
be one of the following, either:
A. the ICP will recommend that you have sufficient engineering academic and/or
professional qualification(s) to reach the Engineering Council’s requirements for
EngTech, IEng or CEng; or
B. the ICP will recommend a route forward for you which may include one of the following:
• you apply for a different professional registration title, and/or
• you gain a further engineering academic and/or professional qualification(s),
such as the IRSE Professional Examination, or
• you provide additional or alternative information to demonstrate your
knowledge and learning.
Stage 2
Once you have successfully completed Stage 1, (also known as the interim stage), of the
registration process you will be required to complete the Summary of Evidence (SoE) report for
the relevant registration title. The SoE lists the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC competences
and enables you to provide the evidence against each that demonstrates you meet the
requirements for the registration title you are applying for. Guidance notes to help you with the
completion of the SoE will also be sent to you.
Once you have submitted it, your completed SoE will be assessed by two experienced IRSE
Assessors. If you have applied for CEng or IEng, and the Assessors are happy with the
information you have provided, you will be invited to a Professional Review Interview (PRI) with
the Assessors. During the interview you will be able to discuss the evidence you have included
in your SoE and any other relevant aspects of your work.
The Assessors will score your performance at the PRI and submit a report outlining their
recommendations to the IRSE Membership Committee. The Committee will consider the report
and submit their final recommendation to IRSE Council for ratification.
If you apply for EngTech registration your SoE will be assessed by two IRSE Assessors, as for
IEng and CEng, and you may be asked to attend a PRI, but this will only be if the assessors
deem necessary. If you are not invited to attend a PRI, the assessors will score the information
you have provided and submit a report to the IRSE Membership Committee which will be dealt
with as described above.
IRSE Licence holders applying for EngTech registration [5]
If you hold a current IRSE Licence at the right level and are applying for EngTech registration
you will not be required to submit an SoE as the information you provided to obtain your Licence
(the Competence Assessment Checklist or CAC) will be used instead. This information will not
be re-assessed but the IRSE Membership Committee will still consider your application for
registration and make its recommendations to IRSE Council in the same way as described above.
5
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
Final steps
Once the IRSE Council has ratified the recommendations made by the Membership Committee
you will be notified of the outcome and your name will be published in IRSE News. You will be
required to pay a registration fee and your first annual fee to the Engineering Council, which the
IRSE collect on their behalf. When these fees are paid the IRSE will notify the Engineering
Council of your successful application and they will provide you with a certificate and welcome
pack confirming your professional registration.
Once you have received this confirmation from the Engineering Council you will be able to use
the appropriate designatory letters after your name (EngTech, IEng or CEng).
To retain the ability to use the professional registration title you have achieved you will need to
meet the ongoing requirements of the Engineering Council, which will be specified in your
welcome pack, this will include retaining your membership of the IRSE and abiding by the
Membership Terms and Conditions and the IRSE Code of Conduct, undertaking and recording
your CPD and paying your annual Engineering Council registration fee (which the IRSE will
collect with your membership subscription).
It is important to keep your CPD records up to date as these may be requested for audit by the
IRSE. The Engineering Council require the IRSE to undertake an audit of a randomly selected
number of CPD records belonging to registrants each year and failure to comply with this audit
could result in your removal from the register of engineers and technicians and you having to
reapply.
How long will it take?
In straightforward cases, the process can be completed in around twelve weeks, but this will, of
course, depend on how quickly you are able to complete and return your SoE. Once we notify
the Engineering Council, we would expect them to confirm your registration within a few weeks.
How much will it cost?
The Engineering Council charge a one-off registration entry fee and require registrants to pay an
annual fee to retain their name on the Register. These fees are collected by the IRSE on behalf
of the Engineering Council and the current rates can be found on the Engineering Council website
[8].
In additional, the IRSE make a one-off administrative charge for processing your application
which is payable if you choose to proceed following our feedback on your Initial Application Form.
Please contact us at registration@irse.org for the current rates.
What to do next?
Now that you have read through this information just complete the ‘Initial Application for
Engineering Council Registration’ and email it to registration@irse.org with the relevant
information (as requested on the form). We will then get back to you as soon as we can to advise
you of the next step.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at registration@irse.org and we will
do our best to support you.
References and links
[1]. Engineering Council UK-SPEC (4th edition)
[2]. Engineering Council CPD Code for Registrants
[3]. Qualifications accredited by the Engineering Council
[4]. IRSE Initial Application Form for Professional Registration with the Engineering Council
[5]. EngTech registration with an IRSE Licence
[6]. IRSE Membership Terms and Conditions
[7]. IRSE Code of Professional Conduct
[8]. Engineering Council fees for professional registration
6
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
Appendix A: Overview of professional registration titles
Title: Engineering Technicians Incorporated Engineers Chartered Engineers
Applies proven techniques and procedures to Maintains and manages applications of Develops solutions to engineering problems
solve practical engineering problems. Applies current and developing technology, and may using new or existing technologies, through
Descriptor: safe systems of work. undertake engineering design, development, innovation, creativity and change. May be
manufacture, construction and operation. accountable for complex systems with
significant levels of risk.
1. Contribution to either the design, 1. The theoretical knowledge to solve 1. The theoretical knowledge to solve
development, manufacture, problems in developed technologies using problems in new technologies and develop
commissioning, decommissioning, well proven analytical techniques new analytical techniques
operation or maintenance of products,
2. Successful application of their knowledge 2. Successful application of the knowledge to
equipment, processes or services
to deliver engineering projects or services deliver innovative products and services
2. Supervisory or technical responsibility using established technologies and and/or take technical responsibility for
methods complex engineering systems
3. Effective interpersonal skills in
Key communicating technical matters 3. Contribution to project and financial 3. Responsibility for financial and planning
attributes: planning and management together with aspects of projects, subprojects or tasks
4. Commitment to professional engineering
some responsibility for leading and
values 4. Leading and developing other professional
developing other professional staff
staff through management, mentoring or
4. Effective interpersonal skills in coaching
communicating technical matters
5. Effective interpersonal skills in
5. Commitment to professional engineering communicating technical matters 6.
values Commitment to professional engineering
values
7
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
Appendix B: Flowchart showing the IRSE process for professional registration
8
Guide to Professional Registration (August 2021)
