Professional Registration with the IET from a NZ Perspective

Why get Charted Engineer status (CEng)?

CEng is an internationally recognised qualification which shows that you are a competent engineer.  It is recognised within NZ, and is even more useful if you intend to work overseas.  It shows prospective employers that you have a certain level of expertise, and would be a valuable addition to their team.  It is a qualification that recognises your hard work progressing from a graduate engineer who needs supervision, to a practising engineer who can do the work without guidance.

 

Are there other professional registration options available through the IET?

Yes, if you don't feel that CEng is suitable for you there is also IEng (Incorporated Engineer), EngTech (Engineering Technician) and ICTTech (ICT Technician).  More information on the different categories of professional registration can be found at http://www.theiet.org/careers/profreg/ .  Alternatively, contact a professional registration advisor.  See the FAQ for details on how to do this.

 

The Procedure

Information on gaining professional registration can be found on the following website:  http://www.theiet.org/careers/profreg/ceng/index.cfm .  Some FAQ are answered below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my qualification from NZ recognised?

Both IPENZ (http://www.ipenz.org.nz/ipenz/) and the Engineering Council UK are signatories to the Washington and Sydney accords, and as such, the IET recognises the same degrees that IPENZ recognises (see http://www.ipenz.co.nz/ipenz/Education_Career/accreditation/).

 

Is there a program I can use to track my progress towards getting professional registration?

Yes, the IET has Career Manager, which can be extremely useful if you wish to apply for professional registration.   More information on Career Manager can be found at http://www.theiet.org/careers/cmanager/

 

Do I need to travel to the UK at any stage (such as for the interview)?

No, the entire process can be conducted from NZ.

 

Is there any help or mentoring I can get from someone in NZ?

Yes - professional registration advisors can be found by going to http://www.theiet.org/careers/profreg/find-advisor/index.cfm and entering your location in the box at the bottom of the page.

 

Once I have registration, do I have to do anything to keep it?

Once you attain CEng/IEng/EngTech/ICTTech, there are no continuing requirements to prove your competence, although you are expected to keep doing professional development.  You also need to continue paying the registration fees.

 

Can I use CEng after my name in the same way as CPEng?

In New Zealand you will need to write CEng (UK) but overseas you just write CEng.  This is because CPEng or similar is protected under NZ law.

 

How long will it take me to obtain registration?

From the time you send your application to the IET to the time you receive registration takes from three to nine months, depending on a number of factors.

 

How many times will I need to meet with my mentor?

This varies from case to case - as many times as is needed!

 

Do I need to be a member of the IET to apply for registration?

Yes.