Engineering Technicians are concerned with applying proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical engineering problems. They carry supervisory or technical responsibility, and are competent to exercise creative aptitudes and skills within defined fields of technology. Professional Engineering Technicians contribute to the design, development, manufacture, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, processes or services. Professional Engineering Technicians are required to apply safe systems of working.
Incorporated Engineers maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation. Incorporated Engineers are variously engaged in technical and commercial management and possess effective interpersonal skills.
Chartered Engineers are characterised by their ability to develop appropriate solutions to engineering problems, using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and change. They might develop and apply new technologies, promote advanced designs and design methods, introduce new and more efficient production techniques, marketing and construction concepts, or pioneer new engineering services and management methods. Chartered Engineers are variously engaged in technical and commercial leadership and possess effective interpersonal skills.
The decision to register an applicant is based on peer review and comprises assessment of Education and of Competence and Commitment, it also includes a judgement of the professional level at which the candidate is employed:
Education – the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding is an important part of the registration process. This may typically be by the attainment of appropriate academic qualification (e.g. Degree, HND, NVQ), but this may also be demonstrated by the writing of a technical report. For individual guidance please contact the Membership Department.
Competence and Commitment – a professional review of a written engineering practice report and a review interview is mandatory for Chartered and Incorporated Engineer candidates, and maybe required for Engineering Technicians. Any such reviews are measured against specified standards, contained in UK-SPEC.
It is not uncommon to register in one section and as qualifications and experiences develop, to move to another. Equally many engineers remain within one section for the whole of their professional careers.
Find out more about UK-SPEC