Engineering Council Registration

Today’s professional engineers demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to society, to their profession, and to the environment.

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, pioneer new engineering services and management methods. Chartered Engineers are variously engaged in technical and commercial leadership and possess effective interpersonal skills.

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.

Engineering Technicians are concerned with applying proven techniques and procedures to the solution of pratical engineering problems. They carry supervisory or technical responsibility, and are competent to exercise creative aptitudes and skills within defined fields of technology. Professional Engineering Technicans 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.

More details concerning the Engineering Council can be found on their website.

Why Register?

Registration has many benefits for employers, engineers and the UK economy.

Registration sets Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians apart from engineers who are unregistered. It establishes their proven knowledge, understanding and competence. In particular registration demonstrates a commitment to professional standard, and to developing and enhancing competence. So registration as a professional engineer gives an edge to candidates applying for posts, whether or not registration is specified in the job advertisement. Registration links a professional engineer into a professional engineering institution, one which has been assessed by the Engineering Council UK as capable of providing comprehensive professional development guidance and opportunities, with regular publications and web access to assist in this, and many opportunities to network with colleagues with similar professional interests. It also keeps registered Engineers abreast of job opportunities and is a regular reminder of their professional standing and their obligations to society.

Employers of registered Chartered Engineers, Incorporated engineers, or Engineering Technicians have the assurance of knowing that their employees have had their competence assessed, their credentials verified, and their commitment to continuing professional development established. They will have gained the recognition of their peers as meeting UK and international standards for knowledge and experience. Maintaining registration ensures that they are exposed to new developments in their profession, and provides numerous opportunities to benefit from these. It also means that they are governed by a professional code of conduct, and receive reminders and assistance in determining their obligations under this code.

In some cases evidence of employing registered Engineers will be necessary for the award of contracts in the UK and internationally.

International Recognition

An increasing number of countries formally recognise the standing of Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians and in some cases require these qualifications for particular work. Evidence of registration with Engineering Council UK can prove helpful in applying for jobs and tendering for work in those countries. Engineering Council UK works closely with other countries’ national bodies to further develop recognition of these important categories of professional engineering.

What is Competence?

Registration as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or an Engineering Technician is open to everyone who can demonstrate competence to perform professional work to the necessary standards, and commitment to:

For more information about any of these things, please contact: membership@iheem.org.uk