Attaining the CPEng title in New Zealand comes with many benefits. Not only do you get global recognition, but you also get countless growth opportunities in your engineering career. Therefore, there is a rat race happening among engineers all over the world.
If you desire the same, read this blog. Here, we will tell you the necessary things related to this credential like the eligibility criteria and the registration authority. Besides that, we will also tell you how this title is different from Engineering New Zealand Chartered Membership. However, before you learn all these things, first knowledge what this qualification means in New Zealand.
CPEng:
The holder of this renowned title is an experienced engineer having been assessed as fulfilling a quality mark of competence. It is proof of your capability of dealing with complex engineering problems that need expert technical knowledge. For the maintenance of this credential, you need to be reassessed at least every six years.
Eligibility criteria:
For Chartership as an engineer, you need to fulfill the following criteria:
- Having a Washington Accord-recognized qualification (Bachelor of Engineering, Honours) or being able to demonstrate equal knowledge.
- Completion of an evaluation for the demonstration of your competence standard.
- Commitment to the Code of Ethical Conduct (CPEng).
- Reassessment every six years for the maintenance of this registration.
It’s not mandatory for you to be an Engineering New Zealand member for applying.
Registration Authority:
Engineering New Zealand is the Registration Authority by the Chartered Professional Engineers New Zealand Act 2002. In other words, the authority bears the responsibility for the maintenance of the Register of Chartered Professional Engineers. In addition, it is also responsible for the management of applications and assessments.
CPEC, Chartered Professional Engineers Council:
The statutory body, the Chartered Professional Engineers Council was established on 1 July 2002. It was established under the Chartered Professional Engineers Act 2002. This body must comprise a minimum of six, but not more than 8 members that include the following:
- Three Engineering New Zealand-nominated people
- One individual nominated by the Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand
- 2 to 4 people having been nominated by the Minister
- A Council Chairman and a Deputy Chairman
The Council:
- Reviews and approves any changes to the CPEng Rules that are related to minimum criteria for assessment and ethical conduct.
- Hears appeals from decisions of the Registration Authority concerning disciplinary matters. These matters include decisions not to renew the CPEng registration of an engineer.
- Reviews and informs the Minister regarding the Registration Authority and CPEC’s exercising their respective powers and functions under the Act.
What is the Chartered Professional Engineers Act 2002?
The Chartered Professional Engineers Act 2002 replaced the Engineers Registration Act 1921. The purpose of the Act 2002 is to create a quality mark, for engineers. In addition, it also puts their names on a public register.
The CPEng Act allows purchasers of engineering solutions to know competent practitioners. It is because the Act allows them to use the Chartered Professional Engineer title.
Difference between Engineering New Zealand Chartered Membership and CPEng registration:
A Chartered Member belongs to Engineering New Zealand and receives all the benefits of being a part of its community. On the other hand, CPEng is different from it, as it is a registration under the CPEng Act 2002.
CPEng is only for professional engineers who must demonstrate the capability of dealing with complex engineering problems and activities. Chartered Membership is also for professional engineers. However, additional categories provide recognition for engineering technologists, engineering geologists, and engineering technicians.
Both of them need a similar assessment. The competency standards for both are the same. However, CPEng registration needs proof of New Zealand-specific good practice and assessment at least every 6 years. This makes Chartered Membership more accessible for engineers working overseas. Furthermore, it provides direct entry for engineers having been evaluated in an equivalent jurisdiction like CEng (UK) or CPEng (Australia).
Chartered Membership is not reassessed. It is because you will be doing ongoing professional development for staying current.
Both Chartered Membership and CPEng are on the basis of the same Code of Ethical Conduct. Both of them are on a fair, robust and proportionate complaints and disciplinary process.
