New Zealand is an economically powerful country, which provides endless growth opportunities for engineers. Therefore, the number of opportunities will gain momentum for you if you are a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) in this country.
It is because this status is itself proof of your expertise in your engineering field. In simple terms, those who become Chartered Professional Engineers outshine ordinary engineers, as they are experts.
It means that attaining this status will differentiate you from an ordinary engineer. Aside from that, everybody will see you with respectful eyes. Besides that, some other reasons have made the country one of the most preferred destinations for every aspirant.
Here, in this blog, we will tell you the two ways to become a Chartered professional engineer. Apart from that, we will also tell you about the 2002 Act and the registration authority. Knowing all these things will allow you to apply for registration without any issues. So, read the whole blog to know which way is convenient for you. However, you should remember that if feel nervous even after reading the whole blog, it’s wise to consult a professional.
Choosing between membership or registration:
As we said, there are two ways to get Chartered as an engineer. The first one of them is Engineering New Zealand’s membership as a Chartered Member (CMEngNZ). Other than that, the second one is through registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng). Having known both of them, let’s move further to know the benefits of each one.
The Chartered Member class gives a general quality mark of professionalism with all the membership benefits. on the other hand, CPEng registration gives a mark of current competency that is based on legislation. Between them, you can choose anyone or both.
Difference between CPEng (registration) or Chartered Member (CMEngNZ):
Membership
It is a quality mark of general competency and professionalism
You will get the benefits of Engineering New Zealand membership
Evaluated once, with a yearly commitment to ongoing professional development and ethics
Evaluates general engineering competency to a globally-recognized standard
It can serve as a basis of competency for international registers like IntPE, IntETn and IntET)
Registration
It serves as a quality mark of current New Zealand specific competency
Governed by the CPEng Act 2002 and independent of Engineering New Zealand
Re-evaluated every six years
Evaluates general engineering competency to a globally recognized standard with current New Zealand specific competency
It May be needed and depending on your work type or employer
Having seen the difference and benefits of both, you can choose one that you find better to become a CPEng NZ.
Charges (excluding GST):
Chartered assessment will cost $1,565.00
Knowledge assessment $1,175.00 (necessary if you are applying for Chartered Member without a Washington Accord-accredited qualification or recognized equivalent)
The yearly fee is $525.00
If you join partway through the financial year (1 October – 30 September), the annual fee every month is pro-rated. When the membership comes up for renewal on the 1st of October, you will get an invoice for the new financial year.
Apart from that, When you are on a career break or retired, you can ask for a discounted rate on your yearly fee.
Registration authority:
The Registration Authority is Engineering New Zealand under the Chartered Professional Engineers New Zealand Act 2002. In simple terms, the organization maintains the Register of Chartered Professional Engineers and handles assessments and applications.
Chartered Professional Engineers Council (CPEC)
The Chartered Professional Engineers Council is a statutory organization. Furthermore, this authority was founded on 1 July 2002 under the Chartered Professional Engineers Act 2002. In addition to this, the number of members must be at least 6, but not more than 8 members. All of these members consist of the following:
- Engineering New Zealand nominated 3 people
- 1 individual who is nominated by the Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand
- A Council Chairman and a Deputy Chairman
- 2 to 4 people who are nominated by the Minister
What does the Council do?
It reviews and approves any changes to the CPEng Rules that are related to minimum standards for evaluation and ethical conduct.
Aside from that, the Council hears appeals from decisions of the Registration Authority about disciplinary issues. These issues include decisions not to renew the registration of a Chartered Professional Engineer.
This council also reviews and reports to the Minister about the performance of the Registration Authority. Besides that, It also reports to The Chartered Professional Engineers Council to exercise its respective functions and powers under the Act.
What is The Chartered Processional Engineers Act 2002?
This act took the place of the 1924 Engineers Registration Act. Moreover, its purpose is to create a quality mark for engineers and record their names on a public register.
Furthermore, the CPEng Act allows those who buy engineering services to know who is a competent professional. For that, It gives those competent engineers the title Chartered Professional Engineer. Because of this title, one can easily identify such competent engineers. Due to this reason, engineering professionals crave this title.
