The Professional Engineer Registration Scheme has commenced

The Professional Engineering Registration Scheme has opened for applications on 6 March 2024 and requires relevant professional engineers to be registered by 6 March 2025.

The Scheme will open for applications to register in a phased manner:

• Phase 1: Opened 6 March 2024 for those individuals providing professional engineering services in the civil and structural areas of engineering,
• Phase 2: Planned to open in July 2024 for those individuals providing professional engineering services in the mechanical area of engineering.
• Phase 3: Planned to open late 2024 for those individuals providing professional engineering services in the electrical and fire safety areas of engineering.

If you are unsure if you are required to be registered, Government has published a Ministerial Guideline which describes the scope of each of the prescribed areas of engineering.

Each individual applicant will be required to comply with the eligibility criteria and submit a list of documents in support of its application, including an assessment report from an approved assessment entity. For more information on eligibility criteria and the registration process please see the ACT Government website, which includes mutual recognition pathways for registration.

A successful applicant will be issued with registration for a period of up to 3 years and be recorded as a registered professional engineer in a public register from 6 March 2025.

Once registered as a professional engineer under the Professional Engineers Act 2023, you will be required to:

• Comply with conditions of registration
• Comply with the Professional Engineers Act 2023
• Comply with the Code of Conduct (to be published)
• Undertake continuous professional development (and keep written record of CPD)
• When carrying out a professional engineering service:
  • meet the standard reasonably expected of a professional engineer; and
  • demonstrate a level of competence reasonably expected of a professional engineer; and
  • not engage in improper or unethical conduct.

A registered professional engineer who does not comply with the required standards and legislation may be subject to compliance and enforcement action from the Registrar.

If you need any assistance in respect of the Professional Engineer Registration Scheme, please reach out to our Workplace Relations and Legal Team on (02) 6175 5900.