UK SPEC Registration

UK SPEC Registration Introduction to UK-SPEC and its purpose:

Professional registration issued by the Engineering Council is given to those candidates who satisfy all the requirements related to competency and commitment. The UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) shows the competence and commitment requirements that are required to be fulfilled for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Engineering Technician (EngTech) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

UK-SPEC includes examples of activities that could show the achievement of the requirements, to make it possible for both an employer and an individual to know if they or their staff can satisfy the registration requirements or not.

Qualifications that show the required knowledge and understanding are listed, however, it must be noted that there are other ways using which one can show attainment.

Why should you get registered?

Professional registration is based on the systems and processes that ensure that society is safe. It provides the confidence to employers, society, the government in the UK and overseas that a professionally registered engineer and technician possess and maintain the knowledge, skills and commitment necessary to fulfill the engineering and technician requirements of today, and they can also fulfill the requirements of future generations.

Registration differentiates an individual who is a registered engineer and technician from those who are not registered. It sets up their proven understanding, knowledge and competence. In particular, registration shows a commitment to professional a commitment to professional criteria, and to developing and improving competency.

An employer of registered engineering professionals has the assurance of knowing that their employees have had their competency independently assessed, their credentials verified, and their commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CDP) established. They will

have gained the recognition of their peers as fulfilling UK Standards for knowledge and experience, which are globally recognized.

Maintenance of registration requires continued membership of a professional engineering institution, which makes sure that registrants are exposed to new developments in their profession, and provides opportunities to benefit from these. It also has a meaning that they are governed by a professional code of conduct, and get help in determining their obligations under this code.

In some cases, proof of employing registered engineering professionals will be important for the award of contracts, both in the UK and anywhere in the world.

Some employers utilize the framework provided by UK-SPEC as a base for their own organization requirements, and bank on the attainment of registration to show readiness for promotion.

How to get registered?

Professional registration is available for every engineer and technician who can show their competence and commitment to work as per a professional standard.

Any engineer or technician who wants to be registered has to apply by means of one of the professional engineering institutions licensed by the Engineering Council. Due to this, most candidates are interested to know more about the Engineering Council UK-SPEC criterial and the like. Institutions can offer advice about the process and usual timescales for the review. A list of institutions can be found at: www.engc.org.uk/peis The assessment process is called a professional review. The process starts with an application that is made as per the needs of the chosen institution.

A detailed description about the format for this can be given by the institution, however, any claim of experience, qualifications or training will require formal documented proof.

While submitting details, you will be required to show how it relates to the necessary competence and commitment.

To help potential registrants, their advisers and professional review assessors in deciding the most appropriate category of registration, a matrix comparing needs for all three titles is provided as Annex A.