The CPEng Australia or Chartered credential is regarded as the highest available technical credential for an engineer. It is nationally and internationally recognized as a measure of excellence. In addition, Chartership signifies a certain level of skill, talent, and experience.

If you have a Chartered credential, then it will put a solid value on the years you have dedicated to the profession. In addition, it gives prospective employers and clients immediate respect and confidence in your competency.

It will also provide you with countless opportunities for career progression, leadership development, and working overseas.

Eligibility criteria:

To become eligible to apply for the Chartered status, you have to be an Engineers Australia member and have five years or more of engineering experience.

You also need to fulfill and maintain competency across 16 elements that are related to your occupational category and practice area. The 16 elements of Engineers Australia competencies sit across four major areas:

• Personal commitment
• Obligation to community
• Value in the workplace
• Technical proficiency

In the case of having more than 15 years of engineering work experience, the application process is more streamlined.

If having a Chartered credential from overseas, you may be able to apply by means of a mutual recognition agreement. You will be required to provide proof of a minimum of 150 hours of CPD over the previous three years.

Lapsed Engineers Australia membership or Chartership:

To reactive your EA membership, you need to log in to the EA portal with your email address or EA ID number. Select Re-join my membership from the home. After that, adhere to the prompts. You can reinstate your Chartered status in the membership application.

If you are an EA member but your CPEng status has lapsed, you need to email Engineers Australia and explain that you want to reinstate your CPEng credential. The authority will contact you to let you know how to do this and what the cost is.

Alternative pathways for Chartership:

There are some alternative pathways that exist for specific situations. These pathways are:

Mutual Recognition Agreement:

If you hold a Chartered credential with an overseas engineering body, you can apply for Chartership through a mutual recognition agreement.

Academics:

If your major employment is in an academic position at a tertiary institution that has recognition from Engineers Australia, you can apply for the Chartered status directly. Email Engineers Australia to know if you are eligible and how to apply.

Navy Charge:

If you are a currently serving member of the Australian Defence Force, you can apply for the CPEng Australia credential directly. Email Engineers Australia to know if you are eligible and how to apply for that.

Credentialed with a recognized organization:

If you are credentialed with an accredited organization in the below areas of practice, your status is equal to Chartered status. Email Engineers Australia to know how to attain Chartership.

Asset management: AMC CSAM or CFAM

Cost engineering: AACEI CCP, PSP, EVP or DRMP

Systems engineering: INCOSE CSEP or ESEP