ASSESSMENT

GUIDANCE
OCTOBER 2017
CONTENTS
WHY YOU SHOULD BE CHARTERED 2

UNDERSTANDING THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS 6

STARTING YOUR ASSESSMENT 8

CREATING WORK AND LEARNING RECORDS 9

COMPETENCE STANDARDS FOR CHARTERED MEMBERSHIP AND CPENG 12

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR FIRST TIME ASSESSMENT

– STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS 15

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR CHARTERED MEMBER

(ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST) 18

REASSESSMENT FOR CONTINUED CPENG REGISTRATION 21

HOW WE DEFINE COMPLEXITY 22

GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS 25

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 28

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CHARTERED
If you’re working as an engineer and you’re a member of Engineering New Zealand, chances are you
already have the knowledge and skills to show you’re competent and ethical in your engineering practice.
Our competence-based membership and registration are great ways to prove your competence to your
peers, your employer and your community. They mark you out as a trusted professional and an expert in
your field.

If you want to become a Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand, we’ll assess your engineering
knowledge against internationally-benchmarked educational, competence and ethical standards. If you
meet the standard, you’ll join a select group of engineering professionals.

You can select one of four types of competence-assessed Membership:

• Chartered Member – CMEngNZ
• Chartered Member – CMEngNZ (Engineering Technologist)
• Chartered Member – CMEngNZ (Engineering Technician)
• Chartered Member– CMEngNZ (PEngGeol)

You also have the option to join the Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) national register.

Once you’re a Chartered Professional Engineer and/or a Chartered Member, you can apply for equivalent
international Registers – International Registered Professional Engineer (IntPE(NZ)) and International
Engineering Technologist (IntET(NZ)) – which are assessed against the same standards. And, if you’re a
Chartered Professional Engineer, you also have the option to apply to become a Design Verifier (for
pressure equipment, cranes and passenger ropeways).

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 2 OF 30

The assessment process is the same for first-time competence-based Membership and CPEng
You’ll need to demonstrate your competence for independent practice against the appropriate standard.
If you don’t have a relevant accredited qualification, you’ll take a Knowledge Assessment first.

Reassessment requirements are different

For Chartered Membership, you’ll do a one-time competence assessment then keep your knowledge and
skills up to date by doing professional development activities throughout the year.

To keep your CPEng registration, you’ll be reassessed at least once every six years. Reassessment is your
opportunity to provide evidence of your continued competence and to demonstrate New Zealand-specific
good practice.

CHARTERED MEMBERSHIP AND CPENG REGISTRATION CAN HELP YOU

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER
Taking that next step to getting professional recognition for your knowledge, skills and competence will
improve your professional standing. Chartered Membership gives you all the benefits of Engineering
New Zealand membership and a general quality mark of competence. To get it, you’ll complete an
assessment and make an annual commitment to ongoing professional development and ethics.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 3 OF 30

We know it can be a daunting process on top of an already-busy professional life, but the benefits
are worth it.
• Use your title and post nominal – CPEng, CMEngNZ – to establish your professional credibility.
• Give your peers and the public confidence through official recognition of your technical
competence and professional skills.
• Show you’re committed to continuous improvement and excellence in your industry.
• Speed up your career advancement and increase your earning potential.
• Improve your marketability and job prospects in New Zealand and overseas.
• CPEng registration opens doors to work restricted by regulation.

FIND THE RIGHT CLASS OF RECOGNITION FOR YOU

Each class of recognition is benchmarked to an internationally-recognised qualification standard –
Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord – and defined by different levels of complexity

CPEng and Chartered Member

If you want to be assessed for CPEng and/or Chartered Member or IntPE(NZ), you’ll need a Washington
Accord-accredited qualification (four year BE (Hons) in New Zealand) or be able to show you’ve gained
the equivalent level of knowledge.

You’ll need to show you can deal with complex engineering problems and carry out complex engineering
activities.

Chartered Member (Engineering Technologist)

If you want to be assessed for Chartered Member (Engineering Technologist) or IntET, you’ll need a Sydney
Accord-accredited qualification (three year BEngTech degree in New Zealand) or be able to show you’ve
gained the equivalent level of knowledge.

You’ll need to show you can deal with broadly-defined engineering problems and carry out broadly-defined
engineering activities.

Chartered Member (Engineering Technician)

If you want to be assessed for Chartered Member (Engineering Technician), you’ll need a Dublin Accord-
accredited qualification (two year NZDE in New Zealand) or be able to show you’ve gained the equivalent
level of knowledge.

You’ll need to show you can deal with well-defined engineering problems and carry out well-defined
engineering activities.

Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist)

If you want to be assessed for Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist), you’ll need to show you can
reliably predict the nature of the ground and often work closely with geotechnical engineers. You’ll need
a geology degree at honours level, a postgraduate qualification in engineering geology or be able to
demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 4 OF 30

You’ll need to show you can deal with complex engineering geological problems and activities requiring
specialist and in-depth geological engineering knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERS HAVE THEIR OWN REQUIREMENTS

International Professional Engineer

As well as meeting the standard for Chartered Membership, you’ll need:

• a Washington Accord-accredited qualification
• two years in charge of engineering work
• seven years’ professional engineering experience after graduation.

International Engineering Technologist

As well as meeting the standard for Chartered Member (Eng. Technologist), you’ll need:
• a Sydney Accord-accredited qualification
• two years in charge of engineering work
• seven years’ engineering experience after graduation.

ONLINE REGISTERS
Once you become a Chartered Member or a Chartered Professional Engineer, you’ll be included in our
searchable public lists on our website

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND OFFERS DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSESSMENT

First time assessment
If you haven’t applied for assessment before, you’ll need to complete a first time assessment for the CPEng
register or as a Chartered Member. There’s a single assessment process for competence-based
membership and registration applications, so you can choose to be assessed for CPEng and Chartered
Membership at the same time.

If you already have overseas registration and/or memberships with one of our recognised international
partners, your overseas recognition may be taken into account as part of the Engineering New Zealand
assessment process. Find out more about working in New Zealand

Knowledge Assessment
You can become registered even if you don’t hold a recognised qualification by completing a Knowledge
Assessment.

You’ll need to show you have a level of technical knowledge and understanding gained through your work
and learning that is equivalent to an Accord-accredited engineering qualification.

If your Knowledge Assessment is successful, you can complete a first time assessment.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 5 OF 30

UNDERSTANDING THE ASSESSMENT
PROCESS

If you’re taking a first time assessment, or being reassessed for CPEng, you’ll complete all five stages of the
process.

STAGE 1 – PREPARATION
Go to My Membership on the Engineering New Zealand website to document your work and learning
experiences and prepare your assessment application. Make sure you provide evidence that demonstrates
you have the minimum standard of competence in your Practice Area.

Your evidence should include:

• an engineering qualification or equivalent knowledge
• four to six Work Records
• Learning Records (approximately 40 hours CPD per year from the last six years)
• two referees
• your Practice Field(s) and a description of your Practice Area
• a self-review demonstrating your competence against the competence standard.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 6 OF 30

STAGE 2 – VALIDATION
When your application is ready, submit it for validation. We’ll allocate you a Competence Assessment
Advisor who’ll look after your application from start to finish.

Your advisor will check the information you’ve provided and will aim to give you feedback within
10 working days. They’ll let you know if you need to make any changes before submitting your application.
If you do need to make changes, try to get them done as soon as possible and then resubmit for validation.

Once we’ve validated it, you’ll be able to submit your application. When you submit your application,
you’ll make an ethical declaration and pay your first time assessment fee

STAGE 3 – EVALUATION
Your advisor will organise your assessment panel, which will usually include a Lead Assessor and a Practice
Area Assessor.

Your Lead Assessor will be your main point of contact. They’re responsible for scheduling an interactive
assessment. For first time assessments, your interactive assessment will be held face-to-face. Think of it as
a professional conversation. If you’re being reassessed, you’ll normally have your interactive assessment via
video chat or over the phone.

Your Practice Area Assessor will be the technical expert on your panel. They’ll have knowledge in an area of
engineering relevant to your practice field/area.

The panel will use the evidence you submit and the information from your interactive assessment to
evaluate your submission. They might set a written assignment or ask you for additional information.

STAGE 4 – RECOMMENDATION
Once they’ve got all the information they need, the panel will make a recommendation to the Competency
Assessment Board (CAB) about whether to approve your application. Your Lead Assessor will let you know
their recommendation.

The CAB will consider the panel’s recommendation and make a decision on your application at their
monthly meeting. Occasionally the CAB asks for additional information. Your advisor will let you know if
that happens.

STAGE 5 – DECISION
Your advisor will let you know the outcome of your application. If successful, your name will appear on the
online register or membership search.

If your application is unsuccessful or the CAB made an alternative decision, you can respond. Your advisor
will talk you through your options.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 7 OF 30

STARTING YOUR ASSESSMENT
GETTING STARTED
There are two stages to building your application: creating your Work and Learning Records and completing
an assessment application in My Membership on our website.

If you’re an Engineering New Zealand member, you already have access. If you’re not a member, you can
ask for temporary access for six months. Or why not join us as a member?

There are two sections you’ll need to use in My Membership. My Experience is where you record your
qualifications, build a record of your work history (Work Records) and keep track of your learning activities
(Learning Records). Assessments is where you create and submit your application for Chartered
Membership and/or CPEng Registration.

HINTS AND TIPS

• Write in the first person, eg ‘I’ or ‘me’.
• Keep your Work Records and Learning Records up to date to make it quicker and easier to complete
your application.
• Spend some time getting to know the Assessment Criteria before you start completing your application.
Take a look at page 12 if you’re doing your first time assessment or page 21 for Continued Registration.
• Talk to people who have been through the process.
• Get in touch with us and ask for a Competence Assessment Advisor, who can help you create your
Work and Learning Records.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 8 OF 30

CREATING WORK AND LEARNING RECORDS
Developing your engineering knowledge and skills throughout your career is a key part of gaining and
keeping professional recognition. Track your progress through the Work and Learning Records on our
website. Getting into the habit of recording your work and learning activities as you go will make it easier to
assess your competence.

QUALIFICATIONS
Add your qualification details into the My Experience section before starting your application for
assessment. If your qualification isn’t recognised under the relevant international Accord, provide copies of
your academic transcript with information on each qualification at a course level. Make sure you have
copies of your verified qualifications validated by the Membership Team before you submit your
application.

Once your qualifications have been validated, the Membership Team will set your Accord status. If it’s not
recognised, get in touch with the Competence Assessment Team, who’ll confirm if you need to take a
Knowledge Assessment before starting an assessment.

WORK RECORDS
Use your Work Records to capture information about your engineering work. We use these records as
evidence of your practical application of engineering knowledge and skills for your first time assessment or
your reassessment. You can’t complete your assessment without these records, as they’ll be your evidence
to show you meet a particular competency.

Include details about specific projects or activities you’ve worked on, including your personal role or
responsibilities. Attach a couple of files as sample evidence to support your Work Record.

Set aside some time on a regular basis to create and update your Work and Learning Records

Your Work Records should include:

• the project or activity name
• a “big picture” overview, including:
o who the work was for
o scope and purpose
o expected outcomes
o other stakeholders
o specific requirements, eg regulatory constraints
o any other information that will help the assessors understand the nature of this work
• your role

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 9 OF 30

• details about your role and contribution to the work, such as:
o personal responsibilities
o tasks you performed
o the contribution you made or pieces of work you were involved with if this was part of a larger
project or activity
• start date and end date
• the organisation you were working for
• sample evidence that provides evidence of your personal involvement.

Your sample evidence could include:

o designs, schematics and drawings
o calculations
o tendering documents, project plans or reports
o communications – letters/emails, notes, reviews, records of meetings or site visits, photos, more
detailed project/activity write up etc.
Aim to write two to three paragraphs for each Work Record. This should be enough to outline the work and
explain your involvement.

LEARNING RECORDS
Your up-to-date Learning Records will show your commitment to professional development. Create
Learning Records that outline the new knowledge and skills you developed and the learning outcomes you
gained. Aim for a range of learning activities that show the breadth and depth of your professional
development.

Your Learning Records should include:

• the record name
• activity type, eg private reading/research, short courses/workshops, formal education and on-the-job
training, technical meetings, etc
• when you completed the activity
• a brief description of what you did and what you learnt
• information about how you applied your new knowledge or how it changed the way you work
• how long you spent on the activity
• who ran the activity

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 10 OF 30

• any documents that provide evidence of your learning activity, such as:
o slides from a presentation or pages from a workbook (with notes)
o extracts from a technical paper you read as part of research for a project.
One paragraph should be enough to provide a brief outline of each learning activity. The maximum file size
for supporting documents is 20MB per file. File types you can use are jpg, jpeg, png, gif, doc, docx, xls, xlsx,
ppt, pptx and pdf.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 11 OF 30

COMPETENCE STANDARDS FOR
CHARTERED MEMBERSHIP AND CPENG
When you’re applying for Chartered Membership and/or CPEng, the information you supply in your Work
and Learning Records will be assessed against criteria within four competence groupings.

You need to demonstrate you can carry out engineering work at a particular level of complexity. This is
different depending on whether you’re applying for CPEng or one of our Chartered Memberships.
• CPEng – complex
• Chartered Member – complex
• Chartered Member (Engineering Technologist) – broadly-defined
• Chartered Member (Engineering Technician) – well-defined
Learn more about how we define complexity

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Assessment criteria vary slightly, depending on complexity and the overall standard and extent to which
they can be demonstrated in the four competence areas.
• Competence grouping one: engineering knowledge
• Competence grouping two: developing technical solutions
• Competence grouping three: managing engineering work
• Competence grouping four: professional acumen
Aim to write about 500 words in your statement for each competence grouping.

Engineering knowledge

All engineers need a solid foundation in engineering knowledge. Within your practice area,
demonstrate you:
• understand and apply your knowledge of accepted principles that support:
o widely applied good practice for professional engineering1
o good practice and local knowledge for professional engineering in the country where you work 2
• continually update your professional engineering1 knowledge and skills to make sure they remain
relevant.
In your statement, briefly summarise how you apply your knowledge and skills in your practice area,
and how you develop them through ongoing professional development.

1 See page 18 if applying for Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist)

2 If applying for CPEng this knowledge needs to be in a New Zealand-specific context

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 12 OF 30

We want to see:
• a general description of the engineering knowledge demands in your practice area
• an understanding of the knowledge demands that support good practice in your jurisdiction2,
eg principles, practices, standards, codes and regulations.

Managing engineering work

All engineering professionals will manage people and projects in their career. Within your practice area,
demonstrate how you:

• take responsibility for making decisions on one or more engineering activities3

• manage one or more engineering activities3 in line with good engineering management practice
• make sound engineering judgements
• identify, assess and manage engineering risk.
In your statement, describe your engineering management and decision making responsibilities. Tell us
about how you make sound engineering judgements about the engineering activities3 you come across.
How do you manage engineering risk? Focus on your approach to safety, sustainability and quality
management.

Professional acumen
Professionalism builds trust and instils confidence in the people you meet and work with during your
engineering activities. Within your practice area, demonstrate how you:

• carry out your professional engineering activities4 to an ethical standard, at least equivalent to the
Engineering New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct
• recognise the likely social, cultural and environmental effects of your engineering activities1
• communicate effectively with engineers and others.
In your statement, describe how your understanding of your ethical obligations influences how you carry
out your engineering activities4.

Make sure you show you have a clear understanding of the limits of your competence and you practise
within these.

Summarise your general understanding of the potential social, cultural and environmental impacts of your
work. Explain how your work improves the communities in which you work.

3Complex, broadly-defined or well-defined activities (dependent on what assessment type you’re applying for, eg CPEng, Chartered Member,
Chartered Member (Engineering Technologist) or Chartered Member (Engineering Technician)). See page 18 if you’re applying for Chartered
Member (Engineering Geologist).
4 See page 18 if applying for Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist)

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 13 OF 30

Developing technical solutions
Applying engineering principles to develop technical products or solutions that benefit society is a vital part
of being an engineer. Within your practice area, demonstrate how you:

• define, investigate, and analyse problems5 in line with good practice for professional engineering
• design or develop solutions to engineering problems5 in line with good practice for professional
engineering.
In your statement, describe the engineering activities you take part in and the engineering problems5 you
come across. How do you analyse and resolve these problems?

Explain how you make sure the outcome is safe, sustainable and of the highest quality.

Developing a technical solution, product or outcome isn’t restricted to technical design. Engineers
understand a range of activities that contribute to the development of technical solutions. The competence
standard and assessment process are inclusive of all engineers working in all sorts of roles from Research
and Development to design and product development, construction, production, management and
leadership.

If you’re a structural engineer, there’s some additional guidance on page 15. If you’re applying for
assessment to become a Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist), use the guidance on page 18.

5Complex, broadly-defined or well-defined problems (dependent on what assessment type you’re applying for, eg CPEng, Chartered Member,
Chartered Member (Engineering Technologist) or Chartered Member (Engineering Technician)). See page 18 if you’re applying for Chartered
Member (Engineering Geologist).

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 14 OF 30

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR FIRST TIME
ASSESSMENT – STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
If you’re a structural engineer, this additional guidance will help you complete an application for first time
assessment. Use it alongside the information on page 12 – Competence standards for Chartered
Membership and CPEng.

You’ll need to provide evidence specific to your structural engineering activities for the four competence
groupings in your first time assessment application.

ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE
Show you understand and apply accepted principles underpinning widely-applied good practice for
complex engineering. Learn more about how we define complexity

Summarise your specialised knowledge of the behaviour of structures.

Attach two Work Records and link two or three relevant evidence sample files to these records, such as
free body diagrams, engineering sketches (with appropriate annotation) and design features reports.

Make sure your evidence shows you can apply fundamental structural engineering principles and include
clear, logical, handwritten calculations another engineer can easily follow. If you’re supplying solutions
produced using software such as MathCAD, make sure they’re supported by evidence of your
understanding and application of the structural engineering models underpinning the software used.

In the Sample Evidence box, summarise how these Work Records show you can:

• assess structural actions in typical beam and column structures, bridge structures, wall structures or in
slabs, and when these are subjected to gravity and lateral loads, with and without using a computer.
This is an essential skill for structural checking and analytical modelling
• assess the structural strengths and deflections of members quickly without using a computer
• define load paths (both vertical and lateral) through the overall structure and through structural details
(such as in sample calculations)
• demonstrate knowledge of the properties of common structural materials
• define ductility levels and the basic failure hierarchy of a structure
• demonstrate understanding of relative stiffness and displacement compatibility.

NEW ZEALAND-SPECIFIC GOOD PRACTICE

Show you understand and apply accepted principles underpinning good practice for professional
engineering that is specific to the jurisdiction in which you practice. For CPEng, you need to supply New
Zealand-specific examples.

In the Statement box, explain how you take account of New Zealand’s seismicity and associated
geotechnical considerations.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 15 OF 30

Attach two Work Records and link two or three relevant sample evidence files to these records that show:

• how you apply design guides, such as the New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE)
Engineering Assessment Guidelines
• how you comply with key legislation and standards, including:
o Engineering New Zealand practice notes and guidelines
o the Building Act and New Zealand Building Code, eg structural integrity during a fire.
o loading Standards, for example AS/NZS 1170, or the NZ Transport Agency Bridge Manual
o relevant structural materials standards, for example NZS 3101 for concrete structures, NZS 3603 for
timber structures and NZS 3404 for structural steel
o Resource Management Act, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Construction Contracts Act
where relevant
• your knowledge of materials’ technical specifications, such as steel, cement, epoxies etc.
• your knowledge of the skill base and capability of the New Zealand construction industry and its
practices.
• your knowledge of material durability and an accredited supply chain.
• how you maintain currency
• your knowledge and understanding of your practice field and where it connects with other fields.
In the Sample Evidence box, summarise why your Work Records are relevant for New Zealand-specific good
practice. Explain how your samples provide evidence of critical detailing for seismic actions and structural
earthquake engineering as practised in New Zealand.

INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS

Describe how you have defined, designed, investigated, analysed and developed solutions for complex
engineering problems in line with good practice for professional engineering.

In the Statement box, summarise how you investigate and assess options, and define and analyse complex
structural problems with only limited assistance from more senior engineers.

Attach two supporting samples from your Work Records and link two or three relevant sample files that
show how you:

• define constraints for the designer to work within, such as building architecture, available materials,
site constraints, operational requirements and budget
• identify missing or required information, for example
o site related problems, such as ground conditions – is the structure likely to be affected by
settlement?
o wind analysis – are wind tunnel tests required?
• develop briefs for external consultants to gather missing information
• define loads

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 16 OF 30

• define acceptance criteria for key parameters
• research material properties, eg reinforced concrete – shrinkage, early age strength, etc.

Modeling and analysis

• Selecting an appropriate analytical process – static vs. dynamic.
• Defining models including boundary conditions, eg soil structure interaction, staged construction
considerations, diaphragm flexibility etc.
• Conducting analysis and correctly interpreting results, eg choosing an appropriate building period,
correctly determining diaphragm design actions, etc.
• Verifying the authenticity and conducting sensitivity analysis of results.
If you’re a first time applicant, the calculations you submit could include basic checks, eg to show you have
checked the sum of reactions and the deflected shapes.

Designing and developing solutions

• How the structural form evolved to meet the constraints, eg constructability considerations, resources,
etc.
• How load paths (vertical and lateral) are identified for gravity, seismic and wind loadings.
• How the materials used were suitable for the solution.
• How the subsystems were designed and how standardisation opportunities were considered.
• How size of members, reinforcing bars, length of welds, etc have been designed.
• How constructability has been considered.
• How an appropriate observation/monitoring schedule for critical parts of the construction process was
developed.
• Recognition of the need for expert assistance and a proactive approach to peer review.
In the Sample Evidence box, summarise why the Work Records are relevant and how the files prove you
analyse, define, investigate, design or develop solutions to complex engineering problems.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 17 OF 30

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR CHARTERED
MEMBER (ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST)
When you’re applying for Chartered Membership, the information you supply in your Work and Learning
Records will be assessed against assessment criteria within four competence groupings.

You’ll need to demonstrate your competence at managing complex engineering geological problems and
activities that require in-depth engineering geological knowledge. Learn more about how we define
complexity

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
To become a Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist), you need to meet four assessment criteria within
an engineering geology context:

Engineering Knowledge

All engineers need a solid foundation in engineering knowledge. Within your practice area, demonstrate
you:
• understand and apply your knowledge of accepted principles that support:
o widely-applied good practice for professional engineering geology
o good practice and local knowledge for professional engineering geology in the country where you
work
• continually update your professional engineering geology knowledge and skills to make sure they
remain relevant.
In your statement, briefly summarise how you apply your knowledge and skills in your practice area, and
how you develop them through ongoing professional development.

Make sure your summary includes:

• a general description of the engineering geology knowledge demands in your practice area
• an understanding of the knowledge demands that support good practice in the jurisdiction in which you
practice, eg principles, practices, standards, codes and regulations.

Managing engineering work

All engineering professionals will manage people and projects in their career. Within your practice area,
demonstrate how you:
• take responsibility for making decisions on one or more complex engineering geology activities
• manage one or more complex engineering geology activities in line with good engineering management
practice
• make sound professional engineering judgements
• identify, assess and manage uncertainty and geotechnical risk
• consider safety, sustainability and quality when managing engineering geology work.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 18 OF 30

Many Chartered Members (Engineering Geologists) work in the overlapping area of the diagram. To be
successful when applying to become a Chartered Member (Engineering Geologist), you’ll need to provide
evidence that covers the full breadth of Engineering Geological activity.

In your statement describe your engineering management and decision making responsibilities.

Tell us about the complex engineering geology activities you come across and how you make sound
engineering judgements in these situations. How do you manage engineering risk? Focus on your approach
to safety, sustainability and quality management.

Professional acumen
Professionalism builds trust and instils confidence in the people you meet and work with during your
engineering activities. Within your practice area, demonstrate how you:

• carry out your professional engineering geology activities to an ethical standard, at least equivalent to
the Engineering New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct
• recognise the likely social, cultural and environmental effects of professional engineering geology and
engineering activities
• communicate effectively with engineers and others.
In your statement, describe how your understanding of your ethical obligations influences how you carry
out your engineering geology activities.

Make sure you show you have a clear understanding of the limits of your competence and you practise
within these.

Summarise your understanding of the potential social, cultural and environmental impacts of your work.
Explain how your work improves the communities in which you work.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 19 OF 30

Developing technical solutions (general assessment)
Applying engineering principles to develop technical products or solutions that benefit society is a vital part
of being an engineer. Within your practice area, demonstrate how you:

• define, investigate and analyse complex geological engineering problems in line with good practice for
professional engineering geologists
• design or develop solutions to complex geological engineering problems in line with good practice for
professional engineering geologists.
In your statement, describe the engineering activities you take part in and the complex engineering geology
problems you come across. How do you analyse and resolve these problems?

Explain how you make sure the outcome is safe, sustainable and of the highest quality.

Developing a technical solution, product or outcome isn’t restricted to one task or activity. Engineering
geologists take part in tasks which include, but aren’t confined to, researching, planning, investigating and
supervising. The competence standard and assessment process are inclusive of all engineering geologists
working in all sorts of roles.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 20 OF 30

REASSESSMENT FOR CONTINUED
CPENG REGISTRATION
When you’re applying for reassessment, the information you need to supply will be assessed against
specific work and learning outcomes for competence-based assessments.

As with first time assessment, you need to demonstrate your current competence to perform engineering
work at a complex level in your application for reassessment. Learn more about how we define complexity

REASSESSMENT CRITERIA
We need to see two annotated Work Records that show your continued competence as a practicing
engineer.

In your statement:
• describe how you maintain your skills as a professional engineer
• explain what makes your engineering work complex
• identify any New Zealand-specific regulatory, technological and good practice changes in your field
since your last assessment. Explain how you address and apply these changes.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 21 OF 30

HOW WE DEFINE COMPLEXITY
When you’re applying for competence-based membership or registration, you need to show you’re
competent to carry out engineering work at a particular level of complexity. The level will be different
depending on which type of membership or register you’re applying for. Here’s how we define complexity.

CPENG AND/OR CHARTERED MEMBER*

Problem Activity

Complex engineering problems Complex engineering activities

Problems that include some or all of the following: Activities or projects that include some or all of the
• Wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering, following:
and other related issues • Diverse resources, eg people, money,
• No obvious solution, which means an original equipment, materials and technologies
method of analysis is needed. • Resolving critical problems that occur when a
• Can’t be resolved without in-depth variety of technical, engineering and other
engineering knowledge related issues interact

• Issues not often experienced • New materials, techniques or processes, or the

innovative use of existing materials,
• Aren’t covered by the standards and codes
techniques, or processes
of practice for professional engineering
• Significant consequences in a range of contexts
• Diverse groups of stakeholders with a wide
range of needs
• Significant consequences in a range of contexts

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 22 OF 30

CHARTERED MEMBER (PENGGEOL)**

Problem Activity

Complex engineering geological problems Complex engineering geological activities

Problems that include some or all of the following: Activities or projects that include some or all
• Wide-ranging or conflicting engineering, of the following:
engineering geological and other related issues • Diverse resources, eg people, money,
• Not easily recognised, understood or solved, equipment, materials and technologies
which means an original method of analysis • Recognising, understanding and resolving
is needed significant problems when wide-ranging or
• A wide range of issues that might be in an conflicting engineering, engineering geology
unfamiliar setting and/or other related issues interact

• Aren’t covered by guidelines, standards and codes • New techniques or processes, or the innovative
of practice for professional engineering geology use of existing techniques or processes

• Diverse groups of stakeholders with a wide

range of needs
• Significant consequences in a range of contexts

CHARTERED MEMBER (ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST)**

Problem Activity

Broadly-defined engineering problems Broadly-defined engineering activities

Problems that include some or all of the following: Activities or projects that include some or all
• A variety of factors that may create of the following:
conflicting constraints • A variety of resources, eg people, money,
• Can be solved by applying proven analysis equipment, materials, information and
techniques technologies

• Knowledge of principles and applied • Resolving occasional interactions between

procedures or methods limited technical, engineering and other
related issues where only a few conflict
• Belong to groups of familiar problems that
are solved in well-accepted ways • Using new materials, techniques or processes
in innovative ways
• May be partly outside problems covered
by standards or codes of practice • Consequences that are very important locally,
but may have wider implications
• Several groups of stakeholders with differing
needs that occasionally conflict • Knowledge of normal operating procedures
and processes
• Consequences that are important locally
but may have wider implications
• Are parts of, or systems within, complex
engineering problems

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 23 OF 30

CHARTERED MEMBER (ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN)**

Problem Activity

Well-defined engineering problems Well-defined engineering activities

Problems that include some or all of the following: Activities or projects that include some
• Several issues, but only a few that result in conflicting or all of the following:
constraints • Limited range of resources, eg people,
• Can be solved using a systematic approach money, equipment, materials, information
and technologies
• Resolved with limited theory but extensive
practical knowledge • Resolving interactions between limited
technical and engineering issues where
• Frequently experienced and so familiar
wider issues have little or no impact
to most practitioners in the practice area
• Using existing materials, techniques
• Covered by standards and/or documented
or processes in new ways
codes of practice
• Consequences that are important locally
• Limited range of stakeholders with differing
but aren’t far-reaching
needs
• Knowledge of practical procedures and
• Consequences that are important locally
practices for widely-applied operations
but aren’t far-reaching
and processes
• Discrete components of engineering systems

*The wording of these definitions has been slightly simplified from the original Definitions for purpose of
minimum standard for registration in the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Rules (No 2)
2002. Read them in their original form

** These definitions are a simplified version of those found in Schedule 1 of the Regulations for Election or
Transfer to Engineering New Zealand Membership Classes. Read them in their original form

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 24 OF 30

GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS
Assessment criteria: the standard we use to assess engineers on their competence.

First time assessment: a competence-based evaluation process for engineers applying for a national or
international Register or for Chartered Membership for the first time.

Reassessment: a competence-based evaluation process for engineers who wish to maintain registration on
a national or international Register.

Assessment panel: usually made up of a Lead Assessor and a Practice Area Assessor, the panel evaluates
your submission by reviewing your assessment application and the information you give during your
interactive assessment, before providing recommendations to the Competency Assessment Board.

Chartered Membership: the Engineering New Zealand class of membership for engineering professionals
who have demonstrated their engineering competence to an internationally-recognised benchmark.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ: solves complex engineering problems and activities by applying specialist
engineering knowledge and first principles to their work.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ (PEngGeol): solves complex engineering geological problems and activities
by applying in-depth engineering geology knowledge.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ (Engineering Technologist): solves broadly-defined engineering problems

and activities by applying knowledge of engineering principles.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ (Engineering Technician): solves well-defined engineering problems and
activities through knowledge and use of established analytical techniques and procedures.

Chartered Professional Engineer CPEng: solves complex engineering problems and activities, which
requires applying specialist engineering knowledge and first principles to their work.

Competence Assessment Advisor: a member of the Engineering New Zealand Professional Standards team
assigned to your application and your main point of contact once you submit your application for
validation.

Competence Assessment Team: members of the Engineering New Zealand Professional Standards team
responsible for the assessment process. The team is made up of advisers and assessors.

Competency Assessment Board: the group of senior engineers that accepts or rejects recommendations
made by the assessment panel.

Complexity: one of the key ways we differentiate between the competence registers. Learn more about
how we define complexity

Dublin Accord: the agreement for the international recognition of Engineering Technician qualifications.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 25 OF 30

Educational accord: an agreement that benchmarks educational standards. If you hold an Accord-
accredited qualification, you’ll benefit from mutual recognition of your qualification between signatory
countries.

Engineering Geologist: deals with complex engineering geological problems and activities requiring
specialist and in-depth geological engineering knowledge.

Engineering professional: deals with complex engineering problems and activities requiring the application
of specialist engineering knowledge and work from first principles.

Engineering Technologist: deals with broadly-defined engineering problems and activities that require
knowledge and use of principles and applied procedures.

Engineering Technician: deals with well-defined engineering problems and activities requiring knowledge
and use of established analytical techniques and procedures.

Interactive Assessment: professional conversations held face-to-face for first time assessments, and by
video chat or over the phone for reassessment.

Knowledge Assessment: evaluates if you have gained an appropriate level of technical knowledge and
understanding through your work or study to practice at the level of a professional engineer.

Lead Assessor: Chartered Professional Engineer in charge of managing the assessment process.

Learning Record: details of the continuing professional development activities you’ve completed to provide
evidence of your commitment to professional development.

My Membership: a secure area of the Engineering New Zealand website where you create Work and
Learning Records and build your application for assessment.

Practice Area: a combination of the area in which you hold specialised engineering knowledge and the
nature of the activities you perform. These may change over the course of your career but your
competence will be assessed for your current area of engineering practice.

Practice Area Assessor: the technical expert on your assessment panel who has knowledge in an area of
engineering relevant to your own practice area/field.

Practice Field: indicates the nature of your engineering work.

Recognised external authorities: overseas engineering registration authorities that are signatories of
International Engineering Agreements.

Sydney Accord: the agreement for the international recognition of Engineering Technologist qualifications.

Washington Accord: the agreement for the international recognition of engineering qualifications.

Sample evidence: documents you include in your Work Record to provide evidence of your personal
involvement in a project or activity.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 26 OF 30

Work Record: information about the projects and/or activities you’ve carried out in your engineering work,
used in competence assessments to demonstrate the practical application of your engineering knowledge
and skills.

Online access: an option for non-members to gain access to the My Membership online area for six months
to complete an application for assessment.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 27 OF 30

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPETENCE-BASED MEMBERSHIP
AND REGISTRATION?
The assessment process is the same for first time competence-based membership and registration
applications.

You’ll need to demonstrate your competence for independent practice against the appropriate
competence standard for your area of expertise. If you don’t have a relevant accredited qualification,
you’ll need to complete a Knowledge Assessment. Get in touch with our Competence Assessment team
if you’re not sure – they can let you know what you need to do.

The difference lies in the frequency of the assessment. For competence-based membership, you’ll only be
assessed once, to recognise your competence for engineering practice. If you’re applying for registration,
you need to take part in an ongoing reassessment process at least once every six years to prove your
continued competence.

HOW MANY HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY DO I NEED

TO DO EACH YEAR?
Aim for 40 hours of CPD each year to demonstrate you’re actively keeping your engineering knowledge and
skills up to date.

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN THE “COMPLEXITY” BOX? HOW LONG SHOULD

MY ANSWER BE?
In one or two paragraphs, describe how each of your sample Work Records relates to two or three of the
11 bullet points in the Engineering New Zealand definition of complexity for the relevant Register.

I CAN’T ATTACH ANY DOCUMENTS BECAUSE MY WORK IS HIGHLY

CONFIDENTIAL/THE PROPERTY OF MY EMPLOYER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
We take confidentiality seriously and have put processes in place to protect your application.
• Engineering New Zealand assessors sign a confidentiality agreement prohibiting them from disclosing
any aspect of your assessment to anyone except the relevant Practice Area Assessor(s), Knowledge
Assessor(s), Competency Assessment Board members or Engineering New Zealand staff.
• We accept Work Record files that have been redacted to protect confidential information.
• You’ll be given the opportunity to review who we’ve assigned to your assessment panel before you
start your assessment. If you have any concerns, we’ll be happy to assign an alternative panel member.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ANY FILES TO ATTACH TO MY WORK RECORDS?

Because our competence assessments are evidence-based, you need to provide files as evidence of your
experience. Email correspondence can be used as evidence.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 28 OF 30

HOW MANY EVIDENCE FILES CAN I ATTACH?
Our general guidance is quality over quantity. One to four files are usually enough to provide sufficient
evidence of your work. Give your assessors only the relevant information and/or be specific about where
your evidence is in the Work Record files. For example, specify page numbers, sections, calculations,
photograph titles, chart details etc.

WHEN AM I DUE TO SUBMIT? CAN I EXTEND THE DUE DATE?

You’ll receive a reminder email three to six months before your reassessment is due. If you don’t hear from
us, get in touch and we’ll confirm the date. Extensions are determined on a case by case basis.

HOW MUCH DOES ASSESSMENT, MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION COST?

You can find the latest prices on our website. There’s a one-time charge for first time assessments and
Knowledge Assessments. The fee for reassessment is included in your annual registration fee.

WHAT’S THE PROCESS AFTER I SUBMIT FOR VALIDATION?

Our Competence Assessment team will aim to get back to you within five working days. They’ll provide
comments and give you a call or email to let you know if you need to make any changes before submitting
your application for assessment. Try to make any changes as soon as possible, so you can submit your
application.

WHAT’S EXPECTED OF ME AT THE INTERVIEW? HOW CAN I PREPARE?

The interview is a professional conversation and is your chance to show you have a clear understanding of
the work you’re presenting. The Practice Area Assessor will ask you questions about the evidence you
submitted in your application to verify your technical expertise. You can prepare by reviewing your
application and being confident about the work you are presenting.

IF I’M SUCCESSFUL, WHEN WILL MY NAME APPEAR ON THE REGISTER?

Your Competence Assessment Advisor will add your name to the relevant register as soon as possible after
the Competency Assessment Board (CAB) has approved your application.

HOW LONG IS THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS LIKELY TO TAKE?

Once you’ve completed the validation stage and submitted your final application to us, it will take around
30 days to assign you an assessment panel. After that, it’s likely to take 30 to 60 days to complete the
process.

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 29 OF 30

I’M ON AN OVERSEAS REGISTER. HOW DO I GAIN MUTUAL RECOGNITION?
If your Registration is recognised under the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), you’ll be eligible for
automatic Chartered Member status. From here, you’ll need to complete a shortened assessment to
become CPEng. In that assessment, you’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of New Zealand-specific
standards. Email assessment@engineeringnz.org for further information.

I DON’T HAVE TWO EQUIVALENT REFEREES. CAN I STILL APPLY?

You need to provide CPEng/CMEngNZ referees with your application, although they don’t have to be in
your practice field. If you’re struggling to find referees, try attending Engineering New Zealand events and
branch meetings and start networking now. Go to www.engineeringnz.org to find out about our latest
events.

HOW MANY WORK RECORDS SHOULD I USE IN MY APPLICATION?

For your first assessment, we recommend you use no more than four to six Work Records. You’ll need to
attach two of these Work Records for each of the assessment criteria, so you’ll want to re-use some of your
records across multiple criteria.

GET IN TOUCH
If you need any help or advice while you’re working through the assessment process, email our
Competence Assessment team (assessment@engineeringnz.org).

ENGINEERING NEW ZEALAND : : ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE – OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 30 OF 30