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 Phase 1 – Experiential Learning Route

Applications for Chartered Engineer are assessed in two phases; Phase 1 (Educational Requirements)
and Phase 2 (Initial Professional Development).

You will note from the regulations that you are required to receive approval from the Membership and
Qualifications Board (MQB) to proceed with the Phase 1 Experiential Learning Route application. You should
not prepare any of the Phase 1 Experiential Learning Route application until this approval has been granted
by the MQB. Please note you must be a member in good standing in order to apply for this assessment.

When you meet the requirements as outlined in the regulations, you can apply for this pre-approval by
submitting the following by email to membership@engineersireland.ie :

• 200 - 400 words (approx) statement for each of the seven learning criteria as described in Section
5.3.2 of the regulations. Your submission should provide specific examples of how through your
experience you have developed the learning outcomes substantially equivalent to an accredited
engineering masters degree. This can be demonstrated through a combination of qualifications,
experience, and CPD.
• Summary of your Career.
• Continuing Professional Development Record (CPD).
• €50 Assessment Fee - if your company is part of the Professional Subscription Group Scheme this fee
is waived.

Tips and Guidance for making a successful application

The purpose of the assessment is to assess if you have developed the learning criteria required to the
substantial equivalence of an accredited engineering Masters qualification. This is a totally different
assessment to Phase 2. Phase 2 deals with the competences. Phase 1 deals with the learning achieved
through experience CPD and qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the deficits
between their qualification and an accredited engineering Masters qualification. These criteria can be
demonstrated through a combination of qualifications/CPD (particularly technical CPD/and engineering
experience.

The assessment is to consider how you have deepened and broadened your technical ability. You should
provide specific examples of the engineering technical projects you have been involved with, highlighting
your technical involvement, rather than your managerial input.

It is essential that you carefully read the regulations and the guidance document which outlines how to
approach each criterion.

(1) You must provide specific examples and demonstrate how you meet the requirement for each learning
criterion, ensuring you provide the information required under each of the learning criterion.
(2) It is essential you highlight your personal role and responsibilities on the projects.
(3) General statements should be avoided, such as “I have developed my knowledge through my 10 years
of experience” – you need to demonstrate how you developed this knowledge with specific examples.
(4) Use examples of non-standard / complex projects to highlight the depth and breadth of your design
and technical knowledge. This will help to demonstrate that you have deepened and developed your
design and technical ability to the required level.
(5) Learning gained from any accredited or unaccredited qualifications or modules completed at a level
8/9 may help to demonstrate the criteria. Particularly if the qualification is in a
technical/engineering/scientific level 8 or 9 qualification.
(6) Your application must be written in the first person and be descriptive, avoid the use of bullet points.
The specific examples of projects you provide must highlight your personal role and responsibility
within the projects;
(7) Proof read application to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

Knowledge: This is about your technical knowledge rather than your managerial skills. This is to
demonstrate your knowledge of maths, engineering and science and how you use these to make your
decisions on projects i.e. understanding the principles and theory of engineering.

Design: What is important in Phase 1 is that you show how you acquired knowledge relevant to design that
is equivalent to that acquired in a level 9 degree. The candidate must have broadened or deepened their
knowledge of a particular area of design from their work experience and technical CPD beyond the
requirements of Level 7 or 8 qualification.

You should be able to demonstrate that you have undertaken design calculations at an appropriate level
beyond, for example, basic design of steel and reinforced concrete beams, which is covered in many Level 7
courses. Co-ordination and management of the design process is unlikely to satisfy the criterion. While
sourcing of information from documents such as Eurocodes, SUDS manuals, etc. may contribute significantly
to the design aspect, please note, it is unlikely to satisfy the research aspect of the criterion for Assessment
Route A & B.

Design from the perspective of working for a Contractor:

The experience of design for those working for a contractor will be different from those working in a
consultancy.
Design should be viewed in a wide context, as an activity that creates a component, product or process. A
sequential series of steps to produce a solution that may need to be repeated to refine or optimise the
solution (i.e. it is iterative). It may involve some or all of the stages Research, Definition ( of Constraints /
Requirements), Feasibility, Conceptualization, Preliminary Design and Detailed Design.

A contractor’s engineer could be involved in the design of temporary works, for example, at a feasibility or
conceptual stage, using their knowledge of both site conditions and construction methods to propose and
evaluate the most feasible scheme. The detailed design could well be the realm of another consultant or
supplier. The conceptualisation and selection of the scheme design is still design and an important part of
design. A contractor’s engineer could be the designer of a work process used in construction using their
knowledge of materials, construction methods and plant to design the process to be used in construction.
This could involve sampling and testing of material and processing methods, for example. Other possible
areas would be materials (soils, bituminous materials, soil stabilization, concrete repair materials);
temporary works design; processes or techniques involving new technology.

Research:
Definition of Research
Level 9 research typically involves the systematic investigation to establish facts and reach conclusions.
Research is a process supported by a critical review of peer reviewed literature, scientific methods, data
collection, analysis and interpretation to meet specified objectives. Therefore, the candidate will be required
to demonstrate:
- How you defined the research question;
- How you collected the data required;
- How you analysed the data;
- Based on the data collected, on what grounds did you come to your conclusion?
This could be achieved by taking a project that you have been involved in and use the data you have access
to and explore the technical issues in detail. It may require a more in-depth analysis to be carried out than
what would have been undertaken as part of the work project.

Try to engage in project(s) that have a potential research dimension. One such example (but there are
others) would be a project that requires a significant element of site investigation. Such an investigation
seeks to gain information to address particular questions and/ or concerns. Decisions are made based on
the analysis and interrogation of measured data. Should the candidate be intimately involved with the
collection, analysis, interrogation and presentation of such data to address a particular question, this would
go some way to satisfying the research requirement, providing it demonstrates how the involvement
contributes to the deepening of technical knowledge and understanding.

Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 1 – Knowledge

“Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, engineering sciences and
technologies underpinning your branch of engineering.” For this criterion you could demonstrate:

Your knowledge and understanding of the principles, Do you know it and how to
concepts, limits and range of applicability of use it?
established mathematical and analytical
methods/tools
Your knowledge of the engineering principles Your specialist knowledge
underpinning your area of expertise
Your knowledge and understanding of engineering Engineering practices
materials and processes
Show how you are aware and remain informed of Maintaining your
developing technologies and how they might impact knowledge
on your area of expertise

For example you could show how you have:

• Investigated new products when proposing their adoption when implementing in a design.
• Deepened your knowledge and understanding of specialist engineering principles.
• Evaluated and examined the characteristics of a wide range of construction materials.
• Developed your ability to conduct statistical analysis including accident and incident causation.
• Knowledge of the principles underpinning your area of expertise, such as the application of maths to
partial factors in design; the geometric constraints in road design; or the science behind
water/wastewater quality.
• A broad knowledge of principles and standards of practice within your area of expertise and within
other areas of engineering.
• Researched current trends, analysis, and facts to advance and inform your existing knowledge, such as
understanding storm predictions in storm water networks but ensuring you remain informed on
current and future trends in rainfall frequencies/climate shift.
• Knowledge of best practice with regard to your area of engineering, what are the processes and
practices expected. Through this knowledge and understanding you can begin to introduce more non
routine or innovative solutions to your practice.
• Continued to develop your knowledge of engineering sciences and principles through formal training
and post graduate qualifications.
• Made a hypothesis and designed and tested using that hypothesis. Then how you evaluated your design
and proceeded or used another iteration of your hypothesis. For example, using alternate
materials/layout/geometry in your design. Show how you completed the design piece making more
informed and detailed assumptions and iteration changes required to optimise the design.
• Used and synthesised statistical analysis, research and results from previous tests and experiments to
resolve design complexities.
• Completed a critical appraisal of a range of standards, a literature review of results in other
countries/locations, implementation of local materials using new design techniques.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety Law and its application to the work environment
• Developed knowledge of safety systems and standards.

Civil/Structural Undertook design of structures/ structural elements including:

➢ Structural steel beams, columns and trusses
➢ Reinforced concrete beams, slabs and columns
➢ Pre-stressed concrete
➢ Steel portal frames
➢ Masonry
➢ Timber (including glulam and ply web beams and racking
resistance of timber framed structures)
➢ Composite steel/timber
➢ Bridges Bracing
➢ Shear walls
Developed a knowledge and understanding of dynamic behaviour
of structures and how to apply the knowledge in design
Modelled practical engineering solutions using computer analysis
– for example – developed a grillage model for a bridge deck
assigning suitable section properties
Developed initial sizing options for a structure using simple
approximate analysis and assumptions.
Carried out mix design for concrete or asphaltic concrete.

Tested materials and analysed results of tests.

Explored a new technology with an expert and introduced it in a

specification.
 Fire • Give examples of processing Fire Safety Certificate applications
that used Fire Engineering principles. Show your knowledge and
understanding of the principles, concepts, limits and range of
applicability of established mathematical and analytical
methods/tools.
• Show how you are aware and remain informed of developing
technologies and how they might impact on your area of expertise.

Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 2 – Solving Problems

“Demonstrate your ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems” For this

criterion you could demonstrate:

How you have integrated your knowledge to Your ability to manipulate

formulate judgements based on incomplete available data in applying
information your knowledge
How you create models by defining boundary Your ability to form an
conditions/assumptions and deriving appropriate informed hypothesis
equations/processes
How you apply appropriate mathematical and Your ingenuity
analytical methods to non-routine/ill-defined
problems
Examples of how you have used software tools to Your knowledge of
solve problems relevant technology

For example you could show how you have:

• Justified creative solutions to complex problems through the synthesis of ideas and information from a
range of sources.
• Defined the constraints/boundary conditions to a problem on an informed basis.
• Used a hypothesis to develop a solution through an iterative process by exercising appropriate
judgement.
• Completed a feasibility report for a project.
• Appraised an engineering problem using analytical, mathematical, and scientific principles.
• Selected appropriate computer modelling methods to assist in analysis of a problem.
• Analysed and evaluated risks within the problem-solving process.
• Completed modules of study in modelling/analysis tools.
• Thought ‘outside of the box’ in solving a non-routine problem. For example, how have you modified
your solution when in construction/production.
• Developed your intuitive approach to problem solving through your knowledge and understanding of
engineering principles and their application.
• Analysed and developed a solution to a complex health and safety issue in the workplace
• Conducted accident and incident investigation using range of techniques to identify root cause and
develop future control
• Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) Planning

Civil/Structural Developed and used spreadsheets to assist in design of structural

elements
Participated in and contributed to the selection of an appropriate
structural solution to a particular structural problem, including
identification of appropriate means of achieving lateral stability.
This includes decisions regarding the choice of materials, the
choice of lateral stability systems and the layout of beams,
columns, etc.
Used computer packages including finite element packages to
assist
in structural design

Diagnosed the cause of a failure from observations. Cracking in a

building, flooding of land.
Developed a spreadsheet to analyse a complex recurring problem.

Established upper and lower bounds to a parameter.

Resourced a construction project using scheduling tools.

Used industry standard software. e.g. structural analysis, network

modelling

Fire • Analysed and evaluated risks within the problem-solving process.

• Developed your intuitive approach to problem solving through
your knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and
their application.
• Analysed and developed a solution to a complex health and safety
issue in the workplace
• Conducted accident and incident investigation using range of
techniques to identify root cause and develop future control.
• Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) Planning.
• Give examples of your input with consultants in formulating
solutions to complex fire engineering problems.
Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 3 – Design

“Demonstrate your ability to design components, systems and processes to meet specific needs” For this

criterion you could demonstrate:

Your knowledge and understanding of design How you approach

processes and techniques design?
Examples of how you applied design methods to ill- Your creativity and/or
defined or unfamiliar problems ingenuity
How you have investigated and defined design Your ability to hypothesise
constraints
Examples of how you have used standards and codes Your knowledge of
of practice standards and codes
How you have redesigned or adapted designs to Efficiencies
improve outcomes

For example you could show how you have:

• Developed your knowledge of standards of practice, such as the Eurocodes, in your design work.
• Investigated and defined a problem by identifying constraints.
• Adopted general design principles and techniques.
• Carried out risk assessments and hazard identification during your design process.
• Investigated design alternatives and iterations, such as using alternative design processes or different
materials.
• Formulated design solutions while understanding design limitations and constraints. For example,
knowing from your design what will work and what won’t, water source location, traffic management
etc.
• Ensure designs are ‘fit for purpose’.
• Implemented safety requirements into your design.
• Understood organisational quality management systems such as ISO or OHSAS systems.
• Understood project documentation such as project specifications, environmental impact statements etc.
• Completed cost/benefit analysis for your designs.
• A working knowledge of BIM (Building Information Model).
• Simplified your design to deliver while meeting cost and programme constraints.
• Used software packages and analysed/interpreted results to deliver designs.
Civil/Structural Undertook design of structures/ structural elements including:
➢ Structural steel beams, columns and trusses
➢ Reinforced concrete beams, slabs and columns
➢ Pre-stressed concrete
➢ Steel portal frames
➢ Masonry
➢ Timber (including glulam and ply web beams and racking
resistance of timber framed structures)
➢ Composite steel/timber
➢ Bridges Bracing
➢ Shear walls

Participated in and contributed to the selection of an appropriate

structural solution to a particular structural problem, including
identification of appropriate means of achieving lateral stability.
This includes decisions regarding the choice of materials, the
choice of lateral stability systems and the layout of beams,
columns, etc.
Studied the Eurocodes and used them in the design of structures

Researched the use and design of new technologies including

piled foundations, roofing materials and pipe materials/ types
Checked calculations for designs.

Participated in early-stage concept design meetings

Derived loadings cases for wind or earthquake

Carried out designs to a particular code of practice.

Developed alternative design to suit conditions on site or to

facilitate construction.

Fire • Developed your knowledge of standards of practice, such as the

Eurocodes, in your design work.
• Investigated and defined a problem by identifying constraints.
• Adopted general design principles and techniques.
• Carried out risk assessments and hazard identification during your
design process.
• Investigated design alternatives and iterations, such as using
alternative design processes or different materials.
• Formulated design solutions while understanding design
limitations and constraints. For example knowing from your
design what will work and what won’t, water source location,
traffic management etc.
• Ensure designs are ‘fit for purpose’.
 • Implemented safety requirements into your design.
• Understood organisational quality management systems such as
ISO or OHSAS systems.
• Understood project documentation such as project specifications,
environmental impact statements etc.
• Completed cost/benefit analysis for your designs.
• A working knowledge of BIM (Building Information Model).
• Simplified your design to deliver while meeting cost and
programme constraints.

Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 4 – Research

“Demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments and to apply a range of standard and specialised
research tools and techniques.” For this criterion you could demonstrate:

How you have found and understood information How you approach
relevant to a non-routine problem through research?
research/literature review?
Examples of how you designed and conducted How do you test your
experiments and analysed the results research?
How you have evaluated the impact of new Your ability to assess
developments in your area of engineering impact
Examples of how you have consulted with and How you broaden the
incorporated aspects of engineering outside of your scope of knowledge in a
area of expertise. project
How you have contributed to the progression and Your contribution to the
development of engineering knowledge body of engineering
knowledge

For example you could show how you have:

• Researched and evaluated literature from a range of sources in the pursuit of informed design solutions
in which a range of alternatives are investigated.
• Appraised environmental, cost and society impacts of your proposed solutions.
• Created and conducted a range of experiments to test design assumptions.
• An understanding of, and expertise in, research tools to provide evidence to prove your design
assumptions, such as literature research, testing, interviewing, comparing standards for different
materials, etc
• Used a non-standard solution to an engineering problem which was influenced by the results of
research you carried out.
• Applied solutions learned from another design that did not obviously fit with the current problem you
were solving. For example using knowledge from a roads project to solve an issue in a water/waste
water project.
• Developed and broadened your engineering knowledge through investigative learning.
• Have you analysed and implemented solutions based on your familiarity with new
insights/developments in your area of expertise. For example studying the impact of global warming on
design assumptions for flood works or storm networks.
• Reviewed and evaluated designs after implementation to identify the lessons learned.
• Prepared papers and publications for presentation to peers and to your professional body.
• Consulted with peers from other areas of expertise in your projects.
• Input into industry best practice documents.
• Researched new construction/production methods.
• Attended professional body CPD events, learning sessions, trade shows etc.
• Been mentored through a research project and can therefore demonstrate how you have evaluated your
research tools on an ongoing basis.
• Planned and specified safety measures in the design of projects to eliminate or minimise hazards during
construction and future use of a structure.

Civil/Structural Research textbooks and research papers to prepare design of

unfamiliar problems such as complex steelwork connections
Researched the use of new materials such as insulation and roof
membranes
Planned and specified a site investigation and used data the site
investigation.
Assessed dynamic loads of equipment on structure using data from
equipment suppliers or from literature.
Examined the use of BIM or the use or 3D terrain modelling in your
application
Liaised in structural projects with equipment suppliers to determine
dynamic loads of the equipment on the structure.
Developed environmental mitigation measures – for example flood
protection, silt reduction.

Fire • Show how you have approached research, test and assess it. Show
your contribution to engineering knowledge
• How you have found and understood information relevant to a
non-routine problem through research/literature review?
• How you have evaluated the impact of new developments in your
area of engineering.
• Examples of how you have consulted with and incorporated
aspects of engineering outside of your area of expertise.
• How you have contributed to the progression and development of
engineering knowledge
Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 5 – Ethics

“Demonstrate your understanding of the need for high ethical standards in the practice of engineering,
including the responsibilities of the engineering profession towards people and the environment.”

For this criterion you could demonstrate:

How you reflect on your social and ethical Your integrity

responsibility
How you have considered your social and ethical Your approach to your
responsibility in the exercise of your profession responsibilities
Your knowledge and understanding of health, safety Your ethical and legal
and legal issues pertinent to your engineering knowledge
practice.
Your knowledge and understanding of relevant legal How you stay up to date
requirements governing your practice
For example you could show how you have:

• Given due consideration to the impact of your work on the environment, society and the
construction/production team.
• Reviewed and analysed both the purpose and detail of legislative requirements.
• Researched, reviewed and ensured your familiarity with both current and impending legislative
requirements.
• A thorough understanding and knowledge of the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics for professional
engineers. For example you know the expectations of abiding by the code and you understand why it is
important.
• Understanding of the role of other professional institutions.
• Assessed lessons learned from previous solutions.
• Not taken on responsibility for functions you are inadequately qualified or prepared for.
• Understanding of Health and Safety Law and the human impact of poor H&S in the workplace

Civil/Structural Review requirements of new Building Regulations

Keep up to date with new Codes (in particular the Eurocodes)

Understanding of the role of professional institutions.

Understanding of Health and Safety Law.

Understanding of Contract Law.

Understanding of Building Control Law

Knowledge of existence of European Directives on Water,

Environment etc.
 Fire • Your integrity;
• How you reflect on your social and ethical responsibility.
• Your approach to your responsibilities;
• How you have considered your social and ethical responsibility
in the exercise of your profession Your ethical and legal
knowledge;
• How you have considered your social and ethical responsibility
in the exercise of your profession
• Your ethical and legal knowledge;
• How you have considered your social and ethical responsibility
in the exercise of your profession
• Your ethical and legal knowledge;
• Your knowledge and understanding of health, safety and legal
issues pertinent to your engineering practice.
• How you stay up to date;
• Your knowledge and understanding of relevant legal
requirements governing your position

Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 6 – Teamwork and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

“Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings.
Together with the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.” For this criterion you could demonstrate:

How you have incorporated technologies/processes Teamwork

from other disciplines/professions in your
engineering practice
How you have consulted with experts to deliver a Broadening your
solution expertise
Your understanding of the difference roles and You knowledge of
responsibilities within the engineering team responsibilities
(technician, technologist, engineer)
Your understanding of group dynamics/culture and Teamwork
your ability to lead
How you identify your future development Lifelong learner
trajectory and self direct/evaluate your continuing
professional development
For example you could show how you have:

• Led a project team or an element of the project.

• Effectively delegated work amongst a team.
• Developed a project plan dependent on input from others for its completion.
• Effectively delivered as according to set milestones, targets or solutions against a timeline agreed with a
team.
• Knowledge and understanding of designing a project plan and how agreed milestones/delivery dates
for elements of a project impact on the delivery of the whole project plan.
• Worked with technicians in the implementation of a project.
• Guided specialists in the implementation of a project.
• Written and agreed minutes in project meetings with multidisciplinary participants.
• Consulted with and implemented non engineering expert advice/input to your project or design. (e.g.
legal, planning, quantity surveyors, scientists, architects, archaeologists etc.)
• Consulted with and implemented engineering expert advice/input to your project or design. (e.g.
electrical, building services, drainage, environmental, geotechnical, sound engineers, contractor,
consultant etc.)
• Learned from experienced engineers and drawn from their expertise in developing your own.
• Participated in a working team to deliver a project/design. How did it develop your interpersonal
skills?
• Demonstrated your decision making ability within a team.
• Knowledge of the final stages of a project that bring it to completion such as final certification, product
launch etc.
• Effectively supervised more junior staff.
• Negotiated maturely and assertively within a team context.
• Been committed to maintaining your skills and knowledge.
• Identified gaps in your own professional development and how you planned to bridge those gaps.
• Participated in your professional body.
• Worked as part of multi-disciplinary teams to develop H&S solutions commensurate with
risk
• Developed and/or provided H&S training to employees
• Mentoring/Coaching of employees
• Actively promote the development of a positive safety culture showing through personal behaviour that
only the highest standards of safety are acceptable

Civil/Structural Worked with technicians in the implementation of a project,

including issuing of instructions and explanation of design process
Participation in site meetings

Researched the use of new materials such as insulation and roof

membranes
Keep up to date with new Codes (in particular the Eurocodes)
 Developed environmental mitigation measures – for example
providing for bat habitats in bridges
Worked in a multi-disciplinary team

Used suppliers of specialist products or systems to understand the

product and develop a solution – for example proprietary
reinforced earth systems
Participated in putting a tender together

Participation in Mentoring or Coaching

Fire • How you have incorporated technologies/processes from other

disciplines/professions in your engineering practice.
• Broadening your expertise;
• How you have consulted with experts to deliver a solution.
• Your knowledge of responsibilities;
• Your understanding of the difference roles and responsibilities
within the engineering team (technician, technologist, engineer).
Give relevant examples from within the Fire Service and Local
Authority.
• Teamwork;
• Your understanding of group dynamics/culture and your ability to
lead
• Lifelong learner;
• How you identify your future development trajectory and self
direct/evaluate your continuing professional development
Experiential Learning Assessment Route

Criterion 7 – Communication Skills

“Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with the engineering community and with society at
large”

For this criterion you could demonstrate:

Examples of how you selected and applied How to communicate
appropriate communication tools to inform and
create deeper understanding amongst your audience
and developed the skill of listening.
How you have explained a technical project to a Speaking plainly
nontechnical audience
Examples of how you have effectively communicated Effective communications
in public or to clients
How you have delivered technical papers, reports or Technical
submissions communications

For example you could show how you have:

• Developed skills to relay your technical input to a non-technical audience.

• Prepared for and presented at public/client meetings and documented subsequent interactions.
• An ability to ask the right questions to extract information and knowledge.
• An ability to challenge opinion to reach a conclusion.
• Are building your confidence in your knowledge and ability.
• Exposure to communications outside of your engineering role such as toastmasters, advertising
campaigns, marketing expertise.
• Examples of presentations you have given on your technical work.
• Examples of papers you have prepared and presented or published.
• Used a range of methods or tools to communicate a technical issue to a non-technical audience such as
posters, video, contextual situations.
• Been involved in open days or public consultation sessions.
• Promoted your profession to younger people and their parents.
• Written technical reports.
• Been involved in business development meetings and presentations.
• Written a professional blog or shared knowledge within your role.
• Knowledge of social media and its purpose in social communications on technical issues.
Civil/Structural Issuing of instructions to contractors
Preparation of technical specifications

Use of software such as Go-to-meeting

Public consultation presentation

Participation in political or policy forming groups or on

committees
Contribution to a Report

Calculations for submission to checker