Academic Qualifications
The issue of academic qualifications, and the minimum standards required for various grades of membership, is a complicated one. There have, over the last 10 years, been a number of changes which can confuse applicants.
The EC UK introduced the second edition of its standards documentation (SARTOR) in 1990. The minimum academic requirements for Chartered and Associate-Membership were as follows:
Chartered Membership;
-
Accredited BEng (Hons) degree (normally 3 years full time course or the equivalent)
Associate-Membership;
Technician Membership;
- Accredited ONC or the equivalent
In 1997 the EC UK introduced its third edition of SARTOR. The minimum academic requirements were revised as follows. However, it should be noted that universities and colleges phased in these new standards between 1999 and 2002.
Chartered Membership;
- Accredited MEng degree (normally 4 years full time or the equivalent)
- Accredited BEng (Hons) degree plus an appropriate period of Further Learning e.g. MSc, PGDip etc.
Associate-Membership;
- Accredited three year IEng degree e.g. BSc
- Accredited HND plus appropriate period of Further Learning
Technician Membership;
- Accredited National Certificate or the equivalent
In 2004 the ECUK introduced its latest standards for competence and commitment entitled 'UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence' (UK SPEC). However, the minimum academic standards have remained the same.
Applicants who wish to confirm their academic eligibility to proceed to Chartered or Associate-Membership must be aware of the phasing in of the new SARTOR (3rd Edition) requirements. Applicants must determine whether the course they started was accredited under SARTOR 2nd Edition or SARTOR 3rd Edition. This will be based on when the applicant started their course and when the academic establishment sought re-accreditation under the new regulations. Applicants who have queries regarding this matter should contact the Membership Department.
Chartered Membership
Candidates who wish to progress to Chartered Membership should confirm the status of their academic qualifications:
- Is your course an accredited MEng degree?
- Is your course an accredited BEng (Hons) degree (accredited under SARTOR 2nd Edition)
- Is your course an accredited BEng (Hons) degree (accredited under SARTOR 3rd Edition) and, if so, have you undertaken an appropriate period of Further Learning e.g. MSc, PGDip, Technical Report etc?
- Is your course recognised under an international agreement e.g. Washington Accord, FEANI etc
Applicants who are unable to locate details of their academic qualifications on the various web links above should contact staff in the Membership Department for further advice.
Applicants whose academic qualifications are not accredited or recognised under an agreement may still apply for an assessment of their academic qualifications under the Institution's Individual Case Procedure (ICP).
Associate-Membership
Candidates who wish to progress to Associate-Membership should confirm the status of their academic qualifications:
- Is your course an accredited three year IEng degree e.g. BSc?
- Is your course an accredited HNC or HND (accredited under SARTOR 2nd Edition)?
- Is your course an HNC and, if so, have you undertaken an appropriate period of Further Learning e.g. Technical Report etc?
- Is your course a HND (Associate-Membership Exam completes Further Learning Requirement for these candidates)?
- Is your course recognised under an international agreement e.g. Sydney Accord, FEANI etc?
Applicants who are unable to locate details of their academic qualifications on the various web links above should contact staff in the Membership Department for further advice.
Applicants whose academic qualifications are not accredited or recognised under an agreement may still apply for an assessment of their academic qualifications under the Institution’s Individual Case Procedure (ICP).
Technician Membership
Candidates who wish to progress to Technician Membership should confirm the status of their academic qualifications:
The educational base required for a Technician Member is one of the following:
- National Certificate or National Diploma in Engineering or Construction & the Built Environment;
- Approved qualification at level 3 in the National Qualification Framework (NQF) or level 6 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF);
- Qualifications recognised under the Dublin Accord;
- The City & Guilds Higher Professiona l Diploma in Engineering;
- A technical certificate as part of an approved Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme;
- An approved level 3 NVQ or SVQ in a relevant subject;
- A work-based learning route approved by IStructE or another licensed professional engineering institution;
- Foundation degree in Construction or Civil Engineering.
If you hold a qualification in a similar area and are not sure of its equivalence you may apply to the IStructE for an assessment.
If you do not hold any of the qualifications listed above you may be able to apply for a ‘Route B Appraisal’. This involves an in-depth appraisal of your knowledge and skills and is aimed at experienced practising Engineering Technicians who have gained the necessary knowledge and skills for their job through working closely with other skilled colleagues over a number of years.
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