How to become a chartered engineer

To become a chartered engineer, you'll need a postgraduate qualification in engineering or a closely related discipline. To work as a chartered engineer once you graduate, you'll need to apply for chartered status with the Engineering Council.

Undergraduate study

Before you can apply for chartered status or a postgraduate course, you'll need to complete an accredited Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.

At the University of Central Lancashire, we have eight different engineering subject areas you can specialise in.

Postgraduate Study

Once you've completed an undergraduate degree, you can apply to study a postgraduate degree in engineering or a or a closely related discipline. This can be integrated with the Bachelor's program (MEng) or taken separately (MSc).

We offer postgraduate engineering degrees in the following areas:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction and surveying
• Electrical and Robotics Engineering
• Energy and Environment
• Fire and Safety
• Mechanical Engineering

To work as a chartered engineer once you graduate, you'll need to apply for chartered status with the Engineering Council. As part of your application, you'll have to demonstrate that you have significant work experience within the engineering industry.

As part of your application for chartered status, you'll have to demonstrate that you have significant work experience within engineering. Significant work experience is classed as 4-6 years of progressive responsibility within your engineering field.

You will also have to develop and demonstrate the competencies required by UK-SPEC during your work experience. UK-SPEC is the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment. They outline the requirements needed to gain status as a chartered engineer (CEng)

You must demonstrate the below five broad areas of competence and commitment:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Design, development and solving engineering problems
• Responsibility, management and leadership
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional commitment

You'll need to actively participate in CPD activities to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. This can include attending:

• Workshops, seminars, conferences, and pursuing further certifications.

Upskilling and grow your knowledge through our dedicated research centre in engineering.

You'll be awarded the title of Chartered Engineer (CEng) if you pass a thorough assessment of your educational qualifications, work experience and professional skills. You'll have to document your engineering experience, achievements, and how you meet the required competencies in a Professional Review Report. This report is a critical component of your chartership application.

Once you've created the report, you'll need to submit it to a relevant professional engineering institution (e.g., IET, ICE, IMechE, CIHT).

You'll also have to attend a Professional Review Interview (PRI) where you will be assessed on your competencies and professional judgment.