Despite being the professional level at which many practising engineers work (and a 10% increase in new registrations last year), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) is currently the most under-populated section of our register. 

A typical IEng might be a competent engineer working in middle-management, responsible for a team or project, and probably involved in the application of technology in activities such as design, implementation, operation and maintenance.  We estimate that tens of thousands of practising engineers could have the relevant standards of knowledge and competence to be eligible for IEng, but many are possibly unaware of this. 

So how has IEng become the best kept secret of the profession?  After all, the post nominals carry similar status to CEng.  Those already registered, as well as their employers, hold it in high regard knowing that it is an internationally recognised qualification, proving their level of knowledge and competence as well as providing enhanced career prospects.

To address this question, the Engineering Council has set up a marketing group to look into ways of promoting awareness of IEng throughout the profession.  The group consists of IEng registrants, representatives from professional engineering institutions and Engineering Council staff.  It will be kicking off its work through a short survey of IEngs and their employers, to find out how they view the qualification and the process they went through to obtain it.

If you think you could help with this project, please contact our editor, Sue Brough on sbrough@engc.org.uk.