Recognition for international engineers working in the UK
Engineering Council registration is open to anyone who can demonstrate that they meet the requirements set out in our professional standards of competence and commitment.The engineering profession in the UK is self-regulated using the legally protected titles:
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- Information and Communications Technology Technician (ICTTech)
These titles may only be used by individuals who are professionally registered with the Engineering Council.
Becoming professionally registered is recognised as desirable in many fields of engineering employment and for provision of engineering services, but it is not mandatory.
To become professionally registered, you must first join one of the Engineering Council's licensed professional engineering institutions.
In general there is no restriction on the right to practice as an engineer in the UK. However, some areas of work, generally safety related, are reserved by statute, regulations or industry standards to licensed or otherwise approved persons. These include those listed below.
Work reserved by statute, regulations or industry standards
- Aircraft Maintenance (EASA Part 66, Annex III to European Commission Regulation 2042/2003)
- Electrical Safety in Buildings (Building Regulations Part P)
- Gas Fitting (Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998, Gas Safe Register)
- Non-destructive Testing (ISO 9712: 2012 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of NDT; Personnel Certification in Non-destructive testing PCN)
- Pressure Vessel Design (The Simple Pressure Vessel (Safety) Regulations 1991)
- Quarry Management (The Quarries Regulations 1999, Health & Safety Executive)
- Railway Signalling (IRSE Licensing Scheme)
- Reservoir Design and Inspection (Reservoirs Act 1975, Environment Agency)
- Ships Officers (The Fishing Vessels (Certification of Deck Officers and Engineer Officers) (Amendment) Regulations 1998, Maritime and Coastguard Agency)
- Vehicle Maintenance (DVSA Authorised Examiner)
- Inspection and Maintenance of Highways Structures (The Highways Agency Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Volume 3 Highway Structures: Inspection and Maintenance)
- Structural Engineers Register Scotland (The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 Structural Engineers Register)
- Care of Cathedrals Measure 2011
- Road Tunnel Safety Regulations 2007
- Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015
- Higher-Risk Buildings (Building Safety Act 2022)
FAQs: International recognition ›
Want to find out more about your international opportunities? Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Register to a Licensed PEI here! ›
Interested in finding out more? Join a Licensed PEI to start your journey today.
The professional titles ›
Take a look at the professional titles you can obtain to achieve the benefits of becoming professionally registered.
Why become professionally registered ›
Being professionally registered demonstrates your commitment to enhancing your knowledge, skills and competence for the engineering needs of today.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ›
CPD has several purposes which will vary in relation to your circumstances, needs and career progression.
Our Standards ›
Our Standards provide a framework for the assessment of the engineering competence and commitment required for professional registration.