FAQs: Employers

Individuals can only use the professional titles if they are currently registered with the Engineering Council:

If your engineers or technicians hold one of these titles, you and your customers will know that they have achieved and continued to maintain a recognised international standard. You have the assurance of knowing that their credentials have been verified, their commitment to continuing professional development established and their exposure to new trends and issues is ensured.

They will be governed by a professional code of conduct and receive reminders and assistance in determining their obligations.

For CEng, IEng and EngTech registration see the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC).

For ICTTech registration see the Information and Communications Technology Technician (ICTTech) Standard.

These documents provide a framework against which technical responsibilities may be assessed. Assessment may be for promotion, remuneration, annual appraisal or recruitment.

Based on nationally recognised occupational standards, UK-SPEC enables alignment with other competence frameworks in management, construction and other industries.

The first step is for the eligible employees to join one of the Licensed Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs) to assess candidates for registration as CEng, IEng, EngTech or ICTTech. Your employees can then apply for registration with the Engineering Council through their Licensed PEIs.

Please note that many engineers register with the Engineering Council for their own professional standing. So do check first to establish how many of your employees already hold professional registration - you might be pleasantly surprised.

Registered engineers may cost a little more to employ, although this is your choice. However, any costs will be outweighed by the benefits of enhanced engineering capability and reduction in risk to your company. Furthermore, motivation of the staff concerned will be increased by your indication of interest in their professional standing.

The professional registration process can be easily incorporated into normal staff development processes, and the costs of registration usually amount to no more than a few hundred pounds per individual. Maintenance of registration (and the necessary Licensed PEIs membership cost, per year) can be paid by the employee (and offset against personal income tax), or paid by your company as a demonstration of the value placed on engineering competence.

Yes. Advice on setting up a system to recognise and encourage professional registration can be obtained from many of the Licensed PEIs.

Please contact the Licensed PEI that is most relevant to your industry.