How to get a national engineering register?

The National Engineering Register (NER) is a public directory managed by Engineers Australia (EA) that lists qualified, competent, and ethical engineers who meet Stage 2 Competency Standards. NER registration is highly valued for its professional credibility, especially in government projects, public infrastructure, and Queensland’s RPEQ licensing process.

If you’re an engineer working in or planning to work in Australia, getting listed on the NER is a smart and strategic career move.

Step-by-Step Guide to NER Registration

✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:

✔ Hold an accredited engineering qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
✔ Have at least 5 years of post-graduate engineering experience
✔ Be an Engineers Australia (EA) member – MIEAust, TMIEAust, or FIEAust
✔ Demonstrate competency against EA’s Stage 2 standards
✔ Have an up-to-date CPD record (Continuing Professional Development – at least 150 hours over 3 years)
✔ Commit to the EA Code of Ethics

📌 Note: NER is available for multiple engineering areas – Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, etc.

✅ Step 2: Choose Your Area of Practice

NER allows registration in specific engineering fields such as:

• Civil

• Structural

• Electrical

• Mechanical

• Environmental

• ICT

• And many more…

📌 You can register in one or multiple areas of practice, provided you meet competency for each.

✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

📋 You’ll need:

• Current Resume

• Detailed Work Experience Statement (5+ years)

• CPD Log (150 hours over the last 3 years)

• 2 Referee Reports from professional engineers familiar with your work

• Statement of Ethical Conduct

• Any additional documents proving your Stage 2 competencies

📌 You do NOT need to submit 12 Engineering Competency Claims (ECCs) like in the CPEng pathway unless requested.

✅ Step 4: Apply Online via Engineers Australia

🔗 NER Application Portal: Apply for National Engineering Register

✔ Fill in personal and professional information
✔ Upload all documents and referee details
✔ Select your engineering discipline
✔ Pay the application fee (~AUD 335)

📌 EA Membership is required—non-members must join first before applying for NER.

✅ Step 5: Undergo Assessment (if required)

• If your work experience or documents need verification, EA may request:

  • A Competency Interview

  • Clarifications or additional documents

📌 Interviews are not always required and depend on your background and referee input.

✅ Step 6: Get Approved & Listed on the NER

✔ Upon approval, you’ll receive an official notification
✔ Your name will appear on the NER public register
✔ You’ll need to renew annually and maintain your CPD record

NER Annual Renewal Requirements

Benefits of NER Registration

✔ National recognition as a competent professional engineer
✔ Required for RPEQ registration in Queensland
✔ Boosts job opportunities, especially in public infrastructure
✔ Adds professional credibility for consultants and freelancers
✔ Supports future applications for CPEng and international registers (APEC, IntPE)

Need NER Help?

• ✅ Want a NER document checklist?

• ✅ Need help writing your work experience summary?

• ✅ Looking to apply for NER and CPEng together?