Knowledge

Assessment
Applicant guidance
April 2023

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a) Profile: Check and update your information 10
b) Request a Knowledge Assessment 10
c) Complete and upload your summary statement form 10
d) Self-assessment 10
e) On-the-job training as evidence 11
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Why you need a Knowledge Assessment
There are two reasons you may need a Knowledge Assessment.
1. You are planning to immigrate to New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand may ask you to provide a letter from us
certifying you meet the benchmark requirements to apply for registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer
in New Zealand. The benchmark is a Washington Accord-accredited qualification or equivalent knowledge. Before we
can provide a letter, we’ll need to check your credentials.
2. You would like to apply to become a Chartered Member or a Chartered Professional Engineer. To be eligible to apply to
become Chartered you must have a Washington Accord-accredited qualification (In New Zealand this is an accredited
4-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)) or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

Whether you are immigrating or wanting to apply for CPEng, we'll need to determine whether you have a Washington
Accord-accredited equivalent qualification. In both situations, your first step is to request a credential check. If your
credential check finds that you don’t have a Washington Accord-accredited qualification or recognised equivalent, we can
then assess whether you've gained the equivalent level of knowledge.

To demonstrate you’ve gained the equivalent level of knowledge, you’ll need to complete our Knowledge Assessment.
You’ll need to show you have a level of technical knowledge and understanding gained through your work and learning that
is equivalent to that of a Washington Accord-accredited qualification.

You'll need to demonstrate equivalent knowledge in eight areas, known as Elements. The Elements are determined
by the knowledge profile expected of a graduate of Washington Accord-accredited qualification1. The Elements are:
1. Natural sciences knowledge
2. Mathematical knowledge
3. Engineering fundamental knowledge
4. Specialist engineering knowledge
5. Design process knowledge
6. Engineering practice knowledge
7. Engineering in society knowledge
8. Research-based knowledge

WARNING: Having your Knowledge Assessment written by another person or persons (this includes
all hiring or use of any third-party professional writers/companies to assist with completing your
documentation) constitutes unethical behaviour and may result in serious consequences including but not
limited to:
1. immediate rejection of the application along with the imposition of a stand-down period before you can
reapply and/or
2. reporting of your details to Immigration New Zealand.

1 The Elements are assessed against the NZQA level. You will need to reach NZQA level 8 in at least one of these areas in order
to pass the assessment.

Knowledge Assessment Page 3 of 37

Knowledge Assessment pathways
When you request a Knowledge Assessment, you’ll need to let us know:
a. whether you need the Knowledge Assessment for immigration purposes (so we know you need a letter for
Immigration New Zealand), and
b. whether you need us to fast track your Knowledge Assessment. There is an extra charge for the fast tracked option.

There are two Knowledge Assessment pathways:

1. Standard Knowledge Assessment: This option is for all applicants who do not need their application fast tracked
for immigration.
2. Fast Tracked Knowledge Assessment: This option is only available to applicants who need a Knowledge Assessment
for immigration purposes.

Our team will open the correct option for you depending on your credentials and requirements. The table below indicates
the cost and timing for the Knowledge Assessment pathways:

Pathway Cost (excl. GST) Approximate Processing time2 Eligibility

Standard $1,292.50 Approximately 50 working days All applicants
Fast tracked $1,792.50 Approximately 25 working days Applicants needing a Knowledge
Assessment for immigration.

Our process
Your Knowledge Assessment application will go through the following stages:

2 These timeframes are based on current workloads, and are subject to change.

Knowledge Assessment Page 4 of 37

Stage 1: Credential check
We use the credential check process to check your academic qualification(s) and/or credentials against the global
standard defined through the Washington Accord. Credential checks are a way to recognise formal engineering
qualifications and credentials that we are able to benchmark through the Washington Accord or other bilateral and
multilateral recognition agreements that we are signatories to.

If your credential check outcome does not meet the Washington Accord status, it does not mean that you are ineligible
for CPEng, or immigration. It just means we were unable to determine the level of your engineering knowledge through our
international benchmarking networks. If this is the case, you'll have the option to complete a more detailed Knowledge
Assessment to demonstrate the required level of engineering knowledge needed to satisfy your CPEng eligibility criteria
or immigration requirements.

Find out more about credential checks.

Stage 2: Preparation
Defining the standard
You’ll need to demonstrate your equivalent knowledge in eight areas, known as Elements. The Elements are determined
by the knowledge profile expected of a graduate of a Washington Accord-accredited qualification.

Each Element is described below, together with the performance indicators we’re looking for. You’ll need to provide
evidence for at least a majority of each Element’s performance indicators.

NOTE: Assessment of Elements 1–4 draws particularly on your formal academic study.  Make sure you include written
statements about what papers you studied in these areas.

ELEMENT 1 – Natural sciences knowledge 

DESCRIPTION
A systematic, theory-based understanding of the natural sciences applicable to the discipline eg calculus-based physics.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Fundamental quantitative knowledge underpinning nature and its phenomena.
» Knowledge of the physical world including physics, chemistry, and other areas of physical or biological science
relevant to your discipline.
» Knowledge of key concepts of the scientific method and other inquiry and problem-solving processes.

Knowledge Assessment Page 5 of 37

ELEMENT 2 – Mathematical knowledge 
Mathematical knowledge is the most difficult area to bridge using on-the-job training. If you hold a Dublin Accord
qualification and you’re attempting to apply through study of a Dublin Accord qualification followed by purely
on-the-job training, this is unlikely to be bridged without some level of further study. Knowledge at an NZQA
level 6 in Mathematics is required for all fields of engineering in the Knowledge Assessment.

DESCRIPTION
Conceptually based mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and formal aspects of computer and information
science to support analysis and modelling applicable to the discipline.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Knowledge of mathematics, statistics and numerical methods that supports the development or application
of models that replicate ‘real world’ behaviours.
» An understanding of the assumptions behind theoretical models and their impacts in the development and use
of those models.
» Ability to organise and analyse a data set to determine its statistical variability.
» Knowledge of trigonometry, probability and statistics, differential and integral calculus, and multivariate calculus
that supports the solving of engineering problems.
» Basic knowledge of computer programming

ELEMENT 3 – Engineering fundamental knowledge

DESCRIPTION
A systematic, theory-based formulation of engineering fundamentals required in the engineering discipline.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Ability to define key factual information in core areas of fundamental engineering knowledge relevant to your
engineering discipline.
» Evidence of sufficient depth of knowledge of engineering fundamentals to demonstrate an ability to think
rationally and independently within and outside a chosen field of specialisation.
» Evidence of sufficient breadth of knowledge of engineering concepts and principles to allow subsequent
professional development across a broad spectrum of engineering.
» Ability to apply knowledge of engineering fundamentals to solve complex engineering problems relevant
to your discipline.

ELEMENT 4 – Specialist engineering knowledge

DESCRIPTION
Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical frameworks and bodies of knowledge for the accepted
practice areas in the engineering discipline, much is at the forefront of the discipline.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Evidence of sufficient depth of knowledge to support practice within one or more recognised field of engineering.
» Evidence of a systematic understanding of the coherent body of knowledge related to a particular field of engineering;
its underlying principles and concepts; its usage and applications; and analytical and problem-solving techniques.
» Ability to apply specialist engineering knowledge to solve complex engineering problems.

NOTE: Assessment for Elements 5–8 focus on the design process. Make sure you include a design example and an
analysis example for each of these Elements.

Knowledge Assessment Page 6 of 37

ELEMENT 5 – Design process knowledge
DESCRIPTION
Knowledge that supports engineering design in a practice area.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Ability to undertake research and analysis to support the design process.
» Ability to investigate a situation or the behaviour of a system and identify relevant causes and effects.
» Ability to develop from first principles and construct mathematical, physical and conceptual models of situations,
systems and devices, with a clear understanding of the assumptions made in development of such models. 
» Application of technical knowledge, design methods and appropriate tools and resources to design components,
systems, or processes to meet specified criteria.
» Ability to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of alternative design options to support the development
of an optimised design alternative. 
» Ability to analyse the constructability or manufacturing feasibility of a project or product.
» Experience of personally conducting a significant design exercise, providing evidence of the consideration of various
realistic constraints, such as safety, reliability, ethics, economic factors, aesthetics and social impact. 
» Ability to apply appropriate design methods in solving complex engineering problems.

ELEMENT 6 – Engineering practice knowledge

DESCRIPTION
Knowledge of engineering practice (technology) in the practice areas in the engineering discipline.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Tools and technologies
» Awareness of critical issues affecting current technical and professional practice.
» Awareness of current tools of analysis, simulation, visualisation, synthesis and design, particularly computer-based
models and packages, and competence in the use of a representative selection of these.
» Appreciation of the accuracy and limitations of such tools and the assumptions inherent in their use.
» Knowledge of materials and resources relevant to the discipline and their main properties and ability to select
appropriate materials and techniques for particular objectives.
» Knowledge of a wide range of laboratory procedures relevant to the discipline and a clear understanding of the
principles and practices of laboratory safety.
» Knowledge of current types of systems, equipment, information technology, and specifications that accomplish
specific design objectives.

Communication
» Write correspondence that clearly and concisely communicates facts and circumstances related to a project,
product, or process
» Plan, prepare and deliver an oral presentation, with appropriate visual aids and other supporting materials
» Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical individuals and audiences.

Engineering management principles and economic decision making

» Apply appropriate tools and techniques to monitor project schedules and costs.

Teamwork
» Operate as an effective team member or leader of a multidisciplinary team.

Knowledge Assessment Page 7 of 37

ELEMENT 7 – Engineering In society knowledge 
DESCRIPTION
Comprehension of the role of engineering in society and identified issues in engineering practice in the discipline: ethics
and the professional responsibility of an engineer to public safety; the impacts of engineering activity: economic, social,
cultural, environmental and sustainability.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Demonstration of ethical behaviour in accordance with ethical codes of conduct and established norms
of professional conduct.
» Evidence of making ethical decisions and regulating one’s own professional conduct in accordance with a relevant
code of ethical conduct.
» Implementation of appropriate health and safety practices.
» Application of safe practices in laboratory, test and experimental procedures.
» Awareness of the social and environmental effects of their engineering activities.
» Awareness of sustainable technologies and sustainable development methodologies.
» Ability to identify risks as a consequence of engineering compromises made as a result of project or business
constraints, and understanding of techniques to mitigate, eliminate or minimise risk.
» Knowledge of appropriate risk management techniques used to assess the accuracy, reliability, and authenticity
of information.
» Understanding of the role of quality management systems tools and processes.

ELEMENT 8 – Research based knowledge 

DESCRIPTION
Engagement with selected knowledge in the research literature of the discipline.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
» Advanced knowledge in at least one area within your discipline, to a level that engages with current developments
in that area.
» Understanding of how new developments relate to established theory and practice and to other disciplines
with which they interact.
» Describe advancements in engineering research and technology and science in a particular area of
engineering practice.
» Commitment to lifelong learning/Continuing Professional Development demonstrates their professional
development within their practice area.

Knowledge Assessment Page 8 of 37

How to prepare
Read through the guidance document
Familiarise yourself with the requirements set out in this guidance document before you start compiling your application.

Summary statement form

Appendix A is a summary statement form. Use it to track your progress against the Elements, and think about the evidence
you could use to demonstrate you meet the standard. We encourage you to check your summary statement with your
manager or mentor and discuss potential development areas to focus on as you prepare for your application.

Your completed summary statement form will need to be uploaded as part of your application. Please upload this
document in the CV area of the application portal.

Read through the application form

Appendix B provides an offline version of the online application to help you prepare. This will help ensure there are no
surprises when you start completing your real application online.

Prepare your CV
Where possible, your CV should be no more than three pages and should allow an Assessor to see your work history since
you graduated.
3 Provide the name, location and contact details of employing organisations, as well as the dates and duration of
employment, the title of your position, details of your role and how your work demonstrates your Washington-Accord
equivalent knowledge in accordance with the 8 Elements.
3 Clearly list your qualifications, year the qualification was obtained, and awarding education institution(s).
2 A list of projects you have worked on with no information on your roles and responsibilities.
Note: Your CV may be verified by Engineering New Zealand through our partner, Qualification Check. Please be sure
to provide accurate information, as inaccuracies may result in your application being rejected and/or reporting of your
details to Immigration New Zealand.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD is not required as part of the Knowledge Assessment application, but we encourage you to keep track of your CPD
records and have them ready when you’re ready to register as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).

Knowledge Assessment Page 9 of 37

Stage 3: Application
a) Profile: Check and update your information
During your credential check, you would have already signed up for an account to be able to access the application
portal and upload your credentials. Please ensure all the credentials you wish to include in your Knowledge Assessment
are uploaded to your profile.

The credentials you upload should include:

» academic transcripts for all engineering qualifications, and any other significant tertiary qualifications (or parts thereof).
If your original transcript(s) are not in English, a certified English translation3 is required
» a single PDF file for each of your qualifications, giving a brief description (20–30 words) of the content of each paper/
unit of the qualification. Remember, assessment of Elements 1–4 is almost entirely based on your academic transcripts,
supplemented by work sample evidence where academic equivalence has not been achieved
» a copy of your CV that includes all the information required.

b) Request a Knowledge Assessment

In the portal, request a Knowledge Assessment. You'll need to let us know if you require your applicationto be fast tracked.
The fast track option is only available to applications that are required for immigration.

c) Complete and upload your summary statement form

You need to complete the summary statement form (Appendix A) to explain how your studies and/or work experience
demonstrate you meet the requirements for Washington Accord equivalence. You need to include references to the
evidence you have provided in step a) and write about how your qualifications, together with your work samples meet
the standard for Washington Accord equivalence on each of the 8 Elements. Upload this form in the ‘CV and summary
statement’ area of the application form.

d) Self-assessment
In this section you need to provide statements of self-review explaining how you meet the standard for Washington Accord
equivalence. The work you have already done on your summary statement form will enable you to complete this section
easily. Make sure you reference your evidence (your qualifications and work samples) including specific sections and page
numbers, to back up your statements. Aim for 500 words per Element.

It will help your Assessor if you can directly link each piece of evidence to specific Performance Indicators. For example.
In work sample 1, file xxx, I calculated xxx indicating my use of “knowledge of trigonometry, probability and statistics,
differential and integral calculus, and multivariate calculus that supports the solving of engineering problems”.

3 The translation must be done by a professional licensed/certified translator.

Knowledge Assessment Page 10 of 37

e) On-the-job training as evidence
If you're providing on-the-job training as evidence, you're required to submit a maximum of 4 work samples that
demonstrate application of your knowledge. Work samples can be used as evidence for any of the 8 Elements, but the
priority is that one or more should be evidence of the requirement of Element 5 to demonstrate the “ability to apply
appropriate design methods in solving complex engineering problems.” Complex problems are defined as having some
or all of the following characteristics.
» Involve wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering, and other issues.
» Have no obvious solution and require originality in analysis.
» Involve infrequently encountered issues.
» Are outside problems encompassed by standards and codes of practice for professional engineering.
» Involve diverse groups of stakeholders with widely varying needs.
» Have significant consequences in a range of contexts.
» Cannot be resolved without in-depth engineering knowledge.

For each work sample, provide a statement as to how the work sample demonstrates evidence of a specific learning
Element, giving examples and page numbers.

Provided work samples should be clear and professionally presented so an Assessor can easily confirm your
engineering knowledge.
3 Evidence statements clearly state how each file provided is relevant to the assessment, and which Element
it relates to.
3 The work samples provided clearly show this as being your own work.
3 Evidence of use of calculations are supported, where appropriate, by computer modelling to predict the performance
of an engineering system.
2 Drawings or calculations only, with no supporting documentation.
2 Pages of printed spreadsheets, with unclear calculations or derivations. Evidence that cannot be directly attributed
to you as author

Tips for success

» When writing up your submission remember to talk about yourself using ‘I’, ‘me’ or ‘my’. The Assessors don’t want to
know what the team did as part of a project – they’re only interested in your involvement.
» Exercise judgement and submit your best evidence. Aim for no more than 4 work samples with 3 files per work sample.

Knowledge Assessment Page 11 of 37

Stage 4: Validation
The next step is to submit your application to our team for validation. We'll check the information you’ve provided and
will aim to give you feedback within 10 working days. We’ll let you know if you need to make any changes before your
application is sent to an Assessor. Our advisors will check the completeness of your application and are not qualified
to evaluate the content of the information you provide. Therefore, you may still be asked to submit additional information
by your Assessor at the evaluation stage, which is the next stage of your assessment.

If your Advisor asks you to make changes, it's in your best interest to get them done as soon as possible and resubmit
for validation. If you take longer than two weeks to do so, your application is likely to be delayed. You have a maximum
of 30 days to provide the requested information; if this is not provided, your application will be closed with no refund.

When going through your application, our team go through the following validation checklist:
All personal details have been provided
» This includes employer, title and role
Verified credentials have been provided
Academic transcripts have been provided
 single PDF file for each of the qualifications, giving a brief description (20-30 words) for the content
A
of each paper/unit of the qualification have been provided
An acceptable CV has been provided
A completed self-assessment form has been provided
Self-assessment statements explain how competency in the Element has been met, with references made
to the evidence provided
Work samples have been provided and are acceptable
» The applicant’s role in the work records provided is clear
» No more than 4 work samples
Evidence statements clearly state how files provided are relevant to the assessment, and which Element
they relate to.

Stage 5: Evaluation
Once your application has been validated, an Assessor will be assigned to your application. They’ll review your application
and may contact you to ask for additional information. Your Assessor may also schedule a video meeting with you to
discuss your application. This is called an ‘Interactive’ and is normally held via videoconference. Your Assessor will send
you an agenda so you have an idea of the Elements you will need to focus on during the Interactive. The Interactive usually
lasts around 60–90 minutes.

The Assessor will use the evidence you submit and the information from your Interactive to complete a report and
recommendations on your application. Once they’ve got all the information they need, the Assessor will make a
recommendation to Engineering New Zealand about whether to approve your application.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE INTERACTIVE

The Interactive lets your Assessor find out more about your qualifications and the engineering projects in which you’ve
been involved. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the engineering behind the
work examples submitted in your application. Be ready to talk your Assessor through your qualifications as well as the
work samples you’ve provided, and think about how you might answer questions around the following:
» your formal study and the project(s) you’ve worked on, including what was involved, when was it done and who
was involved
» how the study/project(s) demonstrate your engineering knowledge in relation to the 8 Elements.

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Stage 6: Decision
We’ll let you know the outcome of your application by email. If your Assessor decides you have not demonstrated you meet
the requirements for Washington Accord equivalence, the report you receive will provide you with
guidance on the Element(s) you fell short on, and provide you with suggestions as to how you might be able to bridge
any knowledge gaps.

If your report states that you only need to bridge knowledge gaps on either one or two Elements, your subsequent
Knowledge Assessment will be free if you provide evidence of activities you’ve undertaken within 12 months.

If you need to bridge knowledge gaps on 3 or more Elements, your subsequent Knowledge Assessment will be $500
(excl. GST) if you provide evidence of activities you’ve undertaken within 12 months.

If you wish to appeal the outcome of your Knowledge Assessment, you must write to us within 4 weeks of receiving
your assessment outcome. Your request must include:
» the completed Decision Review Form (Appendix C)
» payment of $600 (excl. GST)4
» a cover letter explaining your reason(s) for appealing the assessment outcome.

Once your application for a decision review has been received, your request will be reviewed by our General Counsel
and may be referred to a new Assessor. They will evaluate the evidence you have provided and decide whether or not
the decision should be changed. You will not have the opportunity to present any new information during this process,
and there will not be another interactive interview. This process takes around 8 weeks to complete.

4 This fee will be refunded to you if the original decision is changed.

Knowledge Assessment Page 13 of 37

Appendix A: Summary statement form
Knowledge Assessment
An editable Word version of this form is available for download on the Engineering New Zealand website.

Complete your summary statement on how you meet the competency standard.

Name of applicant

Membership number or date of birth

Knowledge Assessment Elements

You’ll need to demonstrate your equivalent knowledge in eight areas, known as Elements. The Elements are determined by
the knowledge profile expected of a graduate of Washington Accord-accredited qualification. Each Element is described
below, together with the performance indicators we’re looking for. You’ll need to provide evidence for at least a majority
of each Element’s performance indicators. You can find more information about the whole process on the following
assessment guidance.

WARNING: Having your Knowledge Assessment written by another person or persons (this includes
all hiring or use of any third-party professional writers/companies to assist with completing your
documentation) constitutes unethical behaviour and may result in serious consequences including
but not limited to:
1. immediate rejection of the application along with the imposition of a stand-down period before you
can reapply and/or
2. reporting of your details to Immigration New Zealand.

ELEMENT 1 – NATURAL SCIENCES KNOWLEDGE

A systematic, theory-based understanding of the natural sciences applicable to the discipline

eg calculus-based physics.

Performance Indicators
» Fundamental quantitative knowledge underpinning nature and its phenomena.
» Knowledge of the physical world including physics, chemistry and other areas of physical or biological science relevant
» to your discipline.
» Knowledge of key concepts of the scientific method and other inquiry and problem-solving processes.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 14 of 37

 ELEMENT 2 – MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE

Conceptually-based mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and formal aspects of computer and
information science to support analysis and modelling applicable to the discipline.

Performance Indicators
» Knowledge of mathematics, statistics and numerical methods that supports the development or application of models that replicate
‘real world’ behaviours.
» An understanding of the assumptions behind theoretical models and their impacts in the development and use of those models.
» Ability to organise and analyse a data set to determine its statistical variability.
» Knowledge of trigonometry, probability and statistics, differential and integral calculus, and multivariate calculus that supports the
solving of engineering problems.
» Basic knowledge of computer programming.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 15 of 37

 ELEMENT 3 – ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE

A systematic, theory-based formulation of engineering fundamentals required in the engineering discipline.

Performance Indicators
» Ability to define key factual information in core areas of fundamental engineering knowledge relevant to your engineering discipline.
» Evidence of sufficient depth of knowledge of engineering fundamentals to demonstrate an ability to think rationally and independently
within and outside a chosen field of specialisation.
» Evidence of sufficient breadth of knowledge of engineering concepts and principles to allow subsequent professional development
across a broad spectrum of engineering.
» Ability to apply knowledge of engineering fundamentals to solve complex engineering problems relevant to your discipline.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 16 of 37

 ELEMENT 4 – SPECIALIST ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE

Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical frameworks and bodies of knowledge for the
accepted practice areas in the engineering discipline, much is at the forefront of the discipline.

Performance Indicators
» Evidence of sufficient depth of knowledge to support practice within one or more recognised field of engineering.
» Evidence of a systematic understanding of the coherent body of knowledge related to a particular field of engineering; its underlying
principles and concepts; its usage and applications; and analytical and problem-solving techniques.
» Ability to apply specialist engineering knowledge to solve complex engineering problems.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 17 of 37

 ELEMENT 5 – DESIGN PROCESS KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge that supports engineering design in a practice area.

Performance Indicators
» Ability to undertake research and analysis to support the design process.
» Ability to investigate a situation or the behaviour of a system and identify relevant causes and effects.
» Ability to develop from first principles and construct mathematical, physical and conceptual models of situations, systems and
devices, with a clear understanding of the assumptions made in development of such models.
» Application of technical knowledge, design methods and appropriate tools and resources to design components, systems or
processes to meet specified criteria.
» Ability to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of alternative design options to support the development of an optimised
design alternative.
» Ability to analyse the constructability or manufacturing feasibility of a project or product.
» Experience of personally conducting a significant design exercise, providing evidence of the consideration of various realistic
constraints, such as safety, reliability, ethics, economic factors, aesthetics and social impact.
» Ability to apply appropriate design methods in solving complex engineering problems.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 18 of 37

 ELEMENT 6 – ENGINEERING PRACTICE KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of engineering practice (technology) in the practice areas in the engineering discipline.

Performance Indicators
Tools and technologies
» Awareness of critical issues affecting current technical and professional practice.
» Awareness of current tools of analysis, simulation, visualisation, synthesis and design, particularly computer-based models and
packages, and competence in the use of a representative selection of these.
» Appreciation of the accuracy and limitations of such tools and the assumptions inherent in their use.
» Knowledge of materials and resources relevant to the discipline and their main properties and ability to select appropriate materials
and techniques for particular objectives.
» Knowledge of a wide range of laboratory procedures relevant to the discipline and a clear understanding of the principles and
practices of laboratory safety.
» Knowledge of current types of systems, equipment, information technology, and specifications that accomplish specific design
objectives.
Communication
» Write correspondence that clearly and concisely communicates facts and circumstances related to a project, product, or process.
» Plan, prepare and deliver an oral presentation, with appropriate visual aids and other supporting materials.
» Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical individuals and audiences.
Engineering management principles and economic decision making
» Apply appropriate tools and techniques to monitor project schedules and costs.
Teamwork
» Operate as an effective team member or leader of a multidisciplinary team.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 19 of 37

 ELEMENT 7 – ENGINEERING IN SOCIETY KNOWLEDGE

Comprehension of the role of engineering in society and identified issues in engineering practice in
the discipline: ethics and the professional responsibility of an engineer to public safety; the impacts of
engineering activity: economic, social, cultural, environmental and sustainability.

Performance Indicators
» Demonstration of ethical behaviour in accordance with ethical codes of conduct and established norms of professional conduct.
» Evidence of making ethical decisions and regulating one’s own professional conduct in accordance with a relevant code of ethical
conduct.
» Implementation of appropriate health and safety practices.
» Awareness of the social and environmental effects of their engineering activities.
» Awareness of sustainable technologies and sustainable development methodologies.
» Ability to identify risks as a consequence of engineering compromises made as a result of project or business constraints, and
understanding of techniques to mitigate, eliminate or minimise risk.
» Knowledge of appropriate risk management techniques used to assess the accuracy, reliability and authenticity of information.
» Understanding of the role of quality management systems tools and processes.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 20 of 37

 ELEMENT 8 – RESEARCH BASED KNOWLEDGE

Engagement with selected knowledge in the research literature of the discipline.

Performance Indicators
» Advanced knowledge in at least one area within your discipline, to a level that engages with current developments in that area.
» Understanding of how new developments relate to established theory and practice and to other disciplines with which they interact.
» Describe advancements in engineering research and technology and science in a particular area of engineering practice.
» Commitment to lifelong learning.

A brief summary of how you meet the requirements under this Element

Please reference the evidence you wish to provide for this Element (name of evidence; page number)

Knowledge Assessment Page 21 of 37

Appendix B: Online application form
The system automatically detects your current status with Engineering New Zealand. It states which application you
are eligible to complete.

Click ‘Request an assessment.’ Our team will then open an assessment for you and an automated email will be sent
with a link to get started. You can select the Fast Track Knowledge Assessment option here.

Knowledge Assessment Page 22 of 37

 Work your way through each section individually. You will be unable to submit your application until all sections
are completed.

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Knowledge Assessment Page 24 of 37
 Your CV needs to be PDF format. You should also upload your completed self-assessment form (Appendix A)
in this area.

Explain how you meet each Element in your self-assessment.

Knowledge Assessment Page 25 of 37

 In this section, you’ll be required to add work records with supporting evidence. Attachments (preferably reports,
drawings, calculations that explain the design process). Select the ‘Add evidence’ button to add a new record.

Knowledge Assessment Page 26 of 37

 Once you click on ‘Add evidence’, choose which type of evidence you wish to add – CPD or work records.

CPD RECORDS
If you already have the CPD record present, please click on the ‘Select’ button. If not, click on ‘Add CPD Record’.

Knowledge Assessment Page 27 of 37

 If you select 'Add CPD record', you'll need to complete the section below.

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 WORK RECORDS
If you already have the work record present, please click on the ‘Select’ button. If not, click on ‘Add work Record’.

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 If you select 'Add work record', you'll need to complete the section below.

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 Once all the sections have been completed, you will be able to submit the application.

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 You will then be asked if you need an immigration report. Check the box if you need one.

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Appendix C: Decision review form
Application for Knowledge Assessment decision review
Contact us at [email protected] for an editable version of this form.

Applicants who wish to seek a decision review of their Knowledge Assessment must complete this form.
» An application for a decision review must be lodged within 28 days of the date of the original assessment outcome letter.
» The lodging of a decision review does not allow for the submission of any new documents to support your claim, unless
requested by the assessor.
» All necessary documentation will be forwarded to an independent assessor.

The decision review may take 6 weeks or more from the date of payment.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Full name

Date of original assessment

Address

Phone number

Mobile

Email

Signature

Date

REASON FOR REQUEST

Please provide the reason(s) you believe the decision made on your Knowledge Assessment was
inappropriate.

Payment details
$ An invoice will be sent to you via email.

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Frequently asked questions
What does my application status mean?
» Started: You’re compiling your application.
» Payment pending: Awaiting payment by credit card or invoice.
» Submitted: With our team for checking and validation.
» Editing: Additional information required before being passed to an assessment panel (it is in your best interests
to submit the required information within 2 weeks, to avoid any delays in the process).
» Assessors being assigned: We’re finding your Assessor.
» Assessment in progress: Your assessment is being reviewed by the Assessor.
» Complete: Outcome of assessment finalised and shared with you.
» Withdrawn: Application has been withdrawn.

I can’t attach any documents because my work is highly

confidential/the property of my employer. What should I do?
We take confidentiality seriously and have put processes in place to protect your application.
» Engineering New Zealand Assessors sign a confidentiality agreement prohibiting them from disclosing any aspect
of your assessment to anyone except the relevant Practice Area Assessors, Knowledge Assessors, Competency
Assessment Board members or Engineering New Zealand staff.
» We accept Work Record files that have been redacted to protect confidential information.
» You’ll be given the opportunity to review who we’ve assigned to your assessment panel. If you have any concerns,
we’ll be happy to assign an alternative panel member.

How many evidence files can I attach?

Our general guidance is quality over quantity. Give your Assessor relevant information and be specific about where
your evidence is in the Work Record files. For example, specify page numbers, sections, calculations, photograph titles,
chart details etc.

What’s the difference between Chartered Membership and

Chartered Professional Engineer registration (CPEng)?
Chartered Members belong to Engineering New Zealand and receive the benefits of being part of our community.
CPEng is different from membership and is a registration under the CPEng Act 2002.

CPEng is only open to professional engineers, who must demonstrate an ability to deal with complex engineering
problems and activities. Professional engineers are those that are deemed to have engineering knowledge equivalent
to that specified in the Washington Accord.

Chartered Membership is also available to professional engineers, but additional categories provide recognition for
engineering technologists, engineering technicians and engineering geologists.

Both require a similar assessment. The competence standard for both are effectively the same, but CPEng registration
requires evidence of New Zealand-specific good practice and reassessment at least once every 6 years. This makes
Chartered Membership more accessible for engineers practising overseas, and provides direct entry for engineers who
have been assessed in an equivalent overseas jurisdiction, eg CEng (UK) or CPEng (Australia). Chartered Membership
isn’t reassessed because you’ll be doing ongoing professional development to stay current.

Both CPEng and Chartered Membership are underpinned by the same Code of Ethical Conduct and a fair, robust and
proportionate complaints and disciplinary process.

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Common terms
Assessor: the Assessor evaluates your application, before providing their recommendation to Engineering New Zealand.

Knowledge Assessment: Evaluates whether you have a level of technical knowledge and understanding gained through
your work and learning that is equivalent to that of a Washington Accord-accredited qualification.

Chartered Assessment: evaluates if you meet the competence standard to become Chartered, either as a Chartered
Member (CMEngNZ) of Engineering New Zealand or a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).

Chartered Membership: the Engineering New Zealand class of membership for engineering professionals who have
demonstrated their engineering competence to an internationally-recognised benchmark.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ: solves complex engineering problems and activities by applying specialist engineering
knowledge and first principles to their work.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ (Engineering Technologist): solves broadly-defined engineering problems and
activities by applying knowledge of engineering principles.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ (Engineering Technician): solves well-defined engineering problems and activities
through knowledge and use of established analytical techniques and procedures.

Chartered Member CMEngNZ (PEngGeol): solves complex engineering geological problems and activities by
applying in-depth engineering geology knowledge.

Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng): solves complex engineering problems and activities, which requires
applying specialist engineering knowledge and first principles to their work.

Competence Assessment Advisor: a member of the Engineering New Zealand team assigned to your application
and your main point of contact once you submit your application for validation.

Competency Assessment Board (CAB): the group of senior engineers that accepts or rejects recommendations
made by the assessment panel.

Complexity: one of the key ways we differentiate between the competence registers.

CPD record: information about the continuing professional development activities you’ve done to maintain currency
as an engineer.

CPEng reassessment: evaluates if you have maintained current competence to meet the Chartered Professional
Engineer standard.

Dublin Accord: the agreement for the international recognition of Engineering Technician qualifications.

Educational accord: an agreement that benchmarks educational standards. If you hold an Accord-accredited
qualification, you’ll benefit from mutual recognition of your qualification between signatory countries.

Engineering Geologist: deals with complex engineering geological problems and activities requiring specialist and
in-depth geological engineering knowledge.

Engineering Professional: deals with complex engineering problems and activities requiring the application of specialist
engineering knowledge and work from first principles.

Engineering Technologist: deals with broadly-defined engineering problems and activities that require knowledge
and use of principles and applied procedures.

Engineering Technician: deals with well-defined engineering problems and activities requiring knowledge and use
of established analytical techniques and procedures.

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Knowledge Assessment: evaluates if you have gained an appropriate level of technical knowledge and understanding
through your work or study to practice at the level of a professional engineer.

Recognised external authorities: overseas engineering registration authorities that are signatories

Sydney Accord: the agreement for the international recognition of Engineering Technologist qualifications.

Sample evidence: documents you include in your Work Record to provide evidence of your personal involvement
in a project or activity.

Washington Accord: the agreement for the international recognition of Engineering Professional qualifications.

Work record: information about the projects or activities you’ve carried out in your engineering work, used in competence
assessments to demonstrate the practical application of your engineering knowledge and skills.

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L6, 40 Taranaki St The Registration Authority under the Chartered
Wellington 6011 Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002
[email protected] is the Institution of Professional Engineers New
www.engineeringnz.org Zealand (trading as Engineering New Zealand).