How to Become a Registered Engineer in Australia

A friendly guide for engineers looking to get professionally recognised in Australia

Starting Your Engineering Career in Australia?

If you're planning to work in engineering here—or if you’re already working and want to take your career to the next level—getting officially registered is a smart step. When I started out in Australia, I didn’t know much about professional registration. I just knew I wanted to grow, get more responsibility, and eventually become a trusted leader in the field.

That’s when I found out about NER Australia, also known as the National Engineering Register. And honestly, getting listed on the register gave me the professional recognition I needed.

So, if you’re wondering how to become a registered engineer in Australia, this guide is for you.

What Is the National Engineering Register?

The National Engineering Register is an official list managed by Engineers Australia. It includes engineers who meet the national standards for qualifications, experience, ethics, and ongoing professional development.

When you’re listed on NER Australia, it means:

• You’ve been assessed and approved by Engineers Australia

• You have at least five years of practical experience

• You’ve committed to ethical practice and continuous learning

• Employers and clients can find and trust your credentials

It’s not just a title—it’s a sign of credibility.

Is Registration Mandatory?

The answer depends on where and how you work.

In Queensland:

Yes, it’s legally required to be registered with the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland (BPEQ) to work as a professional engineer.

In Other States and Territories:

While it may not be a legal requirement everywhere, more employers and government clients expect engineers to be registered—especially for senior roles, consulting, or infrastructure projects.

Many job postings now say “NER registration preferred,” so even if it’s not the law in your state, being listed on NER Australia is becoming a new standard in the industry.

Benefits of Being on NER Australia

From personal experience, here’s why I believe it’s worth it:

• Career Growth: It helped me stand out in job applications and win more responsibility at work.

• Industry Recognition: Being listed on the National Engineering Register shows that your skills meet Australian standards.

• Client Confidence: For consultants, it’s a trust-building credential.

• Preparation for Chartered Status: If you plan to become a Chartered Professional Engineer, NER registration is a key step.

• Future-Proofing: Regulations are changing. More states may follow Queensland’s lead and make registration mandatory.

Am I Eligible?

You’re likely eligible to register with NER Australia if you:

• Have five or more years of engineering experience

• Are a current member of Engineers Australia

• Can provide evidence of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Have at least one or two referees (usually senior engineers who know your work well)

Don’t worry—you don’t need to pass an exam. This process is based on your real-world experience.

How to Get Registered: Step-by-Step

Here’s the process I followed to get listed on the National Engineering Register:

Step 1: Join Engineers Australia

You must be a member to apply. If you’re not already one, you can sign up easily on their website.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

You’ll need:

• A detailed CV with your engineering work clearly outlined

• A record of your CPD activities

• Short written responses explaining how your experience matches the NER competencies

• Referees who can confirm your engineering work and responsibilities

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Go to your Engineers Australia account, choose your area of practice (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.), and complete the NER application online.

Step 4: Await Assessment

A professional assessor will review your application. They may contact your referees or ask for more details. If all goes well, you’ll get your approval and be listed on NER Australia.

What’s New in 2025?

This year, Engineers Australia has made a few updates:

• Stronger emphasis on ethics and sustainability

• Stricter CPD tracking—keep your records updated

• Faster feedback process—you’ll hear back sooner after submitting

These changes make the registration process smoother, but they also raise the bar—so make sure your submission is detailed and accurate.

Tips From Someone Who’s Done It

• Be honest and specific: Don’t exaggerate, just clearly explain your work.

• Use plain English: You’re not writing a thesis. Keep it professional but simple.

• Choose the right referees: Pick people who really know your work and are easy to reach.

• Keep your CPD list updated: Even short courses and webinars count.

• Start early: Give yourself time to get everything together without stress.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

From my experience? Absolutely. Getting listed on NER Australia gave me the confidence and recognition I needed to take the next step in my engineering career.

Whether you're looking for better job opportunities, planning to move into consulting, or just want to be seen as a trusted professional, joining the National Engineering Register is a strong move.

You’ve already put in the years of experience—now it’s time to make it official.