How to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng)

What is a Chartered Engineer (CEng)?

Being a Chartered Engineer (CEng) means that you have achieved Chartered Engineer Status with The Engineering Council. This form of recognition shows your competence as an engineer.

As a Chartered engineer, you will undertake the role of developing solutions to engineering problems with new or existing technologies by using innovation and creativity. As a Chartered Engineer it is important that you take technical accountability for complex systems which involve varying levels of risk. 

A Chartered Engineer is usually degree-qualified and has gained professional competencies through a minimum of four years’ experience through a peer reviewed process. To become a Chartered Engineer you must be registered with a Professional Engineering Institution recognised by The Engineering Council, such as The Welding Institute. As an Institute, we are equipped to support you through your engineering registration process, with a volunteer based group of mentors, all specialising in varying industry sectors. 

What Does CEng Stand For?

CEng is an abbreviation of Chartered Engineer. The term ‘chartered engineer’ is abbreviated to CEng to enable engineers holding the title to use it as a post-nominal on their name. CEng registration means that you are a Chartered Engineer.

Benefits of Becoming a Chartered Engineer 

Professional recognition: One of the main benefits of becoming a Chartered Engineer is the professional recognition that you can gain from using the title. It shows your competence as an engineer to employers, employees and clients. This, in turn, can increase their confidence in you and your capabilities as an engineer.

International recognition: Chartered Engineer status is internationally recognised and can therefore open up the opportunity for global networking and career opportunities. 

Industry influence: Chartered Engineer status is a higher qualification than Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Engineering Technician (EngTech) and therefore enables you to have more influence within the engineering industry.

How to Become a Chartered Engineer

Chartered Engineer status is for anyone who is able to demonstrate the required professional competence, experience and skills laid out by the professional standard UK-SPEC.

You must also meet one of the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering subject and a master’s qualification
• A four year degree accredited by The Welding Institute (Click here to find out about accreditation)
• A bachelor’s degree and experience from learning on the job, including courses and private study

Why become a Chartered Engineer?

Becoming a Member of The Welding Institute and becoming registered with The Engineering Council as a Chartered Engineer is an important indicator of your professional development. It shows that you are competent, responsible and committed to your career as an engineer. A career in engineering is not only about the development of new/existing technology, but also about the impact that your work can have in real life. Being registered as a Chartered Engineer demonstrates this commitment and interest in your work, particularly due to you carrying out Continuous Professional Development and therefore evidencing and tracking your career and experience for others to see. 

Click here to view the CEng eBook.