A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Engineers in Australia

If you're an engineer working in Australia and want to be recognised as a competent, trusted, and independent professional, getting registered in the National Engineering Register (NER) is a smart move. It boosts your credibility, helps with licensing in states like Queensland and Victoria, and can open doors to bigger projects and better roles.

Here’s an easy, clear guide on how to get registered in the National Engineering Register — even if you're just hearing about it for the first time.

What Is the National Engineering Register (NER)?

The NER is a public directory managed by Engineers Australia that lists engineers who meet high national standards for:

  • Technical competence

  • Ethical conduct

  • Professional experience

  • Ongoing learning (CPD)

Once you're listed, clients, employers, and licensing bodies can look you up — and know you're serious about your profession.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply to the NER if you:

  • Are a current member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust, FIEAust, etc.)

  • Have an accredited engineering qualification (or have done a Migration Skills Assessment)

  • Have at least 5 years of engineering experience, including time working independently

  • Can prove you’ve done 150 hours of CPD over the past 3 years

  • Are willing to follow Engineers Australia’s Code of Ethics

How to Get Registered in the National Engineering Register – Step by Step

Step 1: Become a Member of Engineers Australia

If you’re not already a member, join Engineers Australia first. You’ll need to choose the right membership level (usually Member – MIEAust) and provide your qualifications.

📌 Tip: If your degree is from overseas, you may need to complete a Migration Skills Assessment first.

Step 2: Choose Your Area of Practice

Select the field(s) you want to be registered in — for example:

  • Civil Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Structural, Environmental, or Software Engineering

Choose based on your real experience, because you’ll need to provide examples of your work in that area.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need the following:

  • 📝 Resume/CV – Clearly showing your roles, duties, and achievements

  • 📚 CPD Record – At least 150 hours of training or learning from the last 3 years

  • ✍️ Stage 2 Competency Claims – Written examples showing how you meet 16 key competencies

  • 👤 Two Referees – Engineers who’ve worked with you and can confirm your skills

Use the STAR method for your claims:

  • Situation – What was the project?

  • Task – What was your role?

  • Action – What did you do?

  • Result – What happened?

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

Go to the Engineers Australia website and:

  • Log in to your member account

  • Complete the NER application form

  • Upload your documents

  • Pay the application fee (usually between $500–$650)

Step 5: Assessment by Engineers Australia

Your application will be reviewed by NER assessors. They might:

  • Contact your referees

  • Ask for extra information

  • Invite you to a peer interview, where you explain your work and decision-making

Step 6: Get Approved and Listed

Once approved, you’ll be officially listed on the National Engineering Register. You’ll get a certificate and can start using the NER post-nominals — like:

  • MIEAust NER

  • FIEAust NER

Your name will also appear in the public directory on the Engineers Australia website.

After Registration: Keep It Active

To stay on the NER, you must:

  • Remain a financial member of Engineers Australia

  • Do at least 150 hours of CPD every 3 years

  • Follow the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics

  • Renew your NER registration annually

Final Thoughts

Getting on the National Engineering Register shows you’re a capable, responsible, and qualified professional. Whether you’re aiming for state licensing, want to win bigger contracts, or simply want to prove your credibility, NER registration is a big step forward.

It takes a bit of effort, but the recognition is worth it.

📩 Need help with your application? You can also work with a professional to review your competency claims and CPD — making sure your NER submission gets approved the first time.

Start your NER journey today — and show Australia you’re an engineer they can trust.