The National Engineering Register (NER) is a national directory of qualified, experienced, and ethical engineers in Australia, managed by Engineers Australia (EA). It recognizes individuals who meet strict standards of competency, professionalism, and continuing development.

If you’re considering applying, here’s a full breakdown of who is eligible for NER registration, including qualifications, experience, and membership requirements.

NER Eligibility Criteria Overview

To be eligible for the NER, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Be a Member of Engineers Australia

You must hold one of the following EA membership grades:

• Membership Grade Designation
• Member MIEAust
• Fellow FIEAust
• Technologist Member TMIEAust (for Engineering Technologists)
• Associate Member (For Associate Practice Areas only)

📌 If you’re not yet a member, you must apply for EA membership first.

2. Hold a Recognised Engineering Qualification

You must have an academic qualification that is:

• Accredited under the Washington, Sydney, or Dublin Accord, or
• Deemed equivalent by Engineers Australia (e.g. via Migration Skills Assessment)

Qualification Type NER Practice Area Eligibility

• Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering) Professional Engineer
• Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree Engineering Associate / Technologist

3. Have Minimum 5 Years of Engineering Experience

You must demonstrate at least:

• 5 years of practical, post-qualification engineering work experience, relevant to the NER area of practice you’re applying for
• Experience must be verifiable, supported by a Work Experience Statement and referees

📌 Experience must be within the last 7 years, and reflect independent practice.

4. Meet Engineers Australia’s Stage 2 Competency Standards

You must be able to demonstrate professional competencies across the following domains:

• Technical proficiency in your discipline
• Ethical conduct and communication
• Leadership and management of engineering projects
• Commitment to lifelong learning (CPD)

📌 These are assessed via a Work Experience Statement or interview.

5. Maintain a CPD Record

You must have completed at least:

• 150 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) over the last 3 years
• CPD activities include formal courses, webinars, reading, mentoring, etc.

6. Agree to the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics

You must formally declare adherence to:

• EA’s Code of Ethics
• Professional and ethical obligations
• Safety, sustainability, and integrity in practice

NER Practice Areas

You must select a relevant Area of Practice when applying. Some options include:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• ICT Engineering
• Building Services
• Asset Management
• and more

📌 You can apply for multiple practice areas, provided you meet the experience requirements in each.

Summary: Who Is Eligible for the NER?

Eligibility Criteria Requirement

1. Engineers Australia Membership MIEAust, TMIEAust, FIEAust, or equivalent
2. Engineering Qualification EA-accredited or equivalent via skills assessment
3. Minimum Engineering Experience 5 years in the relevant area of practice
4. Competency Standards Must meet EA’s Stage 2 Competency Standard
5. CPD Requirements 150 hours in past 3 years
6. Ethical Commitment Must sign EA’s Code of Ethics declaration

Final Verdict

If you’re a practicing engineer with:

• 5+ years of experience
• A recognized engineering qualification
• A commitment to ethics and professional development

👉 You are eligible to apply for the NER Australia, and doing so can enhance your credibility, unlock government projects, and serve as a pathway to RPEQ and CPEng.

📢 Need Help Applying?

🔹 Request a step-by-step NER application checklist

🔹 Get help writing your Work Experience Statement or CPD log

🔹 Ask for Stage 2 Competency mapping templates