Frequently asked questions

Professional recognition CPEng status is a mark of quality and assurance that the engineer meets rigorous standards set by Engineering New Zealand. It is a respected credential both within New Zealand and internationally. Regulatory compliance In New Zealand, some engineering roles and projects, especially those involving public safety, require a CPEng for signing off on work. This is crucial in areas like civil, structural, and mechanical engineering. Career advancement Holding a CPEng can enhance career opportunities and progression. It demonstrates a commitment to maintaining professional standards and continuous professional development. International mobility CPEng is recognised under various international agreements, such as the Washington Accord. This facilitates easier professional mobility and recognition in other countries that are part of these agreements. Public and client assurance It provides assurance to clients, employers, and the public that the engineer is competent and adheres to high ethical standards, ensuring that engineering work is conducted safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Ethical and professional standards CPEng holders are required to adhere to a code of ethical conduct and commit to ongoing professional development, ensuring their skills and knowledge remain current. Overall, a CPEng in New Zealand is a credential that signifies trust, expertise, and professionalism in the field of engineering.

In New Zealand, the requirement for Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status to sign off on producer statements depends on the type of producer statement and the specific requirements of the local authority or regulatory body overseeing the project.

If you're applying for the first time, we normally recommend submitting a minimum of four to six work samples, out of which two should be samples of your work in New Zealand. We strongly advise having at least one or two New Zealand projects to cite in your CPEng NZ assessment, particularly in the field of structural engineering. Nevertheless, it is possible to apply for CPEng NZ registration even if you lack work experience in New Zealand. If you have no New Zealand work experience, you'll be required to demonstrate how two of those records your aligns with the engineering practices in New Zealand.

CPEng NZ registration and Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand (CMEngNZ) are separate from each other, but are both assessed to the same internationally recognised standard. CPEng NZ demonstrates current New Zealand specific competence, and requires a reassessment at least once every six years. You may need this if you are signing off Producer statements. CMEngNZ is assessed once, with annual commitment to ongoing professional development and ethics. As a Chartered Member, you'll gain access to our membership benefits, and you can apply for CPEng registration via our shorter Mutual Recognition pathway. Watch the introduction to CPEng and Chartership video

Practice fields are broad, loosely defined terms and align to international categorisation. There are currently 22 practice fields displayed on the CPEng Register. You can view them here. Practice area means an engineer’s area of practice, as determined by: (a) the area within which he or she has engineering knowledge and skills; and (b) the nature of his or her professional engineering activities. Practice area descriptions are 25-word statements clarifying the nature of a CPEng applicant’s engineering activities. They’re unique to each applicant and are used an administrative tool used to assign an assessment panel.

The Register contains the names of all CPEng Registrants and the status of their registration. A Chartered Professional Engineer with current registration has demonstrated current competence and paid their registration fee. They can use the CPEng post nominal and their registration status will show as ‘Current’ on our database. A Chartered Professional Engineer whose registration is not current is not allowed to use the CPEng post nominal. Their registration status will show on our database as one of the following: On hold if they have voluntarily requested to be placed on hold. This may be for a career break. In abeyance if they have not paid their annual registration fee. Suspended if they have been suspended by Engineering New Zealand, acting as the Registration Authority. The reason for their suspension will show on our database. Most commonly, this is because they have failed to submit a complete portfolio of reassessment evidence to demonstrate current competence.

Both referees need to be current CPEng or equivalent. Your referee must be familiar with your technical and professional capabilities and be able to confidently provide a reference. They should also be competent in the practice area for which you applying and familiar with your technical skills. ​ You will also need to select one referee to complete the referee declaration form. This form must be uploaded with your application, in the CV section.​

If you cancel your registration, you will not be able to sign off on producer statements, or use the CPEng NZ post nominal. You will also be removed from our public CPEng register online. If you decide to reinstate your CPEng registration and your previous term is still current, we should be able to reinstate this once any outstanding fees are paid. If your previous term has expired and you are a Chartered Member you should be eligible to undergo a Mutual Recognition assessment to regain CPEng. If your previous term has expired and you are not a Chartered Member then you will need to undergo a full first time assessment to get back on the register Contact us if you wish to cancel your CPEng registration.

If you’re a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) you can put your registration on hold. You’ll pay a reduced fee and keep your access to our online system. You can take a break at any time during your career, except the year you’re due for reassessment. Note that while your registration is on hold, you will not receive a CPEng certificate. Requests for certificates should be sent to assessment@engineeringnz.org once your CPEng is reinstated. Put your registration on hold

If you cancel your registration, you will not be able to sign off on producer statements, or use the CPEng NZ post nominal. You will also be removed from our public CPEng register online. If you decide to reinstate your CPEng registration and your previous term is still current, we should be able to reinstate this once any outstanding fees are paid. If your previous term has expired and you are a Chartered Member you should be eligible to undergo a Mutual Recognition assessment to regain CPEng. If your previous term has expired and you are not a Chartered Member then you will need to undergo a full first time assessment to get back on the register Contact us if you wish to cancel your CPEng registration.

CPEng NZ registration is recognised by many international jurisdictions. Find out more about working overseas

You will be given the opportunity to respond to the proposed decision. Applicants are welcome to apply again in future, once the shortfalls identified have been addressed.