In 2020, we committed to strengthening the CPEng system so New Zealanders have confidence in work undertaken and signed-off by CPEng engineers. This is the CPEng Project – a project through which we will address risk, uphold international recognition, and support the self-regulation of our profession.
The CPEng Project is developing an updated, credible and fit-for-purpose Chartered Professional Engineers model that appropriately assesses the technical competence and professionalism of Chartered Professional Engineers. It will also hold these engineers to account, where required.
To do this the CPEng Project is strengthening the assessment and reassessment processes. The governance of CPEng has also been separated from the Governing Board of Engineering New Zealand.
Our work on CPEng will continue to fulfil our role under the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002 and the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Rules (02) 2002. Any developments will align to the intent of MBIE’s Proposal for Occupational Regulation (2021).
A new, separate Registration Authority Board took effect from 1 January 2022.
We are now making revisions to improve the administration of assessment and reassessment procedures.
Governance
Registration Authority functions are governed by the Chartered Professional Engineers Registration Board, as per the Chartered Professional Engineers of New Zealand Act 2002.
The CPEng Board comprises seven members at a time, and terms are phased for continuity. The following have been appointed to the CPEng Board for terms from 1 January 2022.
- Paul Campbell (CPEng) – two years
- Stewart Gutsell (CPEng) – two years
- Avik Halder (Standards and Assessment Board representative)
- Matt Harris (Competency Assessment Board representative)
- Keryn Kliskey (CPEng) – one year
- Mel Orange (lawyer) – one year
- Debbie Scott (CPEng) – three years
Improving assessment and reassessments
The full CPEng assessment and reassessment process is substantial. Our CPEng project separates this work into four component parts relating to operational procedures:
- credential checks
- knowledge assessments
- assessments
- reassessments
We aim to deliver the new operations manual by December.
Credential checks
New operational procedures have been approved. We will begin implementing these in January and aim to complete this work in March.
Knowledge assessments
We are drafting and reviewing new operational procedures for knowledge assessments. We aim to finalise these in February and begin implementing these in March, with completion estimated in May.
CPEng assessments
Revised operational procedures for the CPEng assessment process requires decisions about the Bodies of Knowledge and Skill (BOKS) to be included. We will collaborate with the Structural Engineering Society New Zealand on an approach to integrate the structural BOKS into the updated assessment process.
Reassessments
We are currently working through phasing of work for reassessments and will begin drafting new operating procedures in early 2022.
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