Apply for professional engineer registration

Introduction

You must be registered as a professional engineer to make compliance declarations and lodge regulated designs on the NSW Planning Portal for regulated buildings:

• class 2, 3 and 9c buildings
• buildings with a class 2, 3 or 9c part.

Professional engineer registration classes for regulated buildings include:

• civil
• electrical
• fire safety
• geotechnical
• mechanical
• structural.

Individuals can register as a professional engineer for 1, 3 or 5 years. Companies cannot apply. You will need to pay a  registration application fee.

If your application is approved by Building Commission NSW you will receive your registration ID.

Add registration classes

If eligible you can apply for additional registration types in the same digital application if you intend to:

• make design compliance declarations and/or lodge documents on the NSW Planning Portal – apply for design practitioner registration
• coordinate and lodge designs by other design practitioners for the building practitioner – apply for registration as a principal design practitioner.

If you’re already registered in another Australian state/territory or in New Zealand, you can apply to have your registration recognised under mutual recognition provisions.

If you are not registered as a professional engineer you can still work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer registered under the design and building practitioners scheme.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you need to:

• be aged 18 or over
• have the necessary knowledge, skills, qualifications and practical experience
• have at least 5 years’ practical experience in the last 10 years – including at least 2 years in Australia – carrying out professional engineering work in a particular prescribed area of engineering involving a class 2, 3, 9a or 9c building
• have a current National Police Check certificate
  • completed 4 months or less before you submit your application
  • name and date of birth check only
• meet insurance requirements.

Note

• If you worked on two or more building sites at the same time it will be counted as one period of time only when calculating your equivalent full time work experience.
• You cannot register if you are an undischarged bankrupt.

What you need

• a MyServiceNSW Account
  • you can create one when you start your application
  • you may need details from 2 identity documents (such as Australian driver licence, Medicare card, passport)
• your National Police Check certificate
• a copy of your qualifications and any transcripts
• evidence of existing licences in your field of work
• information about your experience gained within the last 10 years
• your contact details
• the registration application fee.

How to apply

1. Check the registration type and class for the necessary qualifications and practical experience.
2. Gather your certificates and other required documents.
3. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
   Note: You can save and continue your application within 60 days. After 60 days any details you entered will be deleted.
4. Log in or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
5. Follow the prompts to:
   • complete your application and
   • pay the fee.

Privacy and personal information

To apply for professional engineer registration with Building Commission NSW you need to create or log in with a MyServiceNSW Account.

More information

Visit the Building Commission NSW website to find out more about:

• requirements for professional engineers working on regulated buildings
• professional engineer practice standard
• continuing professional development guidelines
• reviews of Building Commission NSW decisions.

Contact