How to become a chartered engineer

Chartered engineers are experienced innovators and problem-solvers, typically expected to deliver solutions based on emerging technologies or methodologies.

They'll often take on leadership roles within large-scale engineering projects.

Before you apply for Chartered Engineer status, you'll need to have work-place experience in an engineering role – which is reinforced by an appropriate educational background.

Chartered status can be achieved via an application and assessment process with the Engineering Council.

Undergraduate degrees – you'll need a bachelor's degree (with honours), in engineering or technology. The course must be specifically accredited for CEng.

Postgraduate studies – a master's degree in an accredited engineering subject or an engineering doctorate (EngD) is also required to become a chartered engineer. An accredited integrated MEng degree will include industry placements.

Chartered accreditation – the title of Chartered Engineer (CEng) is awarded following a rigorous assessment process based on an applicant's educational qualifications, experience, and professional competence. You will be assessed against the Engineering Council's UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC). You'll also need to have gained prior membership of a recognised body, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers.

What does a chartered engineer do?

As a chartered engineer you’ll hold a senior, leadership, or consultancy role within engineering projects, developing smart solutions to complex challenges.

Most Chartered Engineers specialise within a particular industry, or a defined part of the design and delivery process.

As a Chartered Engineer, you can explore opportunities across a huge breadth of industries – including civil engineering, construction, marine engineering, utilities, automotive, and the chemical industry. You may also specialise in one specific part of the delivery process, such as research and development, design, production, or installation.

Chartered Engineers will explore the best solution while considering economic viability, capital expenditure, and ongoing maintenance budgets. 
You may be required to carry out failure analysis when a solution has not met its expected specification or functionality to identify the cause of a failure, recommend ways to carry out corrective actions, and advocate changes to industry processes to ensure that failures do not recur.

In a manufacturing environment you might be responsible for the integration of multiple product components. Each individual component of a system or product will go through its own design and testing process, and your responsibility would be to ensure that each component is optimally integrated into the final product, according to the documented requirements and specification.

The role of a Chartered Engineer is extremely complex and varies depending on the industry and area you work in. Some common tasks include:

• Articulating engineering challenges to ensure common understanding
• Defining creative and innovative solutions
• Creating solutions based on a balanced combination of the optimal technical solution versus commercial requirements
• Documenting functional requirements, technical designs, production specifications and delivery plans
• Conducting failure analyses to identify and resolve issues
• Staying up to date on new advancements within the engineering profession
• Leading teams within engineering projects and providing consultancy

What are the typical working hours for a chartered engineer?

Chartered engineers are typically contracted to an average of 42 hours per week, but the seniority and demands of the role may require significant flexibility in working hours and location.