In this blog, we explore the details of the NER, the requirements for registration, the benefits it offers to individual engineers, and more. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the significance of the NER and inspire aspiring engineers to strive for excellence and recognition.
What Is National Engineering Register?
The National Engineering Register (NER) is a platform that recognizes and showcases the achievements and qualifications of professional engineers. It acts as a comprehensive database, documenting the credentials and expertise of engineers across various disciplines. Whether you are a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, or any other specialized field, the NER symbolizes professional excellence and competence.
How To Apply For NER?
To apply for a NER credential, follow these five steps:
Step 1: Create an Account in the EA Portal
The first step in applying for a NER (National Engineering Register) credential involves creating an EA (Engineers Australia) portal account. This portal is the platform where you will submit your application and track its progress.
Step 2: Login and Complete the Online Self-Assessment Form
After creating your account, you must log in to the EA portal. Once logged in, you will find an online self-assessment form. This form is designed to help you evaluate yourself against the NER competencies, the required skills and knowledge for the credential. You will rate yourself based on these competencies and provide relevant information about your background and experience. This step is crucial as it demonstrates your eligibility and suitability for the NER.
Step 3: Obtain Two Relevant Referees
As part of the application process, you must provide two referees who can verify your recent work experience. These referees should be individuals who have direct knowledge of your engineering work and can provide an objective assessment of your skills and capabilities. Choosing referees familiar with your most recent projects is essential and can provide meaningful insights into your professional performance.
Step 4: Have a NER Interview with a Qualified Engineers Australia Assessor
Upon completing the self-assessment form and submitting your application, you will be scheduled for a NER interview. During this interview, you can demonstrate your engineering knowledge, experience, and competencies to a qualified assessor from Engineers Australia. The assessor will evaluate your suitability for the NER based on your interview performance and the information provided in your application.
Step 5: Receive Your Outcome Notification
After the interview, you will receive an outcome notification from Engineers Australia. This notification will inform you of the decision regarding your NER application. If your application is successful, you will be automatically added to the NER, which signifies that you have met the requirements and be officially recognized as a qualified engineer.
Documents Required for NER
Members
Expanded CV
As an Engineers Australia member, you must prepare a developed Resume with detailed information about the projects you have worked on, your key achievements, and the specific situations, problems, and opportunities you encountered. Highlight the specialist skills or knowledge you utilized and the outcomes you achieved.
Non-Members
Expanded CV
Non-members of Engineers Australia who wish to apply for a NER credential must also provide a comprehensive CV. Like members, this CV should outline the projects you were responsible for, your key achievements, and the situations, problems, and opportunities you encountered. Include details about the specialist skills or knowledge you utilized and the outcomes you achieved.
Additionally, mention any actions you took to address problems and highlight instances where you demonstrated innovation and creativity.
Colour-scanned Photo Identification
Regardless of membership status, applicants must provide a colour-scanned copy of a valid photo identification document. A passport or driver's license is acceptable.
Proof of Recognized Qualifications
Applicants must provide evidence of their recognized qualifications. This can be in the form of a testamur or transcripts from an Engineers Australia accredited qualification. Alternatively, you can submit the outcome letter as proof that you have undergone an Engineers Australia membership competency assessment or a migration skills assessment.
Description of NER Direct Documents
Document Name | Description |
---|---|
Expanded CV (ECV) | A comprehensive document detailing your qualifications, engineering experience, accomplished projects, and significant accomplishments. |
Self-assessment Form (SAF) | Provides an overview of how you have met the selected competency elements. |
Continuing Professional Development(CPD) record | A record of training courses and other career development programs. Note: CPD is optional for NER Direct. |
Professional referee statement | Requires two referees to validate your claims and evidence. |
PI Insurance cover | Confirming the possession of valid Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance coverage. It is recommended but not mandatory for the NER Direct application. |
Your Referees
- Referees for the NER Direct application could be your supervisor, mentor, senior colleague, or engineering client.
- The referees must have known you for at least 12 months and have an engineering degree with at least five years of experience in your area(s) of practice.
- The referees should be Chartered members of Engineers Australia or an equivalent organization.
- One referee should be from your current employer, and the other should be from your current employer if you have been with them for over five years.
- If you have changed employers recently, the other referee may be from a previous employer where you worked within five years before your application's lodgement.
- The referee can be an external mentor, but they cannot be just a friend from your workplace or elsewhere.
For each referee, you must provide their:
- Title
- Given name
- Surname
- Organization
- Position/title
- Professional relationship
- Phone number/Mobile number
- Email address
The Eligibility Criteria for NER Engineers Australia

Here are the eligibility criteria for registering with the NER (National Engineering Register) of Engineers Australia:
- Relevant qualifications are required.
- Prior professional experience relevant to the position is necessary.
- Applicants must pledge to act ethically.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) must be maintained.
- Availability of Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance is required.
Changes in NER Requirements
Previous NER Process | NER Direct Process | Changes | Now Required |
---|---|---|---|
Work Experience Statement | Expanded CV (ECV) | Minimal | Mandatory |
Acquired Competence Worksheet | Self-Assessment Form (SAF) | Substantive | Mandatory |
CPD Record | CPD Record | None | Recommended |
Guidelines for Preparing Work Experience Statement for NER
A Work Experience Statement for NER (National Engineering Register) is a document that outlines and details an engineer's professional work experience by the requirements set by Engineers Australia. It provides a comprehensive overview of an engineer's career, highlighting their roles, responsibilities, achievements, and technical expertise in various engineering fields.
Explore our blog on cdrreportwriter.com on NER Work Experiences Statement for Australia, where you can find detailed information about Preparing Work Experience Statements for NER.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources available, you will be well-equipped to create a compelling work experience statement that meets the requirements for NER registration.
Area Of Practice
These include
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Information, Telecommunications, and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
Access to the following areas of practice within the National Engineering Register (NER) is limited to Chartered members of Engineers Australia or non-members who have completed a Stage 2 competency assessment:
- Amusement Ride and Devices In-Service Inspection
- Building Services Engineering
- Fire Safety Engineering
- Heritage and Conservation Engineering
- Leadership and Management
- Naval Architecture
- Oil & Gas Pipeline Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Pressure Equipment Design Verification
- Sub Divisional Geotechnics
Fees Involved In NER Engineers Australia
Ner Assessment And Registration Fees | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment Fee For Initial Application | Assessment Fee For Additional General or Specific Area of Practice | Annual Registration Fee | ||
EA Chartered Members | $335.50 | Complimentary to 30 June 2018 | $97.00 from 1 July 2019 | |
EA Chartered members (Chartered gained after 2 November 2015) | $335.50 | The fee includes NER registration fee for the balance of the current EA membership subscription year in which Chartered is gained | $97.00 | |
EA Non Chartered Members | $335.50 | $335.50 | The fee includes NER registration fee for the balance of the current EA membership subscription year | $97.00 |
Non EA Members | $555.50 | $555.50 | The fee includes NER registration fee for the balance of the current EA membership subscription year | $167 |
How Can We Help You?
No matter which area of practice you specialize in, our dedicated CDR report writers at CDRReportWriter is here to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that your CDR is tailored to the Engineers Australia requirements. Contact us today and let us help you succeed in your CDR application for professional recognition and registration with NER!