CHARTERED AND INCORPORATED ENGINEER:

YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION

This guide has been prepared to provide support, assistance and advice to you as you compile
and submit your application for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer Registration and
Membership of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The application process is straightforward; please read and review these notes before starting
your submission. If you do have questions or queries at any stage of the application process,
please contact our Membership Helpdesk:

Call 0845 226 9191 or email [email protected]

If you are calling from overseas, please dial +44 (0)20 7304 6999

It is important that you understand the current requirements for becoming a Chartered or
Incorporated Engineer. You should be confident that you meet them before making your
application. These guidance notes will clearly outline what is required and will provide useful
examples for your reference.

When completing your application, please ensure that you include sufficient detail that
highlights where you have met the requirements for Membership and Registration.

Contents

Background to your application Page 2

Engineering qualifications Page 2

Engineering skills and experience Page 3

Guidance for applying as a Fellow Page 4

How to apply Page 6

Your application form Page 6

Your Professional Review Report Page 7

Development Action Plan Page 9

Application sponsors Page 9

Your interview Page 11

Appendix A: Competence statements Page 13

Appendix B: How to demonstrate competence Page 18

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 1

BACKGROUND TO YOUR APPLICATION

What is the standard?

UK-SPEC (United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (Dec 2008)) is
the standard that governs the engineering profession. It is published by the Engineering
Council. It describes the requirements you have to meet before you can register as a
professional engineer and gives you examples of ways of you can do this. The UK-SPEC
framework document, when used in conjunction with these guidance notes, will help you to
find out whether you can meet the requirements, as it explains the steps necessary to achieve
Registration.

The standard is used and applied by all UK-based engineering institutions.

To download a copy, please visit the Engineering Council website at www.engc.org.uk

How is the standard assessed?

The standard is assessed in a two-part process; you need to demonstrate the required level of
underpinning knowledge and engineering competence. Competence is assessed by a written
submission and at an interview.

ENGINEERING QUALIFICATIONS

We need to check your academic profile to ensure that it meets the benchmark for
Registration. You are always advised to contact the Institution before starting your application,
in order to confirm whether your qualifications will meet the requirements.

How can you check if your qualifications meet the requirements?

The table below provides a guide to the kind of qualification you’ll need to become a
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.

Incorporated Engineer Chartered Engineer

Typically a three-year accredited Bachelor’s Typically a four-year accredited MEng

degree (BEng degree) or equivalent OR degree or equivalent OR a three-year
HND/HNC plus a period of further learning accredited BEng (Hons) degree plus an
appropriate Master’s programme or period
of further learning

What else could be considered?

• Engineering Council (UK) examinations of acceptable profile
• Overseas qualifications of an acceptable standard and profile can be considered eg
Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Europe
• A mix of overseas and UK-based qualifications
• An engineering qualification accredited under previous standards

You may have a range of engineering qualifications that, at first glance, don’t appear to meet
the requirements for Membership and Registration. If that’s the case, don’t worry, as we can
review and assess your qualifications free of charge and with no commitment to Membership.

For more information or to find out if your qualifications meet the requirements, contact our
Membership Team on 0845 226 9191 or use our qualifications checker:

http://www.imeche.org/qualifications

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 2

ENGINEERING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

In order to make a successful application for Membership, you need to tell us what you have
done and what you have achieved in your engineering career. You should be able to
demonstrate that you are competent and committed to your profession.

There are five generic competence statements that you must address. Every engineer, of
every discipline, is assessed against the same statements in the same way.

There are a number of subtle differences between the Chartered Engineer and the
Incorporated Engineer Registrations. Take some time to think about the job that you do, and
map it against the competence framework. You should apply for the grade of Membership that
best matches your skills and experience.

If you need advice on the level of Registration that’s right for you, contact the Membership
Helpdesk on 0845 226 9191 or [email protected]

What is competence?
Professional competence combines knowledge, understanding, skills and values. It’s about
more than just being able to perform a specific task; it’s being able to do it correctly, safely,
effectively and consistently.

What are the competence requirements?

The following table provides a guide to the competences and the differences between IEng
and CEng.

Incorporated Engineer Chartered Engineer

UK-SPEC states that Incorporated Engineers UK-SPEC states that Chartered Engineers must
must be competent throughout their working be competent throughout their working life by
life by virtue of their education, training and virtue of their education, training and
experience, to: experience, to:

COMPETENCE A COMPETENCE A
Use a combination of general and specialist Use a combination of general and specialist
mechanical engineering knowledge and mechanical engineering knowledge and
understanding to apply existing and emerging understanding to optimise the application of
technology. existing and emerging technology.

COMPETENCE B COMPETENCE B
Apply appropriate theoretical and practical Apply appropriate theoretical and practical
methods to design, develop, manufacture, methods to the analysis and solution of
construct, commission, operate, maintain, engineering problems.
decommission and recycle engineering
processes, systems, services and products.

COMPETENCE C COMPETENCE C
Provide technical and commercial Provide technical and commercial leadership.
management.

COMPETENCE D COMPETENCE D
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

COMPETENCE E COMPETENCE E
Demonstrate a personal commitment to Demonstrate a personal commitment to
professional standards, recognising obligations professional standards, recognising obligations
to society, the profession and the to society, the profession and the
environment. environment.

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 3

How do you demonstrate competence?
The skills and experience you have picked up over the course of your career should help you
to meet the competence requirements. It is important to never underestimate or forget your
day job.

The Institution provides guidance as to how you can demonstrate that you have met the
competence requirements. By looking at the matrix shown in appendix A, you will see that
each of the competence statements has four possible levels, where 1 is the lowest and 4 is
the highest.

The grades are defined below:

Level 1 – Performs the activity with significant supervision and guidance; performs basic
routine and predictable tasks; little or no individual responsibility. (This level of competence
would not normally be sufficient for election to Membership.)

Level 2 – Performs the activity in a range of contexts; supervision required only in more
complex circumstances; some individual responsibility or autonomy. (This indicates a
minimum level of competence for election to Membership, which should be supplemented by
higher levels of competence in the areas most relevant to the field of engineering in which the
you are employed.)

Level 3 – Performs the activity in some complex and non-routine contexts; significant
responsibility and autonomy; can oversee the work of others. (This indicates a normal level of
competence for election to Membership.)

Level 4 – Performs the activity in a wide range of complex and non-routine contexts;
substantial personal autonomy; can develop others in the activity. (This indicates a high level
of competence and suitability for election to Membership and possibly Fellowship.)

In order for your application to be successful you will need to demonstrate, as a minimum
requirement, that you can score level 2 in two of the competences and level 3 in three of
them.

Fellow

If you can demonstrate, as a minimum requirement, scores of level 4 in four of the

competences, plus a level 3 in one other, you could be elected as a Fellow. It is possible that
if you apply for Member level, but are really working at Fellow level, the assessment panel
may recommend that you are elected as a Fellow. Conversely, if you apply for Fellow, but are
really working at Member level, the panel can recommend that you are elected as a Member,
rather than rejecting your application.

Current IMechE Members wishing to apply for Fellow level should consult the Member to
Fellow guidance notes, available on the website, as the assessment is against different
criteria.

Fellowship of IMechE is the senior class of Membership and applicants seeking election to
Fellow are expected to demonstrate, by the appropriate evidence, fulfilment of the UK-SPEC
competences at the higher level, plus their commitment and practice of many of the following
functions, attributes and qualities. The application must clearly provide this evidence. When
assessing an application for Fellowship, the assessors will be looking for evidence of the five
UK-SPEC competences and will also consider qualities that we would expect to see in a Fellow.
These are:
• A position of senior responsibility and/or significant autonomy in your particular field
• Demonstrable leadership qualities
• Influencing policy and strategy making decisions in either a technical or business
environment
• A structured approach to CPD

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 • The promotion of the engineering profession to young engineers and potential
engineers
• Highly specialist knowledge in a specific area of engineering
• Technical or engineering resource management and/or personnel management and
development
• Responsibility for a budget and the associated risk
• Application of a significant range of fundamental principles and complex techniques
across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts
• Active development and application of new technologies in engineering and related
areas at senior level

The assessors will not score you against these criteria; however, it is important that you
consider the above when deciding which grade to apply for.

If you wish to apply directly for Fellowship, you should ensure that you can demonstrate a
commitment to the development of the engineering profession in the broader context, and to
individual Continuing Professional Development. IMechE recognises that applicants may no
longer have hands-on engineering responsibility and that their careers may have developed
more broadly into senior management or into a specialist role. Individuals who have retired
from a position of senior responsibility but continue to demonstrate commitment to the
profession within their CPD, may be suitable to apply for Fellowship.

IMechE believes that an established reputation is not necessarily dependent on holding a

significant position of responsibility within senior management. Individuals who have made a
sound and significant contribution as engineers are encouraged to apply.

Engineering specialists

The Institution recognises that throughout industry and academia there will be a number of
engineers who are operating in very specialised engineering sectors; therefore Membership
and Registration will also be available to those engineers who are deemed to be specialists in
their chosen fields.

IMechE accepts that specialists may not be able to satisfy all five of the competence areas,
particularly those concerned with leadership and management, or that a specialist may not be
able to demonstrate a sufficiently broad knowledge of engineering outside the specialist areas.
If this applies to you, follow the same process and make sure that you provide evidence of
the following:

• In-depth knowledge with a degree of complexity of the specialist area

• Involvement in innovative design, development and research
• Broad awareness of engineering applications and transferability outside your
specialist area
• Evidence of presentations to conferences, seminars, suppliers, customers etc
• Publications, in particular referenced written papers on your specialist subject and
• Recognition as an expert in your chosen field and with a record of successful
consultation for your knowledge and expertise

Evidence of your leadership and management skills may be found in the relationship with
colleagues and other people, and by how you might influence design, decision making or
policy processes.

You may find it useful to look at the Competence Matrix provided in appendix A on page 13
and note down where you think that you meet the requirements. Doing this will also help you
to identify any potential projects for your professional review report.

We also recommend that you discuss this matrix with your sponsors and make them aware of
the requirements for Registration.

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 5

HOW TO APPLY

Membership of IMechE and your Registration as a professional engineer are linked. If you
meet the requirements for CEng or IEng, then you will also become a Member or Fellow of the
Institution.

The application process is outlined below:

• Check your qualifications

• Complete an application form (see 1)
• Compile a Professional Review Report/submit MPDS Reports (see 2/2a)
• Submit a Development Action Plan (see 3)
• Get support from two sponsors (see 4)
• Submit your application
• Have an interview (see 5)

1. Your application form

The application form must be completed in full. Remember, the application is about you and
what you’ve done. Include as much information as you can and complete all the fields. You
may wish to consider the application form as an executive summary of your Professional
Review Report.

Electronic copies of the application form are available from the IMechE
website: www.imeche.org/membership

Original signatures are required; you will need to save and print the form before submitting it.

Pages 2 and 3 of the form are the most important, as they contain details about your career
and achievements. We try to keep the information requested to a minimum, so there is no
need to include any additional sheets.

You are allowed to duplicate some of the information if required.

Use the following table as a guide to help you fill in your application form.

Step 1 Indicate if you are applying for Member or Fellow.

Your details Provide contact details for IMechE use when processing the application.
Step 2 Each sponsor should be either CEng or IEng registered. Ideally two CEng
Sponsors sponsors for CEng applications and two IEng sponsors for IEng
applications.
Applications for Fellowship must be sponsored by at least one Fellow.
Non-IMechE sponsors are checked against the relevant register to confirm
their professional registration with other professional institutions.
In addition to signing the application form, sponsors must also read the
Guidance for Sponsors and complete the relevant sponsor form to be
submitted with the application.

Step 3 Complete the fields as required, indicating your qualifications.

Academic
qualifications

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 6

Steps 4 & 5 Both sections should be accurately detailed and written in the first person
Professional
where possible.
experience
and career to
date

Step 4 State where you work and what you do. Highlight what the company does.
Professional
It is advisable not to copy and paste your job description into this section
experience
as it may not fully highlight your achievements. Instead, provide as much
information as possible about your current role. Include details of your
engineering knowledge and expertise; management responsibility for staff,
projects and project teams and their budgets. Please also highlight any
areas of Health and Safety under your care.
Please advise IMechE if your role or job changes during the application
process. Any relevant information can be advised to the interviewers.

Step 5 In this section, starting with the most recent first, you need to highlight
Career to date past employers, past roles, previous responsibilities and achievements.
You should also record any career breaks.

Step 6 Indicate your chosen location for interview.

Interview
If you require any assistance with access to the building for the interview,
location contact the Membership Team on 0845 226 9191.
Step 7 Clearly indicate your current areas of engineering activity and interest,
Industry identifying no more than three areas.
classification
This information is used solely for processing the application.
Step 8 Indicate by ticking one or more of the boxes which, if any, mailings from
Data other parties are not required.
Protection Act
Step 9 Finally, sign and date the application form.
Engagement
and signature IMechE must have a paper copy of the form with an original signature.

2. Your Professional Review Report

The Professional Review Report is a paper that outlines where you have met the requirements
for Membership. It forms the central part of your application and should be 2,500 words long
(double spaced, single sided and not bound). Your report is confidential and won’t be kept for
long after your application is finished.

Any applicant who has not completed the Institution’s Monitored Professional Development
Scheme (MPDS) needs to submit a Professional Review Report.

Notes to help you write your report

• Talk to your sponsors before writing it – understand what they want to see
• It must be written in the first person and exclude any company jargon and acronyms
• Include your name and membership number (if you have one)
• Ensure it is signed by a sponsor as a “true and accurate reflection of your career to
date”
• You can include photographs, sketches, calculations, diagrams etc
• An organisational chart can help you to show where you fit in to your company
• An orientation chart can be used to show your lines of communication and influence
within the organisation

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 7

 • Use an appendix for a glossary of terms if it’s useful (this will not be included in your
word count)
• You may find it useful to reference the competence statements in the right-hand
margin; this should be seen as best practice and is strongly encouraged by the
Institution
• Don’t forget to add a conclusion
• Get it proof read

How can IMechE help?

The Institution hosts workshops where members of staff or specially trained Members provide
guidance and advice regarding the compilation of your Professional Review Report and
preparation for Professional Review Interview. There may be one happening locally or even in
your company.

To find out about Regional Workshops, please contact your local Business Development
Manager at: [email protected]

Sample reports are available from our Membership Team on 0845 226 9191 or
at [email protected]

Once you have completed your paper, please arrange to have an objective review of your
report carried out. This can be carried out by your sponsor, mentor or a colleague who’s
already registered.

Alternatively, contact the Institution if you need additional advice.

What do we look for?

A logical structure, containing an introduction, main text and a conclusion.

1. Introduction: This should include information such as where you studied, when you
graduated, where you have worked and what you do now. Also cover brief details of graduate
training programmes and any relevant training.

2. The main body of the report should highlight your experience, responsibilities and expertise.
You should be able to show how each of the competences has been met. The simplest way of
doing this may be to select one or two fairly recent projects that will allow you to
demonstrate:
• the breadth and depth of your engineering knowledge and how you apply or
have applied engineering principles
• your ability to design, develop and apply or use new and emerging technologies
appropriate to the type of Registration sought
• evidence of any relevant training you may have completed (copies of training
certificates are not required)
• how you have identified and resolved problems
• your level of responsibility and autonomy within the project or processes
• an organisational chart
• how your leadership skills have developed
• how you influence others

3. Conclusion: You should make a clear statement that you have read, understood and will
abide by the IMechE Code of Conduct. It should also highlight your commitment to the
profession, your willingness to support others and should mention if you are involved with
IMechE or the promotion of engineering.

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2a. Engineers on Monitored Professional Development Schemes
(MPDS)

If you are on the MPD Scheme, you do not need to submit a Professional Review Report
unless instructed by IMechE. Instead you should submit quarterly reports and annual reports
for the last two years of your development.

For more information regarding this submission, please contact the MPDS helpline on 0845
226 0211 or email [email protected]

3. Your Development Action Plan

Your development as an engineer will never stop: you should make a commitment to keep up
to date with the profession. This document tells IMechE what you plan to do over the next few
years.

We would like you to submit one side of A4 that outlines your short, medium and long-term
goals. In other words tell us where you are now, where you want to be and how you intend to
get there.

Things you might want to consider include:

• Work-based learning
• Distance learning
• Special work projects
• Writing technical papers
• Mentoring
• Voluntary work
• Institution activity or committee work
• Visiting schools to promote engineering
• Seminar/conference presentations
• Any relevant course
• Private study

4. Application sponsors

Sponsors are professionally registered engineers who know you and are willing to support
your application. They offer independent peer recognition of your skills and achievements.

Your sponsor can’t be a direct family member.

Before you can apply, you need to make sure that each sponsor has completed the form
independently and in full. You should include your signed sponsor forms when you submit
your application form.

The sponsor forms and guidance notes are also available on the IMechE
website: www.imeche.org/guidance

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 9

 CHECKLIST FOR APPLICANTS
You should keep copies of all documents submitted to IMechE, as original applications will
eventually be scanned and shredded. Make sure all documents are included prior to
submitting your application.

For those of you who have written a Professional Review Report

Have you… Copies Yes

Signed and completed an application form? 1

Had Section 2 of the application form signed by both sponsors?

1
(original signatures required)

Had sponsor forms completed and signed by each sponsor? 3

Included an application fee? 1

Included a Professional Review Report?

3
(signed off correctly by appropriate person)

Included a Development Action Plan? 3

Included degree evidence?

1
(not applicable if currently an Associate)

MPDS applicants:
Have you… Copies Yes

Signed and completed an application form? 1

Had Section 2 of the application form signed by both sponsors?

1
(original signatures required)

Included an application fee? 1

Had your sponsor form completed?

(a sponsor who is also your MPDS mentor does not need to 3
complete this)

Included a Final Personal Report and Development Action Plan? 3

Included 4 Quarterly Reports for your final year on MPDS?

3
(doubled-sided copies preferred)
Included your MPDS Annual Assessment report for your
penultimate year? 3
(Usually Year 3 - double-sided copies preferred)
Included your final Year MPDS Annual Assessment?
3
(Usually Year 4 - double-sided copies preferred)

Included degree evidence?

1
(not applicable if currently an Associate member)

Have you included all the items listed above? If you have not, please do not submit
your application.

Incomplete applications will delay the application process and may result in your
application being withdrawn.

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 10

5. Your interview

Once your papers have been processed by the Institution, you will be invited to attend a
Professional Review Interview in the Region selected on your application form.

Please ensure that you contact us to confirm your availability for interview. If you don’t, your
application may be delayed.

What is it?
The Professional Review Interview is a mandatory part of the Membership process. Every
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer, regardless of their discipline, has to attend an interview.

The interview is based on the information you provide in your application pack and is used to
determine the level of competence that you demonstrate. You should prepare for your
interview by reading through your report thoroughly.

The interviewers will focus on your most recent and relevant experience. They will make their
judgements based solely on the information provided to them and your performance during
the interview.

Who will be there?

Two trained and experienced IMechE Members will conduct the interview. An Interview
Consultant will also be present. Interviewers are trained by the Institution and understand the
requirements of UK-SPEC and the criteria for election to Membership. They won’t be matched
to your market sector or area of expertise, but will give a very brief introduction of themselves
for your benefit before the interview.

The Interview Consultant is an experienced and trained representative, appointed by IMechE to

ensure that standards are maintained and interviews are conducted fairly and consistently.
They will meet and brief you before your interview and make any introductions. They are also
there to answer any questions that you may have about the process.

Whenever possible, two interviewers will conduct overseas interviews, although an Interview
Consultant may not be in attendance.

If you have completed MPDS, then you can take your mentor along to the interview. Your
mentor is not allowed to participate, but their attendance may have a number of benefits.

Having your mentor present means you can get objective feedback on your interview and
personal presentation skills. Your mentor may also find that attending your interview can be
part of their continuing professional development; supports their own understanding of the
process; and helps them to prepare future candidates.

How long does it take?

The interview will take approximately 45 minutes.

What is the format?

The interview is a discussion between peers, designed to evaluate and assess your level of
competence. As in any interview, there are no trick questions and you should structure your
responses to questions using “I” not “we” or “the team”.

You are expected to play a leading role in the discussion, and provide detailed and specific
answers about actual events to demonstrate the competences. You may also be asked to
expand on some of your answers, and highlight how processes or tasks might have been done
differently.

Updated Feb 2011 replacing all previous versions 11

You are encouraged to develop answers and explain things clearly and concisely. Your answers
should be structured to demonstrate good communication skills. You should also avoid the use
of acronyms, company jargon or slang.

You can expect a level of technical questioning. Interview panel members may take the
opportunity to develop a particular technical issue or aspect of your responsibilities. This could
take the form of an in-depth question-and-answer exchange of the engineering principles
involved, or the development of an innovative process review to establish your theoretical
understanding of the issues involved.

You can bring supporting evidence to back up any discussion, but should be aware of the time
constraints. You might find items such as technical drawings, photographs, sketches,
calculations and design drawings can quickly clarify a technical point.

IMechE recognises that there is an increasing use of technology within the engineering industry.
When assessing someone who employs a significant amount of technology in their role,
interviewers will seek evidence that the resultant technology, program or software is being
applied in an engineering environment. For example design engineering, testing and
assessment of equipment or processes, product development. In this case it is essential that
the evidence supports the application of engineering, skills and expertise to develop the
product or process. Examples can include CAD and CAE engineers, computer modellers, IT
engineers, CFD specialist and stress, metallurgical or thermodynamic analysts.

The final few minutes of the interview are thrown open to you. This is your opportunity to talk
about anything that you think is important to your application that has not yet been
mentioned.

What happens next?

Your assessors will make one of three recommendations. These are: elect to Membership;
defer with guidance regarding your submission; or not recommended.

Neither the Interview Consultant nor the interviewers are able to advise you about the decision
that they make, as their recommendation must be approved by the Professional Review
Committee.

If you are successful, you will receive a letter and a certificate from the Institution’s President
and Chief Executive confirming your achievement. Your name will then be forwarded to the
Engineering Council (UK) for Registration.

Your name will appear in the Daily Telegraph and Scotsman newspapers on the first Thursday
of the following: March, June, September or December.

If your application is not successful, we will write to you and explain the reason for the
decision. You will also be given some guidance as to how you may wish to address the
concerns raised, in order to resubmit your papers at a later date.

Any applicant can request a copy of their interview paperwork, scores and feedback.

IMechE has an arbitration and appeals process, whereby applicants who are dissatisfied with
the process may appeal within a given timeframe. All documentation will be made available to
the Arbitration Panel for their consideration. More information about this process is available
on request.

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Appendix A

COMPETENCE STATEMENTS AND EXAMPLES

The table below gives typical evidence appropriate to the four levels for each of the UK-SPEC competences. The table is for guidance only; exceptions and
variations may be acceptable.

Chartered Engineer Chartered Engineer Chartered Engineer Chartered Engineer Chartered Engineer
Grade
Competence A Competence B Competence C Competence D Competence E
Little or no evidence beyond Little or no evidence of Little or no evidence of Little or no evidence of Little or no evidence of
initial qualifications gained of involvement in problem management or supervisory communication or commitment to the
broadening and deepening solving, life cycle analysis or kills. A team member, not a presentation skills. profession or understanding
applicant’s initial knowledge specification/tender team leader. Professional Review Report of the ethical and
and skills. May have moved development. Does not use not well written or behavioural aspects of the
Level
into a sales/management modelling techniques. May presented. Poor response to profession. Not aware of
1
role not requiring in-depth have moved into a purely questioning at PRI. IMechE code of conduct.
knowledge. Does not use or administrative role.
implement technology that
is new to their company.

Evidence of broadening or Able to justify decisions and Team leader, project team Evidence of leading and General awareness and
deepening knowledge explain reasons for leader, external activities contributing to team understanding of the issues
following academic solutions. Identifies learning may contribute to discussions, negotiations within the remit of their
formation. Evidence of points and takes them competence development, with customers and possibly responsibilities and role
researching the market for forward. Clear logical evidence of growing suppliers; Professional within the organisation; able
technology or process approach to problem responsibility in near future Review Report clearly to identify health and safety
improvements. May only be solving. Key involvement or if limited at present, written. Able to present their issues and the potential
involved on the periphery of responsibility for producing delegation of tasks to a case clearly at interview with problems which may arise;
making a case for the tender documentation, small group of individuals. examples/evidence. awareness of the
adoption of an improved mechanical engineering Considers and manages professional code of conduct
technology for their designs, feasibility reports parts of the project life of the Institution and its
company. Able to provide or technical specifications. cycle. Where evidence of importance.
Level examples of putting forward Knowledge of, and partial leading a project (or part of Probably little or no evidence
2 creative solutions to responsibility for, a project) is missing, the to date of involvement in
problems to colleagues, commissioning/ individual must be able to IMechE or other institution
customers and/or suppliers decommissioning procedures demonstrate a level of activities or the promotion of
for acceptance. Able to put for equipment etc. Has some autonomy. Interviewers mechanical engineering.
forward reasoned responsibility for should explore the interface Limited career development
justification and development of corporate between the applicant, their plan for the future.
explanations for decisions. engineering policy. supervisor and work
colleagues. Active
contribution to the
development of improved
processes and value
engineered solutions.
 Evidence of continuing Able to provide recent Responsible for a number of Able to communicate Good evidence of
personal academic examples of the solution of technical and non-technical effectively and concisely understanding health and
development by broadening engineering problems. Able staff either as a line both verbally and in writing. safety issues within the
or deepening knowledge of to delegate tasks and manager or within a project Reasonable justification for remit of their
engineering principles. Clear identify and resolve management environment, decisions with technical responsibilities;
evidence of use of, and problems before they occur. staff development, problem content contained in report. consideration given to
possibly development of, Has responsibility for solving and probably limited Evidence of presentations to environmental risk and
new technology or process approving and evaluation budgetary control. colleagues, customers and disaster recovery;
improvements within their design drawings. Evidence of Responsible for managing a suppliers; verbal and written understanding of the
role. Able to give examples producing tender project though its entire life papers to conferences. professional code of
of recent market research documentation, feasibility cycle, the project may be Evidence of established conduct; awareness of
where they have been able studies or technical small or more complex. working relationships sustainable practices and
to put a case forward for the specifications. Responsibility Planning and personal internally and externally. legislative issues.
adoption of a new for (de)commissioning supervision of team based Ability to articulate ideas Good understanding of how
technology in their equipment. Has projects in research and/or and proposals and obtain they wish their career to
company. Evidence of using responsibility for corporate development programmes or agreement from others. develop in the medium term.
creative thought processes engineering policy. Evidence problem investigation. Such Preparation of tender Probably some evidence of
to identify and then justify of applying mechanical teams are likely to be multi- documents and technical external activities, in IMechE
solutions to problems. engineering knowledge to disciplinary and may include specifications. or the promotion of young
Involvement in developing design, feasibility studies, personnel from outside the Responsibility for developing engineers.
Level internal and external commissioning and problem company. small teams of people within
3 customer support solutions solving. Active participation in design a project or line
on behalf of the company. review. Active contribution management environment.
Has considered all possible to the development of
outcomes for the resultant improved processes and
product. Has indentified and value engineered solutions.
met/exceeded customer The in-house training and
needs for the product development of technicians,
whether new developments skilled craftsmen and/or
or enhancement to existing engineering graduates,
developments. Has possibly on a project-by-
developed changes to project basis. Evidence of
processes and techniques, planning and co-ordinating a
which enhance multi-disciplinary project,
productivity/quality. without direct line
Evaluation of design management responsibility
parameters. for the staff involved, is also
May be at management level acceptable.
but must demonstrate clear
understanding of
engineering principles and
how they are applied.
Clear evidence of continuing Clear evidence of prime Clear evidence of line Good, clear, effective Clear evidence of
to broaden or deepen responsibility for the management and/or project communication and understanding of health and
Level
knowledge and investigation and successful management, responsible presentation skills. Evidence safety issues, environmental
4
understanding of mechanical solution of engineering for technical and non- of presentations and risk factors, legislative
engineering analysis, problems, the initiation of technical staff, significant negotiations with customers, issues, sustainable practices
techniques and standards. major design studies, the budgetary control, staff suppliers and/or colleagues. and the professional code of
Uses and develops new introduction of new products development and training, Presentations to conduct of the country in
technologies, materials or and/or services, the delegation, problem solving, conferences, seminars etc, which the applicant is
process that are new to their production of clear understanding of and evidence of published working. Evidence of actively
company. Has clearly specifications/tenders for quality, risk assessment etc. papers. Has established promoting engineering, eg
identified and assessed the new/retrofit plant and the strong working relationships mentoring, training,
product’s target audience or development of corporate internally and externally. presentations to young
process requirements with engineering policy. If Responsibility for engineers and an active
involvement in developing management, must development and involvement in IMechE or
marketing strategies on demonstrate a clear management of teams. other institution activities.
entering new market understanding of the Has a clear commitment and
sectors. Has clearly technical issues associated plan for their future career
deepened and broadened with the above, which may development.
their knowledge within the occur within their remit.
context of their Evidence of applying
responsibilities as a creative/innovative solutions
mechanical engineer and to to mechanical engineering
their employer. May be problems and presenting
evidence of them to customers,
contributing/sharing ideas to colleagues and/or suppliers.
external authorities. If
management, must
demonstrate a clear
understanding of the
technical issues which may
occur within their remit.
 Incorporated Engineer Incorporated Engineer Incorporated Engineer Incorporated Engineer Incorporated Engineer
Grade
Competence A Competence B Competence C Competence D Competence E
Little or no evidence beyond Task oriented taking Little or no evidence of Little or no evidence of clear Little or no evidence of
initial qualifications gained of instructions from team project planning and control. focused communication or commitment to the
broadening and deepening leader/supervisor. Little Probably works within a presentation skills. profession or understanding
applicant’s initial engineering evidence of the development team with little responsibility Professional Review report of the ethical and
knowledge and skills. May and selection of techniques and does not demonstrate not well written or behavioural aspects of the
have moved into a and procedures. Little influencing skills or task presented. Evidence of profession.
Level
sales/management role at evidence of identifying scheduling. Little or no ability to develop good
1
early stage in their career problems and solving them. involvement in budgetary or working relationships with
development therefore not Probably operates and resource control. Probably clients and colleagues weak.
requiring in-depth maintains engineering works under strict Not able to present ideas
knowledge. products or services under supervision. clearly.
direct supervision.

Evidence of having Examples: clear evidence of Able to demonstrate Communication skills may General awareness and
broadened and deepened developing and selecting evidence of involvement in lack confidence and require understanding of the issues
engineering knowledge and techniques, procedures project planning, control and prompting. Evidence of good within the remit of their
skills. Able to demonstrate and/or methods in their implementation issues. working relationships with responsibilities and role
practical application of particular field. Able to Evidence of the allocation colleagues and clients. Able within the organisation; able
engineering principles as a demonstrate evidence of and monitoring of resources. to present and discuss ideas to identify health and safety
member of a team or as an problem identification and Aware of regulatory and in a reasonable manner but issues and the potential
individual. Understanding of problem solving. Aware of financial constraints. may not be entirely focused. problems which may arise;
best practice. Evidence of client needs. Evidence of Demonstrates some Evidence of building teams awareness of the
Level
planning and monitoring developing producing, evidence of influencing skills and utilisation of negotiation professional code of conduct
2
operations of products, installing, maintaining, within team and possibly skills. and its importance.
systems and/or services in constructing and/or externally. Aware of the Probably little or no evidence
their industry. Knowledge of commissioning systems, need to continuously to date of involvement in
quality management issues products or services. improve processes and IMechE or other institution
and systems. Possibly a Possible evidence of having quality standards used in activities or the promotion of
team leader. contributed to design and their field of engineering. engineering. Limited career
development requirements. Understanding of client development plan for the
requirements. future.

Clear evidence of having Clear evidence of developing Demonstrates clear evidence Able to communicate Good evidence of
broadened and deepened and selecting techniques, of planning and effectively and concisely understanding health and
engineering knowledge and procedures and/or methods implementing projects and both verbally and in writing. safety issues within the
skills with good practical in their particular field. co-ordinating activities of Able to present ideas and remit of their
application of best practice Evidence of understanding the team. Resource thoughts in a clear and responsibilities;
Level and methodologies. Probably client needs. Evidence of allocation and monitoring. focussed manner. Has consideration given to
3 management/team leader producing, installing, Good knowledge and established good working environmental risk and
level. Good evidence of maintaining, constructing understanding of managing relationships with clients and disaster recovery;
quality assurance practice and/or commissioning tasks within budgetary and colleagues. understanding of the
with examples of how systems, products or regulatory constraints. professional code of
systems, products and/or services and handling Commercial awareness and conduct; awareness of
services have been associated problems. Expect understanding of client sustainable practices and
 improved. Able to identify, to see evidence of having needs is good. Able to legislative issues.
evaluate and explain contributed to design and demonstrate evidence of Good understanding of how
problems. Aware of new and development requirements. monitoring processes, they with their career to
developing technologies and Clear evidence of monitoring identifying and solving of develop in the medium term.
practices, performance and and evaluating task problems. Provides evidence Probably some evidence of
failure rate issues. processes. Probably of having brought about external activities, with
evidence of having identified continuous improvement involvement in IMechE or
potential enhancements. processes, developing the promotion of young
operations to meet quality engineers.
standards. Good
understanding of what the
standards are.

Probably a senior operations Probably in an operational Clear evidence of good Good, clear, effective Examples: clear evidence of
manager/team leader. Clear management position in leadership and management communication and understanding of health and
evidence of how they have control of producing, skills either as a line presentation skills. Evidence safety issues, environmental
deepened and broadened installing, maintaining, manager or project of presentations and risk factors, legislative
their engineering knowledge constructing and/or manager. Good commercial negotiations with customers, issues, sustainable practices
and skills. Highly commissioning products, awareness and suppliers and/or colleagues. and the professional code of
knowledgeable about quality systems or services. Good understanding of budgetary Has established strong conduct of the country in
assurance systems and evidence of handling and regulatory constraints – working relationships which the applicant is
practices, evidence of associated problems and probably heavily involved in internally and externally. working. Evidence of actively
practical application, evaluating possible the budget setting process. Able to demonstrate promoting engineering, eg
Level evaluation and development. solutions. Good Clear evidence of evidence of building teams. mentoring, training,
4 Good knowledge and understanding of client implementing continuous Successful negotiation with presentations to young
evidence of how to measure needs. Contribution to improvement processes and both internal and external engineers and an active
and improve performance design and development promoting quality standards customers. involvement in IMechE or
and failure rates, and requirements, evidence of throughout the organisation other institution activities.
optimisation issues. having implemented new and to customers and Has a clear commitment and
processes, products or suppliers. Clear plan for their future career
services and supervised a understanding of client development.
team to do so. Identifies requirements in project
potential enhancements. lifecycle. Probably evidence
of having led teambuilding
activities.
Appendix B

How to demonstrate your competence

Here are a few pointers which will help you to look at the work you are doing in terms of the
competence requirements.

Think about the kind of work you do as part of your day-to-day work. When you are carrying
out the following activities, you will be demonstrating competences:
• Client visits, phone calls, last-minute scope changes, retendering, etc
• Task management of contract staff
• Replanning due to unforeseen events interacting with planned activities
• Meeting inputs, reports, tender documents, client meetings, specialist presentations,
etc
• Non-work activities – managing sporting events, helping at schools, arranging social
events, etc

Competence A Examples:
• Introduction of new technology
• Introduction of new processes (LEAN, Six Sigma)
• Involvement in new energy sources
• Prototype designs and testing
• Cost/benefit analysis of potential new technology or process, presented as report
• Significant plant modifications/refurbishment resulting in a process change or
performance enhancement
• Plant performance assessments leading to proposals for improved efficiency or
reduced costs
• Successful problem solving on a major plant breakdown or malfunction using first
principles

Competence B Examples:
• Identifying improvement possibilities
• Comparing one solution against another, maybe different materials
• Specifying pumps; contract specifications
• Site services and operations; implementing both ad hoc and planned maintenance
• Running projects as a utilities manager
• Seeking solutions from other companies, competitors and academia
• Breaking down work into discrete elements with resource requirements and
performance standards
• Applying appropriate planning techniques

Competence C Examples:
• Project management to time, cost and scope
• Monitoring budgets
• Leading multi-disciplined teams
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses in a team
• Exploiting available resources effectively
• Use of LEAN/Six Sigma tools to improve processes and ways of working
• Setting budgets for maintenance operations
• Planning shutdown for steam main replacement
• Initiating specialist awareness training
• Understanding relevant contract law
Competence D Examples:
• Professional registration paperwork acceptable?
• Good telephone manner
• Presentations with clients, meeting clients, meeting key suppliers
• Negotiating timelines with clients or suppliers to meet your changing needs
• Graphical evidence presented to PRI panel (photos, schematics, devices)
• Presenting own ideas with confidence
• Preparing “Project Definitions”
• Making presentations at company conferences; strong emphasis on teamwork;
negotiating on aspects of utilities

Competence E Examples:
• Schools activities (SEA, EES, YEB, CREST)
• Coaching other graduates and peers
• Liaison with your old university
• SHE representative, office HSE audits
• Out-of-work sustainability activities
• Presentations at local events
• IMechE lectures, local committee, Young Members panel
• Volunteer activities locally or nationally
• Good development plan – 1, 5, 10-year plan
• Next careers steps/expectations
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Knowledge and use of safe systems of work (PTW, Fire Risk, Access, Heights, etc)

In addition to thinking about the competences, you might want to consider asking yourself
these questions when putting your application together:
• How often do you need to ask for guidance?
• How often is your supervisor checking on you?
• How much actual responsibility do you have, who takes the blame if it goes wrong?
• Who is the client liaising with?
• Are you involved in more than one project or activity? Are you multi-tasking?
• Are you managing the work of others, or training others, if so in what and why?
• How often do you feel as if you are the only one on the project/task/role?
• Do people refer to you as the “lead” engineer or some sort of senior role?
• Are you responsible for all client feedback?