The National Engineering Register (NER), managed by Engineers Australia (EA), is a public register that recognises engineers who meet rigorous professional standards. Being listed on the NER demonstrates that you are competent, ethical, and committed to ongoing professional development—key traits valued by employers, government agencies, and clients.
If you're considering registration on the NER, this guide explains the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and the application process in a simple, comprehensive format.
The NER is a voluntary national register of qualified engineers in Australia. It confirms that a professional engineer, technologist, or associate:
Is professionally competent
Has relevant work experience
Engages in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Abides by the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics
Manages risk and safety responsibilities appropriately
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be an EA member at one of these grades:
You can apply for EA membership and NER registration concurrently.
You must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience, which should show your:
Technical expertise in your discipline
Project involvement and problem-solving skills
Stakeholder communication and team leadership
Compliance with safety, ethics, and environmental standards
You must submit a log showing at least 150 hours of CPD over the last 3 years. Your CPD can include:
Courses or workshops
Technical reading
Conference attendance
Mentoring or being mentored
Formal education
This document outlines your project work and job responsibilities. It should demonstrate:
Application of engineering principles
Problem-solving methods
Decision-making and risk management
Adherence to codes, standards, and regulations
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for clarity.
You must:
Sign a declaration agreeing to follow Engineers Australia's Code of Ethics
Submit a Risk Management Statement, showing how you manage safety and environmental risks
Demonstrate duty of care in your projects
You must nominate one or more referees who are:
Engineers (preferably Chartered or on the NER)
Familiar with your work and can validate your competencies
Able to provide a written statement or confirm your experience if contacted by EA
NER offers registration across 28+ areas of engineering, including:
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Systems Engineering
Project Management
Geotechnical Engineering
Asset Management
Oil & Gas Engineering
You can apply for multiple areas of practice if you meet the experience requirements in each.
Several professional writing services assist engineers with NER submissions, including:
WritingAhead.com
CDRWriters.io
RplWritingServices.com
These services help draft:
Experience Records
Risk and Ethics Statements
CPD Logs
Application forms
Referee summaries
Engineers using support services are 30% more likely to succeed on the first attempt, especially those from overseas or non-native English backgrounds.
Registration on the National Engineering Register (NER) is a valuable recognition of your professionalism, technical competence, and ethical integrity. Whether you're looking to boost your credibility in the job market, qualify for public tenders, or progress to Chartered status, the NER is a trusted pathway in the Australian engineering profession.
Get started today—and take the next big step toward national engineering recognition in NER Australia.
