It is hard to become a chartered engineer in Ireland because it is considered one of the highest degrees an engineer may hold. It is a competitive title as Engineers Ireland maintains rigorous standards for engineers. People can only get this highly regarded title if they meet strict requirements and have a long list of impressive professional accomplishments.

Knowing the Competition

Recognition and value of the title: Chartered engineer is one of the highest achievements an engineer in Ireland can receive. It is recognition of high levels of competence and commitment to the engineering profession. It implies a readiness to accept responsibility in practice, to exercise leadership and to adhere to professional ethics and standards.

Not for everyone: Chartered status does not apply to all engineers. This is not an incidental exclusion but part of a careful selection process designed to reward only the engineers who have had a positive influence on the profession and demonstrated a level of ability sufficient for achieving chartered status.

International recognition: In many ways, the status of chartered engineer in Ireland is recognised internationally.

The Function of the Engineers Ireland Competence Report

The main assessment tool, the Engineers Ireland Competence Report (EI CR), is an extremely demanding assessment. The candidate has to show evidence of technical competence and an ability to resolve problems, and the value that their contributions brought to the project.

Total Assessment Engineers Ireland also assesses communication, leadership and ethical standards, making the process more arduous than a standard test or qualifications. The greatest difficulty for many applicants is being able to clearly communicate their work, in relation to the strict requirements of EI CR; thus, mentorship and peer review are strongly recommended.

Why It’s Competitive?

Minimum requirements: The applicants are required to be holders of accredited engineering degrees and have several years' work experience as well as show evidence of ongoing CPD.

Approval process is strict; engineers can only apply if the application is sufficiently detailed and leadership is evident. Failure to meet these standards will lead to rejected applications and Engineers Ireland strictly applies criteria to protect the profession's standing.

The advantage of chartering is sought in employment (both in Ireland and abroad), therefore causing a lot of engineers to compete to get a position where Chartered Engineer status would be an asset.