Expired licence and pressure to sign test certificates
Tunde is a Registered Engineering Technician with eight years' experience in building services. His practising licence expired seven months ago; he says he withheld renewal because his CPD folder was incomplete after a site transfer. His employer's only Registered Engineer is on annual leave abroad. A client has asked for sign-off on test certificates for a new 11 kV consumer installation before energisation, and the site audit is in 48 hours. The installation has 14 distribution boards and two transformers. The project manager tells Tunde to "sign as the competent person on site; we will renew your licence next week". A junior craftsman has already drafted the certificate with Tunde's name and COREN number. Tunde believes refusing will cost him his job, and no other registered person is available on site.
1. May Tunde sign the test certificate? Analyse his registration status, competence and the pressure from his employer.
Read the worked answer
No. A lapsed practising licence means Tunde is not currently licensed to practise, even if his name remains on the register. Signing test certificates for an 11 kV installation is an engineering service and a declaration of competence. His eight years' experience does not cure the licence lapse, and the promise to renew "next week" does not retrospectively authorise the signature.
The work may also exceed technician scope: energisation testing on 11 kV equipment normally requires an engineer's design verification and authorised switching arrangements. The project manager's instruction does not transfer professional responsibility. The junior craftsman's draft must not be used with Tunde's name or registration number. Tunde should record the instruction in writing and decline. Refusing an unlawful instruction is not misconduct; the threat to his job is a separate employment issue, not a reason to sign.
2. What should Tunde do in the next 48 hours, and what should the employer do?
Read the worked answer
Tunde should immediately notify his line manager and the project manager in writing that his licence is expired and he cannot sign. He should ask the employer to recall the Registered Engineer or engage another licensed engineer for the inspection and certification. He must ensure his name and number are removed from the draft and not allow the craftsman to submit it. He should start his renewal with evidence of CPD, payment and a written explanation of the lapse, and ask COREN about any late-renewal procedure.
The employer should maintain a licence register with expiry alerts and ensure a licensed engineer is available for statutory sign-offs. It should not pressure staff to sign out of licence. If safe energisation cannot be certified, the client must be told the date may slip. Safety and legal compliance outrank the 48-hour audit.
3. What are the consequences if Tunde signs the certificate?
Read the worked answer
The certificate would be signed by an unlicensed person and could mislead the client, the distribution company and the public. If a fault later causes injury, fire or loss, Tunde faces investigation, disciplinary action, possible prosecution and civil liability. The employer and project manager may also be implicated for directing the act. Professional indemnity cover may be void if the work was outside his licence or scope. A later renewal would not retrospectively validate the signature.
The craftsman who drafted the certificate could be a witness, and the client would have relied on a false declaration. The correct course is to prevent the signature and arrange a licensed engineer, not to rely on a promised renewal. Tunde should preserve the written instruction as evidence of the pressure he was under.