Registration and practising licence
What this domain tests
Registration and practising licence tests the difference between being registered and being licensed, the register categories, application evidence, renewal and enforcement of title and practice restrictions.
Core rules
- COREN registers four categories: Registered Engineer, Registered Engineering Technologist, Registered Engineering Technician and Registered Engineering Craftsman.
- Registration is a one-off entry onto the register after satisfying the qualification, experience and character requirements for the category. A technician applicant normally relies on an accredited National Diploma or recognised equivalent plus the supervised experience COREN requires.
- A practising licence is separate and annual. It authorises the holder to practise for the licence year and must be renewed with evidence of continuing professional development where required.
- The register is the authoritative record. Registration can be refused, suspended or revoked through due process.
- Only registered persons may use the protected titles and hold out as registered; unregistered practice and false claims attract sanctions under the Act.
Worked example
An applicant with an accredited ND in Mechanical Engineering applies as an Engineering Technician. She submits her certificate, transcript, evidence of supervised workshop experience and references. COREN checks that the programme was accredited at the time of award, that the experience is relevant and properly attested, and that the application is complete. Once registered, she still cannot lawfully practise for the year until her practising licence is issued or renewed.
Traps
The commonest error is treating registration and licensing as the same thing. Another is assuming a degree automatically confers a licence. Do not overlook category boundaries: a technician does not apply in the engineer category. Do not ignore lapse, suspension or the need to notify changes.