General
In general, the Board of Engineering ensures that the qualifications of a registered engineer conform to accreditation standards that are acceptable to such internationally recognised authorities as the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom (EC-UK) and/or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) of the USA or similar accreditation to Professional or Chartered Engineer status or the equivalent; that they are appropriately experienced and conform to a legislated Code of Ethics.
Requirements for Registration with the BOETT
- The first prerequisite is graduation from an approved Engineering Programme at the Bachelor’s level. The academic requirements are also satisfied by success in the UK Engineering Council exams.
- There are two routes through which an Engineer can qualify for registration with the Board of Engineering. These are as follows:
- Four (4) years post-graduation work experience in engineering practice plus evidence of further learning which should be equivalent to a Degree.
The Master’s Degree needs not necessarily be in an Engineering Discipline (e.g. MBA or any other accredited Master’s Degree).
Although a MSc. Degree or integrated MEng degree is a definitive route, it is not necessarily the only route once there is equivalency in the number of postgraduate level credits (42) otherwise acquired. This number of credits (42) is equivalent to 546 contact hours of further learning via examined courses, pursued online or in-person and offered by recognised CPD course providers.
- A minimum of seven (7) years post-graduation work experience in engineering practice, of which at least two years shall be in “responsible charge”
- Once any of the above two criteria are met, the Engineer can submit his/her application to the Board (An application Fee required). Applications Forms and instructions are available on the Board’s Website, boett.org.
Criteria for “Responsible Charge”
- Responsible charge = leadership + accountability. The role must involve the exercise of independent judgment, decision-making, and personal accountability over technically “significant engineering work”.
- “Significant engineering work” means work that is non-trivial — substantial in terms of cost, duration, and technical complexity.
- Accountability and Outcome. The person in “responsible charge” should be personally accountable for success or failure of the project or work under their management.
- Documentation is required. Applicants must prove via their applications (reports, narratives, project breakdowns) that their experience meets the “responsible charge” criteria.
The Registration Process
There are two committees of the Board which are responsible for assessing qualifications and competency for registration with the BOETT.
These are the Accreditation Committee and the Assessment Committee.
The Accreditation Committee assesses, reviews, scrutinises, examines and investigates the academic qualifications of applicants for registration as registered engineers.
The Assessment Committee reviews the engineering work done by applicants and assesses the practical engineering experience, proficiency and competency of the applicant and makes recommendations to the Board with regard to the area of competency in which the applicant can be registered.
The registration process is two-fold.
- First the application has to meet the requirements and approval of the Accreditation Committee.
- Thereafter, the application is submitted to the Assessment Committee for scrutiny and assessment by way of review of the engineering works done by the applicant or in combination with an interview/oral examination of the applicant and/or a written examination where recommended by the Assessment Committee.
Engineering Registration Candidate Interview
Where the Board recommends that a Candidate for Registration be further assessed by way of an oral interview, the candidate shall be so advised and such interview shall be on questions as to his/her experience and training and roles and responsibilities on past work positions in his/her field of practice or specialty. The panel of the Board’s Assessment Committee is required to pursue an assessment of the Candidate in such a manner as to seek to confirm his/her abilities and knowledge in the following areas of competency.
- Knowledge and application of Project Management Principles (Mandatory for Project Management Registration Candidates Only)
- Knowledge and application of Engineering Technology and Principles (In the Engineering Discipline or speciality in which the Registration Application is made). (mandatory)
- Professionalism and Ethics (mandatory) – The BOETT Code of Ethics can be viewed on the BOETT Website.
- Health, Safety and Environment considerations. (mandatory)
- Communication and Teamwork. (optional)
- Finance and Economics in Construction (optional)
- Contracts and Administration. (optional)
- The role of Specifications, Testing and Inspection. (optional)
In addition to the mandatory areas, the candidate is also required to demonstrate knowledge and competency in at least one of the four optional areas.
Engineering Registration Candidate Written Examination
Where the Board recommends that a Candidate be evaluated by way of a written examination, the candidate shall be so advised. The Candidate will be provided with a dossier detailing the format, guidelines and duration of the examination at least four (4) weeks prior to the date of the examination
Assessment of Competency
The following Tabulated Dossier is an overview of the Engineering Activities and Tasks required to establish competency for the purpose of Engineering Registration and of which the Candidate has to provide evidence for the purpose of registration. It encapsulates a diverse range of engineering activities and tasks undertaken by the engineer, demonstrating their proficiency, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field. It serves as a testament to their suitability for Engineering Registration, showcasing their comprehensive experience and competencies across various aspects of engineering practice.
An Applicant for Registration with the BOETT is expected to demonstrated a satisfactory level of experience and competency. The list of topics used in the assessment include topics in the area of speciality (at least 60% of the listed Categories) and in-depth competency in at least four (4) of the listed Categories.
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CATEGORY |
ACTIVITIES AND TASKS |
|
Project Management (Mandatory for PM Candidates only) |
Planning, scheduling and overseeing engineering projects from conception to completion. Project Management protocols including, project charter, method statements, work plan, change request plan, communication plan, risk evaluation and assessment Coordinating with clients, stakeholders, and team members to ensure project objectives are met within specified timelines and budgets. Utilising project management software tools for efficient task allocation and progress tracking. |
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Design and Analysis
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Conducting engineering analyses such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, chemical/process or any other engineering disciplines. Developing detailed engineering designs using CAD software. Ensuring designs comply with relevant codes, standards and regulations. Iteratively refining designs based on feedback, testing and optimisation. |
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Research and Development |
Conducting research to explore innovative engineering solutions and technologies. Participating in experimental studies, prototype development, and testing. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to explore emerging technologies and their potential applications in engineering projects. Teaching of Engineers at the Tertiary Level |
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Technical Documentation |
Preparing technical reports, specifications and documentation for engineering projects. Creating detailed engineering drawings, schematics and diagrams. Documenting project progress, deviations from plans and resolution of technical issues. |
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Regulatory Compliance |
Ensuring compliance with relevant local, national and international regulations, codes and standards. Facilitating permit acquisition and regulatory approvals for engineering projects. Conducting environmental impact assessments and incorporating sustainability principles into engineering designs. |
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Quality Assurance and Control |
Implementing quality assurance processes to ensure the integrity and reliability of engineering deliverables. Conducting inspections, audits and quality control checks throughout project lifecycles. Addressing non-conformities and implementing corrective and preventive actions as necessary. |
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Client Communication and Stakeholder Engagement |
Interfacing with clients to understand project requirements, address concerns and manage expectations Providing technical expertise and guidance to clients and stakeholders. Facilitating effective communication between project teams, clients, and regulatory authorities. |
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Continuing Professional Development |
Participating in relevant seminars, workshops, and professional development courses to stay abreast of advances in the field. Pursuing additional certifications or licenses to expand professional qualifications. Engaging in mentoring or knowledge-sharing activities within the engineering community. |
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Health and Safety |
Implementing safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for personnel and the public. Conducting risk evaluation and assessments and hazard analyses for engineering projects. Promoting a culture of safety awareness and adherence to safety standards among project teams. |
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Problems-solving and Innovation |
Identifying and resolving technical challenges encountered during engineering projects. Proposing innovative solutions to optimise project performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Encouraging a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within engineering teams. |
Categories of Registration with the Board or Engineering.
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ID No. |
Category |
ID No. |
Category |
ID No. |
Category |
|
01 |
AERONAUTICAL |
08 |
GEOLOGICAL |
15 |
PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS |
|
02 |
AGRICULTURAL |
09 |
INDUSTRIAL |
16 |
PROJECT MANAGEMENT |
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03 |
CHEMICAL |
10 |
MARINE |
17 |
REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING |
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04 |
CIVIL |
11 |
MECHANICAL |
18 |
SANITARY |
|
05 |
COMMUNICATIONS |
12 |
METALLURGICAL |
19 |
STRUCTURAL |
|
06 |
ELECTRICAL |
13 |
MINING |
20 |
SPECIALIST ENGINEERING |
|
07 |
ELECTRONIC |
14 |
NUCLEAR |
21 |
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING |
Each Registrant is assigned a unique registration number comprised of five to six digits. The first two digits identify the Category of Registration while the other three or four digits constitute a chronological number assigned to the registrant at the time of Registration.
For example, the number 04-110, indicates that the Engineer is registered in the category of Civil Engineering and his chronological number at the time of registration is 110. Currently there are just over 1100 active registrants and the current chronological number of registrants, since the commencement of the registration process in October 1986, following the implementation of the Engineering Professions Act No. 34 of 1985, is just about 1800.
Category 20 (Specialist Engineering) is reserved for Registration of Engineers who have proven and evidential expertise in any specialised area of Engineering Practice and have applied to be so registered. Some of the current areas of such registration are Transportation, Geotechnical, Roads/Asphalt, Machinery Lubrication, Building Services, Hydraulic, Drainage, Renewable Energy and Safety among others.
Practice License Renewal Requirements
- Practice Licenses are renewed annually each Calendar year (valid from January to December)
- A late payment fee of 10% of outstanding License Fee is payable for each calendar year of non-payment of Annual License Fee.
- After 2-consecuitve years of non-renewal of License Fee, the name of the Engineer is removed from the Registrar of Engineers in the third year of non-payment of the Annual Practice Fees.
- The List of Registered Engineers as well as those whose Certificate of Registration has been suspended or cancelled is Gazetted annually. The listing in the Gazette of the information which is required to be published is admissible in any proceedings that a person is or is not registered as a registered engineer or has had his Certificate of Registration suspended or cancelled.
- There is a fee for reinstatement of an Engineer’s License.
- The Board proposes (2027 -2028) to implement a CPD regime which will require evidence of Continuing Professional Development as a prerequisite for the renewal of Annual Practice License. The CPD regime will be in keeping with the CPD Guidelines of the existing joint APETT/BOETT CPD Committee.
The Benefits of Registration
- Benefits to Practicing Engineers in Trinidad and Tobago
- BOETT Registration helps engineers establish themselves as the best industry professionals and leaders.
- Registration with the BOETT confirms one’s academic and professional qualifications and provides recognition of engineers who have demonstrated knowledge, experience and competency in a specific specialty area, bringing more value to employers, clients and the public.
- Professionally registered status shows employers and clients that an Engineer has and is committed to maintaining and enhancing the knowledge, skills and competence required to meet the engineering and technological needs of today.
- The prestige of the Registered Engineer title will improve one’s standing in the Engineering community and may lead to wider professional engagements or employment options, career progression and promotion.
- Benefits to Employers of Engineers and those who engage the services of Engineers
When an Employer or Client engages the services of a Board-Certified Engineer one can be assured of the following:
- That the Engineer is obliged to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to demonstrate professional competency, objectivity, confidentiality and ethicality.
- That the Credentials claimed by the Engineer are actually held
- That the Engineer has satisfied a rigorous assessment of his/her professional competency
- That the Engineer’s expertise in a specialty area is demonstrated and validated
- That the Engineer has demonstrated a level of competency and professional commitment
- That Board Certification is a benchmark through which Employers and Clients can have confidence and trust that an Engineer has met recognised professional standards in his/her profession
- That the Engineer is obliged to conform to a legislated Code of Ethics in his/her conduct with Employer and Clients and is prepared to be held accountable for any unethical practice.
- Benefits to the General Public
The general public ought to be aware of the following:
- Registration with the Board of Engineering is the only legislatively established professional certification for engineers practicing in Trinidad and Tobago
- If a member of the public engages the services of an engineer and is for any reason dissatisfied with any aspect of the performance of the services provided by that engineer, there is a recourse for redress through the BOETT if, and only if, that engineer is a Registered Engineer with the Board of Engineering.
- By engaging the services of a Board-Certified Engineer, the Public can have confidence and trust that such an Engineer is obliged to demonstrate professional competency, objectivity, confidentiality and ethicality in the performance of his/her services and in his/her interaction with the public.
- A list of Engineers who are registered with the Board of Engineering of Trinidad and Tobago can be found on the Board’s Website, boett.org as well as published annually in the Gazette.
How to Apply for Registration
Registration Application Forms, with relevant Guideline for Registration, are available on the BOETT Website- https://www.boett.org Don’t delay, get Registered today!