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 recognized authorities as the Engineering Council of the United Kingdom 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
1. The first prerequisite is graduation from an approved Engineering Programme. The academic requirements are also satisfied by success in the UK Engineering Council exams, (BSc equivalent) and the Postgraduate Diploma (MSc equivalent).
2. If graduated after 2009, a further requirement is that of evidence of further learning which should be equivalent to a MSc. Degree. Although a MSc. Degree is a sure route, it is not necessarily the only route once there is equivalency in the number of Credits (42) otherwise acquired. This number of credits (42) is equivalent to 546 contact hours of further learning via courses, seminars, etc. pursued online or in-person and offered by recognized CPD course providers.
3. The Engineer can only apply for Registration after no less than 4 years in engineering training/practice after he/she graduates.
4. Once the above 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, www.boett.org.
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, scrutinizes, 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 make recommendations to the Board with regard to the area of competency in which the applicant can be registered.
The registration process is two-fold.
1. First the application has to meet the requirements and approval of the Accreditation Committee.
2. 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.
Professional Engineer Candidate Interview
Where the Board recommends that a Candidate for Registration be further assessed by way of an oral interview, such interview shall be on general questions as to his/her experience and Training and roles and responsibilities on past work positions. 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 (For Project Management Candidates Only)
- Knowledge and application of Engineering Principles (All Engineering Disciplines and specialities).
- Professionalism and ethics – The BOETT Code of Ethics can be viewed on the BOETT Website.
- Health, Safety and Environment considerations.
- Communication and Teamwork.
- Finance and Economics in Construction
- Contracts and Administration.
- The role of Specifications, Testing and Inspection.
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 experience and competency in at least 60% of the listed Categories and in-dept competency in at least four (4) of the listed Categories.
| 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. Utilizing project management software tools for efficient task allocation and progress tracking. |
| Design and Analysis | Conducting engineering analyses such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, chemical/process or in 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 optimization. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Problems-solving and Innovation | Identifying and resolving technical challenges encountered during engineering projects. Proposing innovative solutions to optimize 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.
| ID No. | Category | ID No. | Category | ID No. | Category |
| 01 | AERONAUTICAL | 08 | GEOLOGICAL | 15 | PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS |
| 02 | AGRICULTURAL | 09 | INDUSTRIAL | 16 | PROJECT MANAGEMENT |
| 03 | CHEMICAL | 10 | MARINE | 17 | REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING |
| 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 after 38 years of registration is just about 1800.
Category 20 (Specialist Engineering) is reserved for Registration of Engineers who have proven and evidential expertise in any specialized 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 among others.
Licensing Requirements
- Practice License 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 3-consecuitve years of non-renewal of License Fee, the name of the Engineer is removed from the Registrar of Engineers. The List of Registered Engineers as well as those who have been deregistered is Gazetted annually (This is a Legal requirement of the Engineering Profession Act)
- There is a fee for reinstatement of Engineer’s License
Licensing Fees (currently in effect)
- Application Fee – TT$200.00
- Registration Fee – TT$850.00 or TT$1,200.00 (based on the registrant’s choice of a traditional or self-inking Stamp)
- Licensing Fees
- Members of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago – APETT – TT$700.00 (Annually)
- Non-Members of APETT – TT$825.00 (Annually)
- Late Payment of Practice License Fee – 10% of the outstanding Fees
- Fee for Reinstatement of Registration – TT$500.00
The Benefits of Registration
- 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 your 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 you have and are committed to maintaining and enhancing the knowledge, skills and competence required to meet the engineering and technological needs of today.
- The prestige of your title will improve your CV and may lead to wider professional engagements or employment options, career progression and promotion.
- 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 you can be assured of the following:
- 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 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.
- That the Engineer is obliged to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to demonstrate professional competency, objectivity, confidentiality and ethicality.
- 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 who engages the services of an engineer is for any reason dissatisfied with any aspect of the performance of the services provided by that engineer, then 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 can be found on the Board’s Website, www.boett.org as well as published annually in the Gazette
How to Apply for Registration
Registration Application Forms, with relevant guideline information, are available on the BOETT Website- https://www.boett.org Don’t delay, get Registered today!