Eng. Byron Fermin, BSc., MSc., MAPETT., R.Eng.
A Chat with Engineer Byron Fermin, who excelled in the BOETT Rigorous Oral Examination
The BOETT has recently streamlined the process of oral examination of Candidates for Registration with the BOETT. The scope and format of the oral examination is a forerunner to the eventuality of a written examination to be introduced by the BOETT, likely commencing in 2027. The first cohorts of the written exam will be engineering graduates from 2023, while the current registration process will continue to apply to graduates prior to 2023. The format of the proposed written examination is intended to evaluate the Candidate’s knowledge and competency in the application of engineering technology in his/her field of engineering practice. Candidates will also be required to demonstrate an understanding of engineering ethics and health and safety as a mandatory requirement as well as knowledge of engineering practice in optional areas of Communication and Teamwork, Finance and Economics in Construction, Contracts and Administration and the Role of Specifications, Testing and Inspection.
Engineer Byron Fermin is one of the first engineers to be orally examined in the new format and who performed exceedingly well, as reported by the Interview Panel. The interview which follows aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the engineer’s preparation, experiences, and professional growth resulting in an excellent performance in the BOETT Oral Examination for Registration. This is intended for the benefit of other young engineers who may be required to follow this part to Board Registration, until such time that a written exam is introduced.
Q1. You are currently a Registered Engineer in the field of Project Management but applied for a reclassification to the field of Civil Engineering. To obtain this reclassification, you were required to undergo an oral examination. For the benefit of others who may follow your path, can you describe your preparation process for the oral examination and what resources or preparation techniques you found most effective?
I found the preparation process to be relatively straightforward, which was a pleasant surprise. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience across various phases of project development, including conceptualization, design, contract management, and execution. This breadth of exposure allowed me to feel more confident and less overwhelmed during the preparation stage than I had anticipated. However, to ensure that I was aligned with the organization’s values and principles, I took the time to thoroughly review the BOETT’s Code of Ethics. Familiarizing myself with the ethical standards and guidelines of the Board was important, as it helped me understand the core ethical commitments of a professional engineer, ensuring that I could effectively represent the profession in all aspects of my work. Overall, this preparatory stage not only solidified my understanding but also reinforced my dedication to upholding ethical engineering practices.
Q2. What specific topics or areas did you focus on the most during your preparation, and why?
I dedicated a substantial amount of time to thoroughly reviewing the Engineering Code of Ethics, which serves as a fundamental guideline for professional conduct in the field of engineering. In my view, civil engineers hold a crucial responsibility that extends beyond merely serving their employers and ensuring public safety. They must also strive to uphold the integrity and ethical standards of the engineering profession as a whole. This responsibility encompasses a proactive approach to identifying and addressing any unethical or illegal behaviors exhibited by colleagues or industry peers. Civil engineers should be vigilant in recognizing actions that may undermine the trust placed in the profession. When such behaviors arise, it is imperative that engineers take appropriate measures to report these issues or intervene, thereby safeguarding the reputation of the engineering profession and protecting the interests of both their employers and society at large.
Q3. Can you walk us through the format of your oral examination and the types of questions or scenarios you were presented with?
The format of the oral examination was an interview type assessment in which I was asked a series of questions about my professional experience and given scenarios to respond to. Some of these questions focused on the primary responsibilities of a professional engineer, how health, safety, and environmental (HSE) issues are managed on the construction projects I am involved in, and the importance of effective communication while working with teams and interacting with various stakeholders.
Q4. What was the most challenging question or scenario you faced during the oral exam, and how did you handle it?
To be honest, I did not encounter any questions or scenarios that I would consider particularly challenging. In my view, any practicing engineer with a few years of experience would likely have the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate these situations effectively. They would be able to rely on their professional background, drawing upon the training and practical experience they have accumulated over the years. This foundation makes it easier to address such challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
Q5. Can you provide an example of a project or task where the skills and knowledge you demonstrated in the oral exam have been particularly beneficial?
One skill that has always been beneficial is the art of communication. You can be the best at what you do, but if you cannot articulate yourself effectively, the message you are trying to convey may be missed. I have witnessed firsthand how poor or ineffective communication can lead to issues on construction projects, resulting in cost overruns or delays in completion.
Q6. How do you apply some of the principles and standards you were tested on in the oral exam to your everyday engineering practices?
I would have to say that communication is the most challenging aspect of my job as a practicing engineer in the local construction industry. The hardest part is not necessarily designing structures, understanding contracts, or attending regular meetings; rather, it is effectively communicating with various stakeholders. Active listening is crucial, as it allows individuals to share their views and opinions on important matters, especially when working with a multidisciplinary group. Additionally, I often meet with residents to explain engineering principles, and it’s essential to do so without using technical jargon in order to simplify the message.
Q7. Can you discuss a time when you had to explain a complex engineering concept to a non-technical audience, and how did you ensure they understood?
This is a common issue we face in our line of work: case in point, explaining the concepts of a retaining structure to residents, Members of Parliament, or even utility agency employees. I find that simplifying the information with visual aids, such as drawings or sketches, is the most effective method. To ensure they understand, I encourage questions to assess their comprehension of the material.
Q8. What strategies do you use to effectively communicate technical information during meetings or presentations?
The use of visual aids is beneficial for conveying information during meetings or presentations. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” resonates with me. Visual aids can include pictures, drawings, or videos. When people can see what is being explained, they tend to appreciate the information more and remain more attentive.
A9. What did you find most rewarding about the experience of an oral examination of your engineering competency?
The most rewarding experience was the positive feedback I received from the interview panel. I felt that they recognized my competency in the field of civil engineering, and it brought me immense joy to know that senior members of the profession acknowledged my contributions to the practice of engineering.
Q10. What advice would you give to other engineers who may be required to demonstrate their engineering competency for the purpose of registration through an oral examination?
I would tell them not to feel intimidated by the process. Additionally, I would encourage them to draw upon their experiences in their respective fields, as experience is life’s greatest teacher. I would also recommend that they be honest in their responses and avoid distorting or altering facts when answering questions.
Q11. What are your long-term career goals, and how does having an engineer’s license help you achieve them?
One of my goals is to establish my own construction and consultancy firm. By obtaining my engineering license, I can confidently practice engineering in my private capacity. As we know, engineers are not permitted to affix their signatures to any plans or documents related to subjects in which they lack expertise. Therefore, it is crucial for me to be a registered engineer to ensure that the work I undertake in my private capacity adheres to the highest standards of competency and integrity.
Q12. How do you plan to continue developing your skills and knowledge to stay current in the engineering field?
I plan to enhance my skills and knowledge by reading more, watching videos on topics that align with my career, attending short courses and getting additional mentoring as I have been doing for my entire career. I believe strongly in continual professional development as it’s a structured approach that ensures ongoing learning and professional growth. As a start I intend to enroll in a PMP course. While I have experience in engineering practice, obtaining PMP certification will allow me to learn new skills and broaden my understanding of the field. Additionally, the Project Management Institute (PMI) encourages its members to stay updated with the latest industry changes and standards. Therefore, this will be my New Year’s resolution for 2025.