Who Can Register on the NER Australia List?

A friendly guide for engineers thinking about national registration

What Is the NER Australia List?

If you’re new to the term, NER Australia stands for the National Engineering Register.
It’s an official list run by Engineers Australia that recognises engineers who meet specific professional standards.

Being listed on the NER Register means you’ve proved you have:

✅ The right engineering qualifications
✅ Enough relevant work experience
✅ Commitment to professional ethics and safety
✅ Up-to-date skills through CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

In short, it’s national recognition that says: “This engineer meets Australian standards.”

Why Do Engineers Register on the NER Register?

I used to wonder if it was really needed. But being on the NER Australia list helps with:

Finding better job opportunities
Working on government or major infrastructure projects (many require NER registration)
Showing employers and clients that you’re qualified and credible
Making it easier to work across different Australian states

It doesn’t replace Chartered status—but it’s a powerful credential in its own right.

So, Who Can Register?

Here’s the honest answer: not every engineer automatically qualifies.
You need to meet a few key criteria.

✅ 1. You Must Be a Member of Engineers Australia

To apply, you must already be:

A full member (MIEAust)
Or a Chartered member (CPEng)

If you’re still a student or only have an Associate membership, you’ll need to upgrade first.

✅ 2. You Need the Right Qualification

Typically, you need:

An Australian engineering degree
Or an equivalent recognised overseas qualification assessed by Engineers Australia

This proves your technical knowledge meets the required level.

✅ 3. You Need Relevant Work Experience

NER Australia requires engineers to show:

Around five years of practical engineering work experience
With at least 12 months in Australia (or overseas experience that shows understanding of Australian standards, codes, and practices)

You’ll have to write about your work history and demonstrate how you applied engineering skills.

✅ 4. You Must Commit to Professional Standards

This means agreeing to:

Follow the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics
Do regular CPD (usually at least 150 hours over three years)

CPD shows you’re keeping your skills up to date—not just relying on what you learned years ago.

✅ 5. You Need Professional References

NER Australia asks you to nominate referees who know your work—usually managers or senior engineers.

They confirm that your work history and skills are genuine.

What If You’re an International Engineer?

Good news: you can still join the NER Register if:

Your overseas qualifications are assessed as equivalent by Engineers Australia
You can show relevant engineering experience (with proof like reference letters, contracts, project reports, etc.)
You demonstrate knowledge of Australian standards and codes

Some engineers also complete bridging courses or CPD in Australia to strengthen their application.

Disciplines on the NER Register

The NER Register isn’t just for civil engineers.
Engineers from these and other disciplines can apply:

Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Structural
Chemical
Environmental
IT and telecommunications
Biomedical
And more

If your work is genuinely engineering and fits the standards, you can apply.

Why It’s Worth Doing

When I first thought about applying, I hesitated because it seemed like extra paperwork. But after I did it, I realised:

Employers took my applications more seriously
I could bid for bigger projects that required NER registration
It gave me more confidence talking to clients, knowing my skills were nationally recognised

For me, it felt like turning my years of experience into an official credential.

Final Thoughts

So, who can register on the NER Australia list?

✅ Engineers with recognised qualifications
✅ Enough relevant work experience
✅ A commitment to ethics and ongoing learning
✅ Engineers Australia membership

If that sounds like you, it’s worth applying.

It’s not about adding a title for the sake of it—it’s about showing the industry, your employers, and even yourself that you meet a respected national standard.

And from someone who’s done it: yes, it’s worth it.