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"The Institution is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the people of Papua New Guinea by the responsible and creative application of engineering."

The Process

The general process for a knowledge assessment

1

IEPNG identifies applicants who need a knowledge assessment, and a knowledge assessor is appointed to the assessment panel — someone with a background in both engineering education and professional engineering in industry.

2

The knowledge assessor reads your paperwork to become familiar with your application.

3

You are contacted by the assessor — usually first by telephone, then by email. They introduce themselves and request any of the information below that wasn't already provided with your initial application (for example, on the CA03 form or as extra documentation).

4

Once the requested information has been supplied, a meeting is arranged between you and the knowledge assessor — face-to-face at your workplace where possible, though often carried out by telephone for practical reasons.

What You'll Be Asked For

Three categories of information

If not already covered in your initial application, the assessor will request information across these three areas.

Review of Study and Learning

  • Transcripts and grades for papers studied at school, college, polytechnic or university — in all areas, not just engineering
  • A few words on post-school papers/units taken, describing the subject material in more detail than a transcript provides
  • A note on major topics studied — through formal learning, CPD, or other learning in or outside of work
  • Notes on key new developments and critical issues in your practice field

Modelling and Application

  • Brief notes on key mathematical, physical or conceptual models you've used to predict engineering outcomes
  • A list of tools (especially software) you've used for analysis, simulation, visualisation, synthesis or design
  • Brief notes on your views of the accuracy and limitations of these tools, and how you know they give reliable, usable results

Handling Information & Experimental Methods

  • A list of laboratory procedures you're familiar with
  • Brief notes on the sources of research information you use at work, and your methods for drawing conclusions
  • Some experiments you've designed or conducted, including your assessment of experimental error
  • Any construction and testing of components or sub-systems you've carried out
Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledge Assessment FAQs

Every case is different, so there isn't a single profile. Some typical examples include:
  • People who completed Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord-recognised qualifications (or similar overseas qualifications) and worked for several years in organisations that value on-the-job learning and career development
  • Those with degrees in subjects allied to engineering, followed by further study in engineering (for example, at Masters level) or in other areas
  • Those who completed non-Washington Accord engineering degrees in PNG or overseas
Experience to date shows that most knowledge assessment applicants hold university qualifications — but in non-engineering disciplines, including architecture, chemistry, geography, geology, management, mathematics, physics, science and surveying. In reality, it isn't the profile that matters; it's the candidate's "quest for knowledge" and how they apply it.
This information helps build an educational profile of the candidate. In many cases, subjects studied at school are relevant to engineering — for example, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering drawing. By being asked for a complete list of subjects, candidates have also revealed relevant information not disclosed in their initial application to IEPNG. In one case, a successfully completed year of relevant university study came to light this way.
IEPNG's processes are competence-based, meaning assessment panels aren't there to "test" candidates or catch them out — they're there to gather sufficient valid and reliable evidence showing the candidate meets the elements of the competence standard. For the knowledge assessment, it helps if candidates provide as much of the requested information as possible.
Full Guidelines

Want the complete guidelines?

Download the official Knowledge Assessment Guidelines for the full detail behind the Competency Standard.

Knowledge Assessment Guidelines (PDF)