Registration With The Engineering Council Of South Africa (ECSA).
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(The information contained herein reflects the Chamber of Engineering Technology's opinion and is offered as an aid in the interests of promoting the engineering profession. Some of ECSA requirements are subject to review. When the Engineering Standards Generating Board is fully functional many requirements may be modified. The information supplied is not official ECSA policy or approved by ECSA. The Chamber’s disclaimer applies to any use of this information).
Background Information.
The following graphic is an illustration of the four different cadres of engineering.
Images are still to be updated!
Please note that this generic two-dimensional graphic is oversimplified otherwise the illustration would be too complex to present. In reality there are many axis of different criteria to the real picture. In some cases there may also be a degree of overlapping in areas of expertise. There may also be some grey areas and gaps between areas.
There are of course many branches of engineering of which the main disciplines are Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining and Metallurgy and Chemical. There are many sub disciplines or sub branches under each type. As an example under Electrical there are at least, Heavy Current, Light Current, Electronics, Communications, Computers etc.
Categories of Registration.
There are four (4) main categories of registered engineering persons in South Africa. They are:
1. Professional Engineer.
2. Professional Certificated Engineer.
3. Professional Engineering Technologist
4. Professional Engineering Technician
Benchmark Engineering Qualification for Registration.
The Professional Engineer has to prove that he has obtained at least a four (4) year University engineering degree ((BSc) in an ECSA accredited University degree programme plus three years of post graduate high level engineering experience and responsibility.
The Professional Certificated Engineer has to prove that he has obtained at least a National N Diploma (N6 level) from a recognised South African Technical College plus extra subjects such as Plant Engineering etc. leading to the awarding of the Government Certificate of Competency plus at least three years of appropriate post certificate experience before acceptance for registration. The requirements for registration in this category may be reviewed soon.
The Professional Engineering Technologist has to prove that he has at least obtained a four (4) year Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) in an ECSA accredited degree programme offered by Technikons in South Africa together with three years of acceptable experience of which at least one is in a position of engineering responsibility.
The Professional Engineering Technician has to prove that he has at least obtained a three (3) year National Diploma (S4 level) in an ECSA accredited diploma programme together with three years of acceptable post diploma approved training and experience as well as at least one year of acceptable engineering responsibility.
The old category of Registered Engineering Technician has been closed and no new registrations in this category will be accepted.
A further sub category of the Engineering Technician that of Specified Scope was introduced by ECSA to provide for persons who are engaged in a specific occupation which requires compulsory registration (by law) but who are not fully qualified and or experienced enough for registration in one of the four main categories. At present their are only two such categories. They are “Lift Inspector” and "Lifting Machinery Inspector." These are now utonomous categories of registration under the provisions of the Engineering Professions Act 2000 under Specified Categories. Others in fields, which are concerned with public health and safety, may follow in the future.
At present persons to be registered in the “Specified Category” have to provide appropriate documented proof of qualifications and experience (scope, depth and duration) in the relevant specific occupation / field of engineering and thus prove that they are functioning at the level correct level. It is possible that such persons may have or be required to have a greater depth of specific knowledge than the normally registered Technician. However, such persons are not required to have the breadth of knowledge and variety of experience of the Professional Engineering Technician.
Persons applying for registration in the Specified Category may have come from the Artisan route and may be required to attend specified courses and pass examinations relevant thereto in order to be considered for registration. These will usually be applicable where public health and safety is involved and definitely where compulsory registration is required.
Artisan / Craftsman. This category is not currently able to register with ECSA.
An Artisan has to prove the successful completion of:
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a legally recognised apprenticeship or learnership
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prescribed practical training
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prescribed qualifications of N2 or higher by a Technical College
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a trade test
Job Availability.
The country’s requirements and thus the probable numbers of jobs available are in the following order of priority:
Images are still to be updated!
# Engineers
### Technologists
##### Technicians
####### Artisans / Specified scope
A Generic Description of A Professional Engineering Technician
The knowledge and skills are typically acquired through an ECSA accredited Higher Education (tertiary) programme in engineering. This qualification is currently a National Diploma. In addition, on registration, the candidate will typically have demonstrated three (3) years of acceptable post diploma work and professional development. Theoretical content of the programme includes underpinning mathematics, science, core engineering subjects (modules), computer application, communication and branch specific (engineering) subjects. Programme comprises a balanced integration between theory, laboratory, project and practical activities. Cross-field outcomes include environmental, social, management, economical and entrepreneurial skills.
Autonomy and competence enable evaluation, consultation, implementation and taking professional responsibility for work.
This work includes the implementation of known and novel technology in a specific discipline, sub-discipline or a combination of disciplines, in an innovative manner, drawing on a broad base of expertise.
The candidate performs a variety of functions, including but not limited to:
Design, draughting, installation, calibration, commissioning
Operational management, maintenance, modification, development
Monitoring, manufacturing, economics, management of resources
(The number and the ratio of these functions practiced are determined by the discipline and the work environment.)
Problems and scope of work are generally well defined.
Usually operates within standards, codes and procedures.
Understands fundamental principles and underlying techniques. Is competent to do calculations using mathematical formulas.
Through understanding of the equipment and processes used contributes to technical, financial, managerial and legal aspects of teams/projects.
Applies legislation, demonstrates quality management and technical skills, supervises and co-ordinates work.
May work as a team member, team leader or independently.
Seeks assistance as required, and judges when to refer problems to relevant persons.
Results of work are evaluated by the incumbent, supervisor and/or client.
Communicates effectively. Facilitates education, training and development. Mentors and coaches sub-ordinates.
Partakes in continuous professional development.
Alternate Routes To Registration as a Professional Engineering Technician.
While the benchmark requirement for a registered engineering technician is the National Diploma plus 3 years of acceptable post diploma experience, candidates with other qualifications may be accredited if the candidate can prove that the candidates theoretical and practical knowledge, experience and responsibilities have been at a similar acceptable level to the bench mark criteria for an extended period.
The alternate route period of acceptable experience is longer than the bench mark route. This is to allow time for on the job learning, which may also be, unstructured and development of both theoretical and practical knowledge. No alternate route is a short cut to the benchmark route. For example the National Diploma (3 years) plus 3 years post diploma experience totals 6 years of post Matric development.
With only a Matric, a number of years of development and experience are required which totals at least 8 years post Matric development. This is shown graphically below.
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Normal Route Candidates |
Alternate Route Candidates |
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Matric Level, with Science and Maths Higher Grade |
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The professional engineering technician is expected to be a mature knowledgeable and experienced practitioner. The candidate is expected to have a broad range of theoretical / academic knowledge of engineering principles etc. before any specialisation may take place. A candidate with only a narrow specialisation expertise would probably not be successful if moved to a different type of work within his discipline because he lacks the required foundation of knowledge of the discipline.
With the above information in mind and using the ECSA Policy R1/1 document as a guideline our evaluation Matrix for technicians was developed. This can be used to evaluate yourself but you have to attempt to be impartial and very strict to obtain a useful answer. The answers can often be used to identify weak areas, which then can be improved.
Evaluation Matrix for Professional Engineering Technician.
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Qualification Expected |
N5 |
N6 |
Nat Tech Dip |
Nat Dip |
Nat High Dip |
B Tech |
Index showing location of supporting evidence |
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Approx. Notational Hours |
720 |
1060 |
1080 / 1440 |
1920 |
2560 / 2900 |
3100 |
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Qualification Obtained |
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Criteria |
Nil, Never, |
Very Low, Seldom, Limited, Basic |
Low, Occasionally, Routine, Slightly Complex. |
Average, Complex Satisfactory ,Often |
High, Very Often, Above Average, Very Complex |
Very High, Very Often, Highly Complex, Outstanding |
Notes |
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Post Qualification Training (Formal) |
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On Going Courses (In house, informal) |
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Design, Initiates Modifications |
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Calculations |
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Research & Development |
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Installation / Construction |
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Commissioning |
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Measurement & Testing |
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Production / Manufacturing |
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Maintenance / Repair |
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