Stage 1 Competency Assessment for Professional Engineer
Engineers Australia (EA) requires engineers to demonstrate Stage 1 competency to be eligible for membership. This includes thoroughly understanding the body of engineering knowledge relevant to one’s occupational category and applying this knowledge to typical problems and situations. Engineers can demonstrate this competency through an accredited engineering qualification or by preparing a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR). So here is your Stage 1 Competency Assessment for professional Engineers.
Stage 1 Competency Assessment

Stage 1 Competency Assessment is the foundational level of competence needed to join the engineering profession as a certified member. It denotes the readiness required to enter professional engineering practice, where graduates start their careers under experienced engineers, gaining practical experience. Engineers Australia suggests participating in professional development programs to develop competencies for Stage 2 assessment and achieving the Chartered Professional Engineer designation.
To meet Stage 1 Competency, you should have a solid grasp of relevant engineering knowledge for your professional designation (Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist, or Engineering Associate) and apply this knowledge to address typical responsibilities in your field. It also involves possessing the necessary skills and attributes to perform effectively as professional and intellectual capabilities for continuous learning through formal and informal means. Stage 1 competency reflects a blend of skills and professional attributes evaluated as capabilities.
EA has established three competencies that makeup Stage 1
The Stage 1 Competency Assessment Breakdown is as follows:
Competency | Description |
Knowledge Base | Assesses an engineer’s understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts, and theories relevant to their occupational category and their ability to use this knowledge to solve problems and analyze information. |
Engineering Ability | Assesses an engineer’s ability to apply their knowledge base to engineering problems and situations, including the ability to design, develop, and evaluate solutions and use engineering tools, techniques, and equipment. |
Professional Attributes | Assesses an engineer’s professionalism, including their ability to communicate effectively, work in a team, manage projects, and comply with professional and ethical standards. |
To demonstrate competency through a CDR, engineers must provide three Career Episodes and a Summary Statement outlining their engineering experience and how it relates to the three competencies. Engineers must also give a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) document outlining their ongoing professional development activities.
Engineers who have not worked on three technical projects that can be used to develop the Career Episodes and Summary Statement for the CDR, CDRAustraliaWriter can assist with preparing the CDR. We have experienced engineers who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Document Required for Stage 1 Competency Assessment
When preparing your documents for the Stage 1 Competency Assessment, please ensure the following:
- File Format: Preferably PDF.
- Scanned Documents: Should be clear, in color, and have a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
- File Size: Each file should be less than 5 MB (maximum 10 MB).
You need to upload the following documents:
- Passport size photograph
- Photo Identification
- Verified Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Evidence of your English language competency
- Documentation of all your qualifications: Provide official documents verifying your engineering qualifications.
- Three career episode reports: Prepare and submit three career episode reports showcasing your engineering experiences.
- The Summary Statement: Include a summary statement summarizing how your career episodes illustrate the necessary competencies. Ensure all information is accurate and documents are presented clearly.
English Language Competency
To prove English language proficiency, you need:
Modules | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
Listening | 6 | 12 | 50 |
Reading | 6 | 13 | 50 |
Writing | 6 | 21 | 50 |
Speaking | 6 | 18 | 50 |
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in General Training or Academic modules.
- TOEFL: Minimum scores of 18 in speaking, 12 in listening, 13 in reading, and 21 in writing.
- Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing modules.
Elements of EA Stage 1 Competency
Knowledge and Skill Base
- A comprehensive, theoretically based understanding of the underlying physical and natural sciences and engineering fundamentals that are applicable in engineering.
- Conceptual understanding of mathematicians, numerical analysis statistics, and information and computer sciences that support the engineering discipline.
- A thorough understanding of the specific bodies of knowledge in the engineering field. Development of knowledge and research direction for the discipline of engineering.
- Understanding the practice of engineering design and the contextual factors that impact the engineering discipline.
- Understanding of the nature, rules of norms, standards, accountability, and limitations of sustainable engineering practices in the particular discipline.
Engineering Application Ability
- Implementation of well-established engineering practices to tackle engineering issues that require complex solutions.
- Effective use of tools, techniques, and other resources.
- The application of the systematic design and engineering methods.
- Implementation of systematic methods for the management and conduct of projects in engineering.
Professional And Personal Attributes
- Professional accountability and ethical conduct.
- Effective communication in writing and oral both in the professional and lay realms.
- Proactive, creative, and innovative manner of speaking.
- Professional use and administration of information.
- Self-control, orderly conduct, and professional behavior.
- Team members who are effective and have the right skills and ledership.
Engineers Australia 16 competencies
Engineers Australia, the professional body representing engineers in Australia, has defined sixteen key competencies that engineers must show throughout their careers. These skills are broadly classified into three stages:
- Stage 1 for those who just completed their studies or are at the beginning of their career
- Stage 2 for those who have more experience,
- Stage 3 is for those people who have extensive experience and responsibility.
They are listed as follows:
Stage 1 Competencies:
- Knowledge and Skill Base
- Engineering Application Ability
- Professional and Personal Attributes
Stage 2 Competencies:
- Application of Advanced Engineering Knowledge
- Leadership and Management
- Professional and Personal Attributes
Stage 3 Competencies:
- Solution Development
- Professional and Personal Attributes
- Technical Proficiency
- Independent Judgment and Responsibility
Common Competencies across all Stages:
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Dealing with Ambiguity and Uncertainty
- Sustainable Practice
- Problem-Solving
- Initiative and Entrepreneurship
- Continuous Learning and Professional Development
These competencies are vital for engineers to excel in their careers and significantly contribute to their profession and industries.
Some important things to consider
- Stage 1 competency is a requirement for engineers to be eligible for membership with Engineers Australia (EA)
- Engineers can demonstrate competency through an accredited engineering qualification or by preparing a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)
- EA has established three competencies that make Stage 1: Knowledge Base, Engineering Ability, and Professional Attributes
- To demonstrate competency through a CDR, engineers must provide three Career Episodes, a Summary Statement, and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) document
- Engineers who have not worked on three technical projects that can be used to develop the Career Episodes and Summary Statement for the CDR, CDRAustraliaWriter can assist with the preparation of the CDR
How can CDRAustraliaWriter help you write an effective summary statement?
We understand the customer’s needs and strive to fulfill them with the utmost importance, carefully drafting their application, resume writing, RPL reports, and CDR reports. CDRAustraliaWriter is the top choice for CDR services because our team of professional CDR writers is well-versed in the specific requirements for ANZSCO Codes, and we can guide engineers in crafting an impressive report that meets Engineers Australia standards. We excel in providing 100% unique MSA material that adheres strictly to MSA standards.
Our team of experts is highly experienced and knowledgeable in the technical aspects of writing a CDR report, ensuring that it meets the stringent requirements of Engineers Australia.
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It is a collection of specific papers used by Engineers Australia to evaluate an engineer’s competency in engineering skills and knowledge, management, communication, and leadership.
A draft copy is initially submitted to the customer for evaluation and approval. Following full payment, clients can access the final report.
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