As Simon says, it is your decision as the PRA is only an advisor. However to first answer your question, the worst case scenario if you opt for CEng is that you are not there yet and are rejected where you would have achieved IEng, or alternatively you opt for IEng but you are actually ready for CEng and you therefore have to go through the process twice (you have to pay to application fees but more significantly have to do double the amount of work). Best case scenario is you are ready for CEng, apply and get registered.


As you can see from this, the most important thing to do is get a proper assessment of where you are so you know what you should be applying for. You need to have an honest discussion with your PRA to determine why he/she thinks IEng is appropriate and what the gaps with CEng are, following which you can make a plan on how to fill those gaps and you can decide when you will be ready to apply for CEng and whether to apply for IEng in the meantime.


It may be that you are ready for CEng already but the PRA has not seen all the evidence. If so, this should come out in your discussions. Remember that a PRA is only aware of what you tell him/her and provides advice based on that. However, the same is true of the decision made by the CEng interviewers so if you can't persuade your PRA, will you be able to make a case at interview?


Best wishes with whatever the outcome.

As Simon says, it is your decision as the PRA is only an advisor. However to first answer your question, the worst case scenario if you opt for CEng is that you are not there yet and are rejected where you would have achieved IEng, or alternatively you opt for IEng but you are actually ready for CEng and you therefore have to go through the process twice (you have to pay to application fees but more significantly have to do double the amount of work). Best case scenario is you are ready for CEng, apply and get registered.


As you can see from this, the most important thing to do is get a proper assessment of where you are so you know what you should be applying for. You need to have an honest discussion with your PRA to determine why he/she thinks IEng is appropriate and what the gaps with CEng are, following which you can make a plan on how to fill those gaps and you can decide when you will be ready to apply for CEng and whether to apply for IEng in the meantime.


It may be that you are ready for CEng already but the PRA has not seen all the evidence. If so, this should come out in your discussions. Remember that a PRA is only aware of what you tell him/her and provides advice based on that. However, the same is true of the decision made by the CEng interviewers so if you can't persuade your PRA, will you be able to make a case at interview?


Best wishes with whatever the outcome.