Query on Current Lead Time for CEng Application Assessments

Question

I have two mentees who are in the process of applying for CEng registration. They submitted their applications a couple of months ago, but the assessments have not yet been carried out. Could you please advise on the current lead time for CEng application assessments? Many Thanks.

Andy Millar · Answer

Hi GTB, 
 Very unfortunately as a long serving PRA (and very long serving Mentor) I do have to disagree: as the IET has itself acknowledged wait times this year have often been considerably longer than those which it has published as its target (I'll admit I can't find that target at this moment, if someone has it perhaps they could share it). The email you received in July was also sent to applicants who had applied many months before you, who had been getting naturally very concerned. 
 I am sure there are a lot of efforts at present to try to clear the backlog, it will be like a motorway blockage: a small initial delay can take a long time to clear the blocked back vehicles, which in turn block more behind them. So absolutely I am advising patience to my applicants who are currently waiting the various stages of assessment. But I do thoroughly understand the concern, as much as anything it's about keeping people informed. 
 There isn't much that applicants can do themselves to assist the situation, but as ever when this comes up I would strongly suggest to successful applicants that they consider assisting by becoming assessors / interviewers themselves - absolutely they are all volunteers, and we need more. 
 It's a shame as a couple of years ago most applications seemed to be going through much quicker than I'd ever known them, ironically I suspect largely thanks to Covid forcing a move to online meetings and reviews which actually sped up all the assessment stages. Hopefully these recent delays were just a blip. 
 Thanks, 
 Andy

GTB · Answer

Im not really sure as there have been numerous posts/threads on this subject, why applicants fail to read or let alone understand all the information thats readily availible about the application process and possible timescales! 
 Lots of info on IET website and forums explaining the process and of course that it is the good will and offering of their time that its a dedicated group of trained and competent assessors and interviewers that process the applications received in all their guises. 
 I dont know if this is a "Modern" thing of the world that we live in of people expecting an "Instant" service? Professional Registration and the application process is not like booking a taxi on Uber or ordering food on the many delivery app platforms from your local restaurant. 
 Read the Engineering Council documents, read UK-SPEC and you will see the quality processes and checks that need to be carried out, the IET is subject to scrutiny on the applications they process, also Im sure all applicants wish a fair, equal and professional process for their application and for the final decision to be based on the applicants competencies and the details in the evidence provided. 
 Something I should have done years ago, but only started last year and that was to make application to change from IEng to CEng. I spent some six months corresponding with my IET PRA whilst running my own business, also taking into the account the PRA had a full time job, issue was I have some 43 years working career in electrical engineering, so how to consolodate that into the application. I finally made my full application in early March 2025 and paid the fee. I received an acknowledgement email pretty much straight away indicating application would be checked over. In July received an email apologising for delay in processing applications, I didnt chase any progress, so the IET communicated with myself. Later in July received an email saying application now progressed to pre-assessmnet panel for their checks. Later in August received an email indicating pre-assessmnet panel now moved my application for professional interview and they will communicate in due course. 
 For myself the IET "System" is working and within the details that can be found on its media, I am in no rush as I know due dilligence is being carried out at each step. Maybe being in the later stages of my career and 43 years so far to make this application, then waiting three, six, months or even a year is not an issue for me. There is a saying "Good things come to those that wait" and I take professional registration as one of those. 
 Please consider the volunteers at the IET that carry out this valuable work on behalf of other members. Ironically Im an IET Volunteer for asessing EngTech and to let people know, I have just assessed/reviewed twelve applicants for award of EngTech, on average its one hour to professionally review each application and for myself to make my professional judgement against UK-SPEC, so twelve hours of my own time this week, in between my other business commitments. 
 All the Volunteers know somebody took time to make the application, we know how important the decison can be, but please just take some patience and consider the work that goes on that you dont see. Obviosuly certain engineering roles and specialities may take longer than others. But trust the system. If you are happy you made the application correctly then leave things to you hear about progress, I did. Sending lots of chase emails etc Im sure just takes up admin time that could be spent doing other valuable things. 
 Could the process be quicker? of course it would if a team of people were paid to do the work! but what impact does that then have on membersip fees etc. 
 So please be patient. 
 Reagrds GTB.

Query on Current Lead Time for CEng Application Assessments

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