Between 1999-2001, I completed a Trinidad and Tobago National Examinations Council (NEC) Technician Diploma. This is comparable to UK RQF Level 3. At no time was professional registration discussed during the programme. Probably because the Engineering Profession Act Chapter 90:01 laws of Trinidad and Tobago, has only one category of registration; namely, Registered Engineer (R.Eng). Candidates are expected to hold qualifications accredited for CEng, PE or PEng and four yours postgraduate experience. 

On the other hand, during my B.Tech degree programme between 2004-2008, accreditation, IET membership and professional registration were frequently discussed. However, I must admit the vast majority of my class; including myself, didn't quite grasp its importance. More so because professional registration isn't mandatory to practise engineering in Trinidad and Tobago. The military is once such organisation where I served 12-years as a commissioned engineering officer. Such organisations tend to have their own internal competence framework and training to support. Nevertheless, certain civilian jobs requires statutory approval; hence, a registered engineer must sign and stamp. These are typically in the construction sector, land valuation and surveying, and regulated industries such as utilities. 

I only became registered after leaving the military and taking an overseas assignment in the UK. This was after speaking with younger engineers with half my experience who were registered. My only regret is not doing it sooner. It MAY attract reciprocal registration and/or PE, PEng, CPEng licence attainment in other jurisdiction like Australia, Canada and USA in a couple of states.

Between 1999-2001, I completed a Trinidad and Tobago National Examinations Council (NEC) Technician Diploma. This is comparable to UK RQF Level 3. At no time was professional registration discussed during the programme. Probably because the Engineering Profession Act Chapter 90:01 laws of Trinidad and Tobago, has only one category of registration; namely, Registered Engineer (R.Eng). Candidates are expected to hold qualifications accredited for CEng, PE or PEng and four yours postgraduate experience. 

On the other hand, during my B.Tech degree programme between 2004-2008, accreditation, IET membership and professional registration were frequently discussed. However, I must admit the vast majority of my class; including myself, didn't quite grasp its importance. More so because professional registration isn't mandatory to practise engineering in Trinidad and Tobago. The military is once such organisation where I served 12-years as a commissioned engineering officer. Such organisations tend to have their own internal competence framework and training to support. Nevertheless, certain civilian jobs requires statutory approval; hence, a registered engineer must sign and stamp. These are typically in the construction sector, land valuation and surveying, and regulated industries such as utilities. 

I only became registered after leaving the military and taking an overseas assignment in the UK. This was after speaking with younger engineers with half my experience who were registered. My only regret is not doing it sooner. It MAY attract reciprocal registration and/or PE, PEng, CPEng licence attainment in other jurisdiction like Australia, Canada and USA in a couple of states.