2016-Jun 03: Engineering and Engineering Technology qualifications – Washington Accord and Sydney Accord information

Visa Pak 262 - Clarification about how to assess whether a qualification is accredited under the Washington Accord for engineering qualifications or Sydney Accord for engineering technology qualifications.

Visa Paks

3 June 2016

Engineering and Engineering Technology qualifications – Washington Accord and Sydney Accord information

In previous advice (8 April 2016) we provided brief information on how the requirements for engineering and engineering technology qualifications on the Essential Skills in Demand lists could be met under the Washington and Sydney Accords.

Information has now been provided by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) on how to assess whether a qualification is accredited under the Washington Accord for engineering qualifications or Sydney Accord for engineering technology qualifications. The instructions from NZQA are what they believe to be the easiest route to the information required.

The Washington Accord covers professional engineering undergraduate degrees. Postgraduate level programs are not covered. Therefore, the qualification must be the applicant’s initial or first qualification in the field at an undergraduate level. See www.ieagreements.org/accords/washington for more information.

Flowing from the Washington Accord, a similar Agreement was developed for Engineering Technologists. The Sydney Accord was signed in 2001 and covers Engineering Technology qualifications. This operates in the same way as the Washington Accord. See www.ieagreements.org/Sydney/ for more information on the Sydney Accord.

If in doubt about any of the qualifications listed under the Accords, please refer to the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand directly.

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