FACT SHEET
Engineer Information
Engineers play a key role in maintaining and
improving the standard of buildings. They
can work with mechanical and electronic
systems, structural and fire safety issues.
They help protect the safety and health of
people in buildings, promote cost effective
construction and resolve environmental and
energy issues.
There are four classes of Engineer in which
you can apply to register:
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Civil Engineer - Structural Designs
Mechanical Engineer - Hydraulics Designs
Electrical Engineer
Fire Safety Engineer
Responsible for the design of electrical,
electronic, communication and computer
systems. Expertise in safe and efficient power
generation, transmission, distribution and
utilisation.
Fire Safety Engineer (EF)
Expertise in fire prevention, risk assessment and
control of potential damage by designing and
installing effective monitors, alarms, sprinklers
and other protection systems.
APPLICANT PROFILE IN BRIEF
Only engineers who are engaged in the building
industry are required to be registered.
Civil Engineer (EC) - Structural
Designs, constructs and assesses all kinds of
infrastructure works and services such as water,
sewerage, transport and urban development
together with building and construction.
Mechanical Engineer (EM) Hydraulics
Designs, installs, tests and manages operations of
all types of machines, mechanical systems,
automated systems and robotic devices. In the
building industry Mechanical Engineers are often
involved with thermal and environmental control
systems.
Qualifications
You will need a University Degree in Engineering
or another qualification that the Victorian
Building Authority (VBA) regards as equivalent,
or a current certificate of registration from the
National Professional Engineers Register (NPER).
Knowledge
You will understand laws relating to the building
industry and be familiar with current engineering
practices in your specific field.
Electrical Engineer (EE)
© State of Victoria, Victorian Building Authority 2016 (Published September 2016)
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FACT SHEET
Experience
If NPER registration is not held, at least three
years of practical experience to the
satisfaction of the VBA is required.
with any further certificate, authority,
experience or examination equivalent to
a prescribed qualification.
Mechanical Engineer (EM) Hydraulics
• University Degree in Mechanical
Engineering AND
Engineer – Registration
Requirements
Take a look at each area in detail. Ask
yourself which areas meet your current
level of knowledge and experience. Are
there areas that you could improve? Do
you have some relevant experience that you
could highlight on your application?
Qualifications
Civil Engineer (EC) - Structural
• Three years of practical experience to the
satisfaction of the VBA OR
• Current certificate of registration as a
mechanical Engineer on the National
Professional Engineers Register (NPER)
OR
• Holds a qualification that the VBA
considers is, either alone or together
with any further certificate, authority,
experience or examination equivalent to
a prescribed qualification.
Electrical Engineer (EE)
• University Degree in Electrical
Engineering AND
• University Degree in Civil Engineering
AND
• Three years of practical experience to the
satisfaction of the VBA OR
• Three years of practical experience to the
satisfaction of the VBA OR
• Current certificate of registration as an
Electrical Engineer on the National
Professional Engineers Register (NPER)
OR
• Current certificate of registration as a
Civil Engineer on the National
Professional Engineers Register (NPER)
OR
• Holds a qualification that the VBA
considers is, either alone or together
• Holds a qualification that the VBA
considers is, either alone or together
with any further certificate, authority,
experience or examination equivalent to
a prescribed qualification.
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FACT SHEET
Fire Safety Engineer (EF)
• Contracts, documentation and reporting
• University Degree in Fire Safety
Engineering AND
• Construction materials, methods and
technology
• Three years of practical experience to the
satisfaction of the VBA OR
• Estimation and measurement methods
• Current certificate of registration as a Fire
Safety Engineer on the National
Professional Engineers Register (NPER)
OR
• Concrete practice
• Holds a qualification that the VBA
considers is, either alone or together
with any further certificate, authority,
experience or examination equivalent to
a prescribed qualification.
Knowledge
• Temporary works methods and design
• Planning techniques
• Site analysis and preparation.
Mechanical Engineer (EM) Hydraulics
• Mechanical Engineering principles and
techniques
• Safety aspects of design and/or
operations of machines, plant systems
and processes
• Estimation and measurement methods
Applicants for all categories will need to
demonstrate knowledge of the current
legislation:
• Building Act 1993
• Building Regulations 2006
• National Construction Code Series
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
• Relevant Australian and International
Standards
Below are additional requirements for each class:
Civil Engineer (EC) - Structural
• Erosion and drainage systems.
Electrical Engineer (EE)
• Safety and electrical installation design in
buildings
• Interpretation of schematic designs and
symbols.
Fire Safety Engineer (EF)
• Fire science (fire and smoke chemistry
and dynamics)
• Fire Protection Engineering (active and
passive) and fire prevention research
• Structural design of buildings
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FACT SHEET
• Fire risk assessment and fire investigation
• Smoke control
• Fire insurance
• Interaction between fire and people.
Experience
Electrical Engineer (EE)
• Designing electrical services in buildings
— switchboards, lighting and power
installations, wiring, computer systems,
communication systems.
Fire Safety Engineer (EF)
Working as an Engineer, you are expected to
have experience in performing certain tasks.
• Designing fire safety systems in buildings,
in accordance with the requirements of
the National Construction Code.
Below are specific list for each category:
• Fire safety management in buildings.
Civil Engineer (EC) - Structural
• Design and documentation
• Site analysis and preparation of structural
and storm-water flow computations
NOTE: Applicants must have worked full time for
the prescribed period of time (or its part-time
equivalent) in the full scope of work covered by
the registration applied for.
• Supervising and inspecting public,
commercial, residential and industrial
buildings and civil works.
Mechanical Engineer (EM) Hydraulics
• Designing hydraulics, smoke exhaust
systems, fire services, sprinkler systems,
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
systems, lift services, air services and
vertical transport systems.
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