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UK STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING COMPETENCE Download a full copy of UK-SPEC
Download UK-SPEC Guideline Notes
UK-SPEC is used to assess engineers coming forward for professional registration across all disciplines. The professional competence framework of UK-SPEC is broad to allow it to cover all areas of engineering. For engineers seeking registration with the IMechE, a strong mechanical engineering bias is required. Background In December 2003, the Engineering Council (UK) published the new standard (UK-SPEC) for professional engineers (CEng and IEng) and engineering technicians, replacing SARTOR. Further details may be found on their website http://www.engc.org.uk/UKSPEC/default.aspx Implementation takes place with effect from 1 March 2004. General remit UK-SPEC is issued by the Engineering Council (UK) to set out the standards and requirements for Registration as a Chartered Engineer or an Incorporated Engineer. Under the terms of UK-SPEC, applicants must demonstrate the competence and commitment appropriate to the type of registration sought. Competence and commitment will be developed through a combination of: - underpinning knowledge and understanding, generally acquired through educational programmes; and
- professional development and experience.
UK-SPEC and MPDS All graduates on MPDS work towards the UK-SPEC competences and should be able to see a clear development of each competence over their four years on the scheme. The difference between an objective and competence should be made clear. Whereas an objective is achieved once, all competence areas of UK-SPEC will be demonstrated by engineers at all stages of professional development. It is the level of that competence which will be gradually improved every time that competence is addressed, until the developing engineer is operating at the level of an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, and applies for professional registration. The mentor will assess how the developing engineer progresses in terms of the competence framework, and the peer review panel will also assess against the framework when reviewing reports and at interview. Undergraduate students use Training Objectives in place of UK-SPEC for the initial year of development because they are unlikely to see a progression against UK-SPEC during a short placement. The Standard Full details of each competence area are to found in our UK-SPEC document. Below is a summary. Chartered Engineers must be competent by virtue of their initial formation and throughout their working life, to:
A |
Use a combination of general and specialist mechanical engineering knowledge and understanding to optimise the application of existing and emerging technology |
B |
Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems |
C |
Provide technical and commercial leadership |
D |
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills |
E |
Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment | Incorporated Engineers must be competent by virtue of their initial formation and throughout their working life, to:
A |
Use a combination of general and specialist mechanical engineering knowledge and understanding to apply existing and emerging technology |
B |
Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to design, develop, manufacture, construct, commission, operate and maintain products, equipment processes, systems and services |
C |
Provide technical and commercial management |
D |
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills |
E |
Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment | Scoring It essential that those who carry out the assessment process have adequate knowledge and understanding in the discipline being assessed and a good understanding of the assessment process to remove the subjectivity out of scoring competence. Please refer to the e-MPDS user guides when reviewing and scoring reports The key features include planning the assessment process, collecting evidence and comparing that evidence with the standard. The next phase involves making the assessment decision and giving feedback. Lastly, completing the assessment records ends the process. Scoring guidance for those attaining CEng: Level 1 = Performs the activity with significant supervision and guidance; performs basic routine and predictable tasks; little or no individual responsibility. (This level of competence would not normally be sufficient for election to Membership) Level 2 = Performs the activity in a range of contexts; supervision only required in more complex circumstances; some individual responsibility or autonomy. (This indicates a minimum level of competence for election to Membership, which should be supplemented, by higher levels of competence in the areas most relevant to the field of engineering in which the applicant is employed).
Level 3 = Performs the activity in some complex and non-routine contexts; significant responsibility and autonomy; can oversee the work of others. (This indicates a normal level of competence for election to Membership).
Level 4 = Performs the activity in a wide range of complex and non-routine contexts; substantial personal autonomy; can develop others in the activity. (This indicates a high level of competence and suitability for election to Membership and possibly Fellowship) e-MPDS also provides the following scoring options for use when scoring evidence: 0 - which indicates the competence is not relevant to the evidence being scored *blank* (x appears on the checksheet) - which indicates the competence was addressed but has not been scored.
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