✅ Step 1: Register as a Candidate Engineer (Year 0)

• Action: Apply to ECSA immediately after completing an accredited BEng/BSc (Eng) degree.
• Documents: Qualification certificates, ID, proof of SAQA recognition (if foreign).
• RSA Example: A civil engineering graduate from Wits registers as a Candidate Engineer to begin supervised workplace training.

✅ Step 2: Secure a Mentor (Year 0–1)

• Action: Work under a registered Pr Eng who can guide your development.
• Tip: Use SAICE, CESA, or employer programs to find mentors.
• RSA Example: A mechanical engineer in Sasol secures a mentor to oversee competency development in plant design.

✅ Step 3: Structured Workplace Training (Years 1–3)

• Action: Gain practical experience aligned with ECSA’s 11 competency outcomes.
• Focus Areas:
  • Problem-solving and design.
  • Risk and safety management.
  • Communication and ethics.
• RSA Example: An electrical engineer at Eskom documents renewable energy projects to demonstrate design and risk management competence.

✅ Step 4: Keep Detailed Records (Years 1–3)

• Action: Maintain a portfolio of evidence (PoE) with project reports, drawings, and mentor feedback.
• Tip: Use ECSA’s online Self-Service Portal to track progress.
• RSA Example: A mining engineer logs blasting operations and safety audits in line with MQA-linked standards.

✅ Step 5: Submit Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) Reports (Yearly)

• Action: Collaborate with HR to ensure training aligns with SETA requirements.
• RSA Example: A logistics engineer submits annual ATRs to TETA, ensuring compliance and funding access.

✅ Step 6: Apply for Professional Review (Year 3–5)

• Action: Once competencies are met, submit your application for Pr Eng status.
• Documents: Portfolio of evidence, mentor endorsements, training reports.
• RSA Example: A structural engineer applies for Pr Eng after leading bridge design projects in Gauteng.

✅ Step 7: Attend Peer Review Interview (Year 3–5)

• Action: Present your portfolio to ECSA assessors.
• Focus: Demonstrate technical competence, ethical responsibility, and communication skills.
• RSA Example: A chemical engineer explains process safety improvements during the peer review.

✅ Step 8: Achieve Pr Eng Registration (Year 4–5)

• Outcome: Successful candidates earn the Pr Eng designation.
• Benefits:
  • Legal authority to sign off engineering work.
  • Recognition in RSA and internationally.
  • Career advancement into senior roles.
• RSA Example: A Pr Eng in construction leads compliance on national infrastructure projects under the National Building Regulations.

✅ Step 9: Maintain Registration (Ongoing)

• Action: Complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities annually.
• RSA Example: An engineer attends SAICE seminars and submits CPD credits to ECSA to retain registration.