Asia - Registration and Licensing

In order to practise independently as a structural engineer in the PRC it is necessary to be a Registered Structural Engineer. Such registration can be achieved in only one of two ways:

1. By taking the examination of the National Administration Board of Engineering Registration (Structural) or NABER(S) of the PRC.
2. By being MIStructE or FIStructE and using the Mutual Recognition Agreement which IStructE has with NABER(S).

Moving on from one of those registration routes, when one design entity has four such Registered Structural Engineers working in its offices, then that organisation can obtain a Licence; it can then undertake structural designs without having to associate or collaborate with another Licensed office. IStructE's route, in association with NABER(S), is particularly attractive for internationally-based, non-PRC consultancies wishing to work in the country.

Hong Kong - the Special Administrative Region of the PRC

In order to practice as a professional engineer in Hong Kong an individual has to be a Registered Professional Engineer. In the case of structural engineering, such registration requires membership of the Structural Discipline of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) or of another "engineering body the membership of which is accepted by the Engineers Registration Board as being of a standard not less than that of a member of HKIE". Such membership of the HKIE Structural Discipline is generally achieved by being MIStructE or FIStructE, although a minority have direct entry through HKIE's own examination route. However, HKIE actually franchises the setting and the running of its examination to IStructE. Hence, the very small minority of structural engineers who are not MIStructE have still passed the same IStructE examination as all other IStructE members.

Furthermore, in order to practise as a structural engineer in the private sector, an individual has to be a Registered Structural Engineer which requires a Registered Professional Engineer (Structural Discipline) to be assessed by the Hong Kong Buildings Department (which is responsible for building control). Hence, the reality is that the vast majority of Registered Structural Engineers in Hong Kong are MIStructE or FIStructE and the very small minoritywho are not have qualified by passing the same IStructE examination.

Singapore

Legislation in Singapore requires certified engineers to be responsible for all three stages of the design and construction process (design of structures, checking of the design and supervising the work on site). IStructE's examination and its quality and standard is greatly respected. The Institution of Structural Engineers has a Joint Structural Division with the Institution of Engineers of Singapore, which can communicate with the PE Board in Singapore to the Board's recognition of chartered membership of IStructE. At present it is not entirely clear from the PE Board information whether or not a MIStructE or FIStructE professional can be registered as a PE (Structural) for structural works. In addition, Singapore Registered Professional Engineers have to be in possession of an annually-renewable Practising Certificate (obtained from the PE Board) to practise in Singapore.

Japan

The Japan Structural Consultants Association (JCSA)is not an official licensing body, but it is concerned about maintaining the quality of structural engineering undertaken by engineers registered as structural engineers. It therefore conducts its own registration exams, the content being somewhat similar to IStructE's Chartered Membership examination.

JCSA has an agreement with IStructE, and one of the key benefits of this agreement is the maintenance and improvement of international relations with mutually respected structural engineering bodies. JCSA also has similar agreements with other bodies including SEAOC in California, and with the People's Republic of China. IStructE is continuing to discuss and develop its agreement with JCSA and consideration of the need for licensing on an international basis is likely to feature as part of that process.