The three engineering accords are the Dublin Accord, the Sydney Accord, and the Washington Accord. These accords are international agreements that outline the standards for the accreditation of engineering education programs in different countries. The purpose of these accords is to ensure that graduates of accredited programs have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice engineering or related fields. Many EIT’s programs are either fully or provisionally recognized by Engineers Australia and recognized by a number of international professional organizations and societies through the engineering accords.
In general, accreditation under any of the three accords can enhance an engineer’s career opportunities and mobility, as they can gain recognition and registration in signatory countries, allowing them to work in a wider range of locations and industries.
The Dublin Accord was established in 2002 and focuses on the accreditation of engineering technician education programs. An engineering technician under the Dublin Accord is someone who has completed a 2-year diploma or associate degree program in engineering technology.
The Sydney Accord was established in 2001 and focuses on the accreditation of engineering technologist education programs. An engineering technologist under the Sydney Accord is someone who has completed a 3-year advanced diploma or a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in engineering technology.
The Washington Accord was established in 1989 and focuses on the accreditation of professional engineering education programs. A professional engineer under the Washington Accord is someone who has completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in engineering from an accredited program.
Each of these accords has its own set of criteria for accreditation and its own list of signatory countries. Graduates of accredited programs under these accords are eligible for professional recognition and registration in signatory countries, which can enhance their career opportunities and mobility. The three accords work together to promote the mobility of engineering professionals across international borders and to ensure that engineering education programs meet global standards.
An engineering technician under the Dublin Accord is someone who has completed a 2-year diploma or associate degree program in engineering technology. They have a shorter educational program and may be involved in more practical aspects of engineering work, such as testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting. However, they may not have as much responsibility or authority as a technologist or a professional engineer.
Example of typical job role*:
The Dublin Accord (Engineering Associate qualifications) recognizes some of our Advanced Diplomas:
Detailed accreditation information is available here and on the relevant course pages.
**Under provisional accreditation
An engineering technologist under the Sydney Accord is someone who has completed a 3-year advanced diploma or a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in engineering technology. They are typically involved in the practical application and implementation of engineering solutions and work under the supervision of professional engineers. They may also be involved in project management, quality control, and testing of engineering designs.
Example of typical job role*:
The Sydney Accord (Engineering Technologist qualifications) recognizes our Bachelor’s Degrees:
Detailed accreditation information is available here and on the relevant course pages.
A professional engineer under the Washington Accord is someone who has completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in engineering from an accredited program. They are involved in the design, development, and implementation of engineering solutions and are responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and sustainability of engineering projects. Professional engineers also have the authority to sign off on engineering designs and take full responsibility for their work.
Example of typical job role*:
The Washington Accord (Professional Engineer qualifications) recognizes our Master’s Degrees:
Detailed accreditation information is available here and on the relevant course pages.
Overall, the main differences between an engineering technician under the Dublin Accord, an engineering technologist under the Sydney Accord, and a professional engineer under the Washington Accord are the level of education, responsibility, and authority in the engineering field. Each level of accreditation requires a different level of education and skill set, and correspondingly, offers different career opportunities and responsibilities in the engineering profession.
*It’s worth noting that these job roles are not exclusive to any one level of accreditation, and the specific job requirements and responsibilities may vary depending on the employer and industry. Additionally, some job roles may require additional training or certification beyond the accreditation provided by the engineering accords.