RPEQ Certification: Everything you need to know
What is RPEQ Certification?
RPEQ stands for Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland, a legally protected title under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld). It is the only form of engineering registration in Queensland that confirms an individual is qualified, competent, and committed to professional standards of engineering practice.
RPEQ Certification ensures engineering services that affect public safety, infrastructure, and the environment are only delivered by those who meet rigorous standards. If you're offering or overseeing professional engineering services in Queensland or for Queensland-based projects, you must be RPEQ certified — regardless of where you're physically located.
Why is RPEQ Important?
Legal Compliance: Performing or supervising professional engineering work in Queensland without being RPEQ certified may be illegal and subject to penalties.
Quality Assurance: RPEQ engineers follow codified standards and carry adequate professional indemnity insurance.
Industry Recognition: Certification demonstrates your commitment to ethical practice, continuing professional development, and peer-reviewed competency.
When I moved from Queensland to New South Wales a few years back to take up the Statutory Mechanical Engineer role at a Coal mine, one of the first things I did was audit all the lifting structures, jacks/ stands, hydraulic units and small/ medium static structures for evidence that they were properly engineered to a certain standard.
That audit was an eye-opener at how much trust we tend to put in fabricators and OEM’s of ancillary gear, a significant portion of which never completed a single calculation to ensure their designs were safe to use, or in the worst case, lied about being compliant to certain Australian standards without any documentation to back it up.
This resulted in some equipment being recalled by the OEM, state-wide, and for others, even de-rated by 20-50% after sending the design away for certification.
Imagine holding or lifting a 5,10, or 20 tonne mass at height, with the hope that someone did the math correctly, or even at all...
The RPEQ sign-off is in place for instances like this- to make sure all engineered equipment and services are safe to use.
What is a Professional Engineering Service?
According to the PE Act, a “professional engineering service” involves the application of engineering principles to design, construction, production, operation, or maintenance tasks. It requires engineering judgment and cannot be performed by unqualified individuals — even under supervision — unless the work is reviewed and approved by an RPEQ.
The Process to Become a RPEQ
1. Qualification
You must hold an engineering degree accredited under the Washington Accord or an equivalent qualification.
2. Competency
You need 4–5 years of practical experience in delivering professional engineering services, demonstrating autonomy and professional responsibility.
3. Assessment
Your qualifications and competencies must be assessed by a Board-approved Assessment Entity, such as Engineers Australia or Professionals Australia. For other disciplines there are more assessment pathways.
4. Registration
Once assessed, you submit an application to the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland (BPEQ) with:
Your assessment letter
Declaration of fitness to practice
Application and registration fees
RPEQ Review & Sign-Off: What It Means
RPEQ sign-off refers to the final review and formal approval of engineering work by a certified RPEQ engineer. This is required even if the original work is done interstate or overseas.
⚠️ Important: Queensland law is becoming stricter in its interpretation — in many cases, the work must not just be reviewed, but actively conducted or supervised by an RPEQ engineer from the start.
This is especially critical in high-risk projects (e.g., structural, mechanical, and electrical works), where regulatory bodies and clients may insist on direct involvement of RPEQ-certified personnel throughout.
RPEQ for Engineers in Other States or Countries
If you are already registered as a professional engineer in another Australian state or New Zealand, you may be eligible for mutual recognition under:
Mutual Recognition (Qld) Act 1992
Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (Qld) Act 2003
However, membership with Engineers Australia or similar is not equivalent to RPEQ registration and does not qualify you for mutual recognition by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a RPEQ certification?
Anyone offering or supervising professional engineering services for Queensland-based projects must be RPEQ certified, regardless of their physical location.
Is Engineers Australia membership the same as being RPEQ?
No. Engineers Australia membership may support your assessment but does not constitute RPEQ registration. Only BPEQ can issue RPEQ status.
Can I get RPEQ if I work outside of Queensland?
Yes — if your engineering services impact projects based in Queensland, you need to be RPEQ certified even if you're working from interstate or overseas.
Need Help with RPEQ Certification?
We’ve helped engineers and businesses across Australia navigate the RPEQ process and ensure their designs meet certification requirements.
Get in touch below to discuss your project or ask any questions about registration, compliance, or the certification pathway.