To become a Professional Engineer (Ir.) in Malaysia, you need to go through a structured process under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand the full pathway:
🧭 1. Meet the Basic Requirements
You must first ensure that you are eligible to register as a Graduate Engineer.
✅ Requirements:
Hold an accredited engineering degree from a program recognized by BEM / EAC (Engineering Accreditation Council).
(If your degree is from overseas, check if it’s listed under the Washington Accord or apply for assessment by BEM.)Be a Malaysian citizen or a permanent resident.
📋 Action:
Register online at BEM’s website.
You’ll receive a Graduate Engineer (GE) registration number.
🧱 2. Gain Practical Experience
Once registered as a Graduate Engineer, you must gain relevant engineering experience before applying for Professional Assessment.
⏱ Duration:
Minimum 3 years of practical engineering experience (under the supervision of a Professional Engineer if possible).
💼 Experience Breakdown:
Typically, the experience should include:
Design and Office Work (about 1 year) – engineering analysis, planning, design, reports.
Site/Practical Work (about 1 year) – implementation, supervision, commissioning.
Management/Professional Responsibility (about 1 year) – project management, safety, cost, ethics, sustainability.
💡 Keep a logbook or record of experience — this will help you write your training and experience report later.
🧠 3. Attend the Professional Interview (PI) Workshop
It’s highly recommended to attend a BEM- or IEM-approved workshop to understand the interview process, report format, and expectations.
✍️ 4. Apply for the Professional Assessment (Route A or B)
When you are ready and meet the requirements, you can apply for the Professional Assessment Examination (PAE) — commonly called the Professional Interview (PI).
There are two main routes:
Route Description Route A For those with BEM-recognized degrees (EAC-accredited or Washington Accord) Route B For those with non-recognized degrees but accepted through assessment
📄 5. Prepare for the Professional Interview (PI)
The PI consists of:
(a) Submission of Reports
You must submit:
Training & Experience Report (detailing your 3 years of work)
Project Report (one key project you were directly involved in)
Summary Statement (linking your experience to core engineering competencies)
(b) Written Essay
Usually 2 questions:
One technical question related to your discipline.
One professional ethics question.
(c) Oral Interview
Conducted by a panel of Professional Engineers.
Focuses on your:
Engineering knowledge and problem-solving.
Code of ethics and professionalism.
Communication and attitude.
🏅 6. Get Certified as a Professional Engineer (Ir.)
Once you pass the Professional Assessment, you can apply to register as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with BEM.
You’ll receive:
The title “Ir.” (before your name).
A Professional Engineer Certificate.
⚙️ 7. Optional: Apply for Practising Certificate
If you intend to sign and submit engineering designs or drawings, you need a Practising Certificate (PEPC).
Requirements:
Hold P.Eng for at least 2 years.
Pass the Professional Competency Examination (PCE) (for those seeking to act as “Submitting Person” to local authorities).
📘 Summary Roadmap
Stage Description Duration 1 Register as Graduate Engineer (BEM) Immediately after degree 2 Gain 3 years of supervised engineering experience 3 years 3 Attend PI Workshop Before applying for PI 4 Submit PAE application (Route A or B) After 3 years 5 Sit for Professional Interview ~3–6 months after submission 6 Obtain P.Eng title (“Ir.”) After passing PI 7 Apply for Practising Certificate (optional) After 2 years as Ir.
