Effective date: 1 June 2026 — Reviewed annually by the BSAPE Standards Committee.
1. Purpose
BSAPE professional accreditation is an independent assessment of an engineer's qualifications, competence, and commitment to professional standards. This policy sets out the criteria for each certificate type, the application and assessment process, the conditions of accreditation, and the procedures for appeals, renewals, and sanctions.
BSAPE accreditation is awarded to individuals — not to their employer — and is portable throughout a professional career. It provides a credible, independently verified signal of engineering competence to employers, clients, and the public.
2. Certificate Types
Certificate of Completion
- Currently studying for or recently completed a relevant engineering qualification at HND / Level 4 / Foundation Degree or equivalent
- Demonstrated understanding of core engineering principles within the applicant's specialism
- Up to 3 years of supervised engineering work experience may be accepted in lieu of formal qualifications, at BSAPE's discretion
- Commitment to progress through BSAPE's accreditation pathway and adhere to the BSAPE Code of Ethics
Certificate of Skill
- Holds a BEng (Hons), BSc (Hons), or equivalent qualification in an accredited engineering discipline, or has completed an equivalent industry-validated apprenticeship or qualification pathway accredited by BSAPE
- A minimum of 2 years of post-qualification engineering work experience demonstrating application of technical knowledge, rising to 5 years — including at least 2 years in a role with significant technical responsibility — for applicants seeking to demonstrate a higher level of skill
- Satisfactory references from two current engineers, one of whom should hold a Certificate of Skill or Certificate of Achievement
- Evidence of leadership in engineering projects, teams, or technical workstreams, and contribution to the profession — mentoring, technical authorship, standards work, or CPD delivery — where applicable
- Commitment to annual CPD in accordance with BSAPE's CPD Policy
Certificate of Achievement
- Holds a senior engineering qualification (MEng, MSc, or equivalent) or has achieved outstanding standing in their field through sustained career achievement
- A minimum of 10 years of post-qualification professional engineering experience with substantial, sustained career progression
- Demonstrated exceptional contribution to engineering practice, industry, or society at a national or international level
- Evidence of thought leadership: technical publications, patents, key advisory roles, or equivalent landmark contributions
- Two endorsements from existing BSAPE Certificate of Achievement holders, with supporting statements attesting to the nominee's standing in the profession
3. Application Process
Applications for BSAPE professional accreditation follow a four-stage process:
Create an account at app.bomeqp.com and select your target certificate type.
Complete the online eligibility questionnaire. BSAPE will confirm in writing within 10 working days whether you meet the minimum criteria to apply.
Submit your full application, including academic transcripts or certificates, a structured competence statement, work experience summary, and referee contact details. All documents must be submitted in English.
Applications are reviewed by BSAPE-appointed assessors against the published criteria for your target certificate type. You will be notified of the outcome within 30 working days of your complete application being received.
4. Assessment Criteria
All applications are assessed against three core dimensions:
- Academic and professional qualifications: verified against published certificate-specific requirements
- Practical competence: demonstrated through the structured competence statement and work experience record
- Professional conduct and commitment: adherence to BSAPE's Code of Ethics, commitment to CPD, and endorsement from referees
5. Application Outcomes
Following assessment, BSAPE may:
- Award the certificate type applied for
- Award a lower certificate type if the evidence better supports a different level, with the applicant's agreement
- Request additional information or clarification within 10 working days
- Decline the application, with written reasons provided
6. Conditions of Accreditation
All BSAPE-accredited professionals must, as a condition of maintaining their certificate, do the following:
- Complete and declare a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per calendar year, in accordance with the BSAPE CPD Policy
- Adhere to the BSAPE Code of Ethics
- Notify BSAPE promptly of any criminal conviction, professional disciplinary finding, or material change in circumstances that may affect their accreditation
- Pay the applicable annual accreditation fee by the due date
- Not misrepresent their certificate type or the scope of their BSAPE accreditation
7. Renewal
BSAPE accreditation is issued for a 3-year period, renewable upon confirmation of satisfactory CPD compliance, payment of the renewal fee, and a declaration of continued adherence to the Code of Ethics. BSAPE will issue renewal reminders 3 months before expiry. Failure to renew on time will result in lapse of accreditation and loss of the right to reference the BSAPE certificate until renewal is completed.
8. Upgrading Certificate Type
Accredited professionals may apply to upgrade to a higher certificate type at any time by submitting a new application demonstrating how they now meet the higher certificate's criteria. Upgrade applications are subject to the same assessment process and fees as initial applications.
9. Appeals
Applicants who have been refused accreditation or offered a lower certificate type than applied for may appeal in writing within 28 days of receiving the decision. Appeals must set out the specific grounds on which the assessment is disputed and include any additional supporting evidence. Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel not involved in the original assessment. The appeal panel's decision is final.
Submit appeals to: appeals@bsape.com
10. Sanctions and Withdrawal
BSAPE may suspend or withdraw accreditation in the event of a proven breach of the Code of Ethics, CPD non-compliance, non-payment of fees, or other conduct incompatible with BSAPE standards. Sanctions follow the process set out in the BSAPE Complaints Procedure.