Graduate Membership - Frequently asked questions

Why should I apply for IPENZ Graduate Membership?

So you can get assistance, direction and online recording tools to help you achieve the following important quality marks.

If you hold an IPENZ recognised four-year Bachelor of Engineering degree you can work towards becoming a Professional Member of IPENZ, a Chartered Professional Engineer and an International Professional Engineer.
If you hold an IPENZ recognised three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree you can work towards becoming a Technical Member of IPENZ, an Engineering Technology Practitioner and an International Engineering Technologist.
If you hold an IPENZ recognised two-year Diploma of Engineering you can work towards becoming an Associate Member of IPENZ and a Certified Engineering Technician.

What are the other benefits of IPENZ Graduate Membership?

As an IPENZ Graduate Member, you will:

be part of a professional body for engineers
have access to structured training, development and mentoring targeted at growing the skills you need in the future
network and socialise with young engineers (through the engenerate group) and senior and other young professionals at IPENZ Branch events
have the opportunity to contribute to public policy and the development of technical standards affecting your future as a young engineer
be able to become a Futureintech Ambassador so you can inspire school children to become the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists
be able to use the post nominal GIPENZ after your name
receive regular issues of IPENZ publications including e.nz magazine, engineering dimension and engineering direct
have access to the results of our annual remuneration survey so you get see what other engineers are being paid
receive discounts for continuing professional development courses

How do I apply for Graduate Membership and what is the application process?

Download the Graduate Membership Application form from the IPENZ website – www.ipenz.org.nz
Complete the form and send it to IPENZ with a certified copy of your qualification.
If your qualification meets IPENZ requirements you will be elected to Membership.
On election, a letter and invoice will be sent to you.
Once IPENZ receives payment, you will receive written confirmation of your Membership and a Graduate Membership certificate. You will also be issued with a password to the Member Area of the IPENZ website and an IPENZ folder. Once you receive confirmation, you can also start using the post nominal GIPENZ after your name.

Do I need to sit an exam to apply for IPENZ Graduate Membership?

No, you do not need to sit an exam. You simply need to have a recognised engineering qualification and agree to be bound by the IPENZ Code of Ethics.

Do I need to send in my actual degree or diploma with my application?

No, please send in a certified copy of your qualification.

What do you mean by certified copy of a degree or diploma?

Certified means that your actual degree or diploma has been sighted by the CEO of your company, your local JP, a lawyer, or a Fellow, Professional, Technical or Associate Member of IPENZ. Take your actual qualification and a photocopy to your nominated certifier. He or she will verify your qualification and then write on the photocopy. Send the certified copy back to IPENZ with your application form. Do not send your actual qualification to us.

I have completed my studies and I am now working but I have not graduated. Can I apply for Graduate Membership?

Yes, you can apply for IPENZ Graduate Membership before your actual graduation. Just attach a copy of your final academic transcript (which has been certified) to your application form.

My engineering degree is from overseas. Am I eligible to be an IPENZ Graduate Member?

If your qualification has been obtained outside of New Zealand, please check with IPENZ to see if you need to obtain a formal qualification evaluation from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

What is the cost of IPENZ Graduate Membership?

The annual fee for IPENZ Graduate Membership is approximately $390.00 including GST. However, if you have graduated within the last five years, you may be entitled to a recent graduate rebate. Many employers support IPENZ and may pay your Membership fees if asked.

Can I pay my Membership fees in instalments?

All invoices over $175.00 can be paid by direct debit. Your initial Membership fee is prorated based on the months remaining in the year so will need to be settled in one payment. You can choose to set up a monthly direct debit authority in subsequent years if you wish.

What are my obligations as an IPENZ Graduate Member?

As an IPENZ Graduate Member you are expected to:

abide by the IPENZ Code of Ethics
continue to promote the engineering profession
pay your Membership fees annually
maintain continuing professional development records
notify IPENZ of any changes to your personal contact or employment details

Can I be an IPENZ Member while I am overseas?

Yes, you just need to supply us with your overseas address or contact address in New Zealand so we can continue to send you your mail.

We have IPENZ Graduate Members all around the world. We even have an IPENZ Branch in the United Kingdom. The great thing about being an IPENZ Member is that you will continue to have access to the online recording tools. Therefore, no matter where you are, as long as you have access to the web you can continue to record your work history and professional development activities, 24/7.

I will not be in paid employment next year because I am:
a. going on a tango dancing tour of Brazil
b. on parental leave
Can I still be an IPENZ Graduate Member?

Yes, you can, but you may want to consider deferred Membership if you have been a fully-paid Member for at least two years. To apply for deferred Membership you must not be receiving any income from engineering-related activities or be in paid employment in a non-engineering area. You may apply for deferred Membership if you will not be practising your usual career involving engineering due to personal reasons or to an extended absence arising from sickness, parental leave or travel.

Deferred Membership is only available for one year at a time and the year must conform to the IPENZ financial year, i.e. 1 October to 30 September of the following year. The service centre fee is still applicable.

I am working for a small company where I am the only engineer. Will IPENZ help find me a mentor?

One of the benefits of belonging to a professional body like IPENZ is that we have a large pool of Members to provide networking and support. IPENZ Branches and Technical Groups provide a good avenue for finding a mentor, but we can also endeavour to find you a suitable mentor for your discipline from our database.

Can I transfer my Membership to another engineer?

No, your Membership is not transferable to another engineer.

I have completed my undergraduate engineering degree and I am now undertaking postgraduate study. Can I still apply for Graduate Membership?

You can, but you can also choose to remain a Student Member.

How long can I remain an IPENZ Graduate Member?

There is no time limit. However, we encourage you to apply for IPENZ Professional, Technical or Associate Membership, four to five years after graduation. To become a Professional, Technical or Associate Member, you will need to undertake a formal assessment to demonstrate your competence. For further information, contact the Competence Assessment Administrator on 04 473 9444 or assessment@ipenz.org.nz