Under the new rules, all registered professionals, including engineers, technologists and technicians, must accumulate a minimum of 25 CPD credits over a five-year cycle to renew their registration.

These credits must be spread across at least two of the three categories of CPD activities, and professionals must obtain at least five credits from validated educational or development activities (category 1a).

This ensures that professionals engage in structured learning to maintain their skills in their areas of expertise.

In addition to structured educational activities, CPD credits can be earned through self-study, professional activities, and contributions to engineering communities of practice.

Importantly, a balance between these categories is crucial, with ECSA emphasizing lifelong learning, mentoring and contributions to the wider engineering profession.

The CPD cycle and audit

The CPD cycle for each registrant runs for five years, starting on the anniversary of their initial registration.

Professionals must accumulate a minimum of 25 credits during this period.

They must also register their CPD activities annually on the ECSA portal, with a final submission at least 30 days before the end of the cycle.

ECSA will carry out random audits to ensure compliance, assessing the validity of submitted CPD credits and supporting documentation.

Non-compliance may result in deregistration, but professionals will have the opportunity to submit explanations and take corrective action before considering more serious action.

Partial retirement and exemptions

Partially retired professionals, those who work less than 300 hours per year, are exempt from the obligation to acquire 5 credits in professional development activities.

However, they must still accumulate 1 CPD credit per year in any category.

Fully retired professionals over the age of 65 are exempt from CPD compliance but must remain competent if they continue to practice engineering.

For South African engineers working overseas and unemployed professionals, ECSA offers flexibility.

Flexibility

Individuals registered with international bodies that have reciprocal agreements with ECSA may comply with either ECSA’s CPD rules or those of the international body.

In such cases, compliance with the requirements of the international body will be sufficient for renewal of ECSA registration.

However, they must declare their compliance annually and submit relevant documents to ECSA.

Exemptions are also available for professionals facing extenuating circumstances, such as unemployment or health issues.

Registrants must apply for exemptions each year, supported by relevant documentation, to be exempt from fully complying with the CPD.

Stay competent

ECSA’s revised CPD regulations are part of its mandate to maintain the competence and integrity of the South African engineering profession.

These new rules will ensure that engineers are well prepared to meet local and international standards, thereby contributing to public safety and the development of the nation.