Understanding Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Engineering Practice Examination (EPE)


In a rapidly changing world where legislative, social and economic developments directly affect the environment in which we live and work, and where technological advancements provide radically different ways of working, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provides a means whereby we can keep abreast of these changes, broaden our skills and be more effective in our professional work. 


Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is the means by which members of professional bodies maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills for developing personal qualities required in their professional lives.

Pakistan Engineering Council under its Act has mandate for introducing and ensuring continued professional development activities amongst its growing community of engineers and has devised a comprehensive framework titled Professional Development of Engineers (Bye Laws – 2008) approved by the Government of Pakistan.

The main objective is to develop competence and ability of engineers for the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations and to evolve innovative solutions to real life problems while adhering to professional ethics and acquisition of a broader understating of their obligations to society.

Strategy/ Plan for Professional Development Activities:

As per provisions of CPD Byelaws, from July 2010 onwards, most of Continuing Professional Development activities (courses, training workshops, etc.) may be undertaken by the Professional Engineering Bodies registered with PEC as per provision of Section 16 of PDE Bye-Laws 2008. Until the SRO becomes effective in July 2010, PEC will continue conducting CPD activities/ courses without any credit points. However, after July 2010 onwards, CPD activities may be undertaken by PEC in view of need/ availability of resource person(s) on a particular subject/field.

PEC will continue charging nominal course fee per participant. However, PEBs imparting CPD activities will decide fee on the basis of course type and efforts should be made to charge the fee as minimum as possible. The courses/ CPD activities will be planned by the PEBs according to the specified criteria and guidelines (Section 16 of Bye-Laws). Such bodies will also provide schedule of courses and share verified list of participants with PEC to maintain transparent record of CPD activities and points for all the registered/ professional engineers. PEC Regional Offices will play role of facilitator for the professional bodies in organizing CPD activities.

What is the legal standing of CPD?

CPD byelaws can be read at this link: http://pec.org.pk/downloadables/cpd/PEC_CPD%20_ByeLaws.pdf

Where can you find the detailed guidelines on CPD and EPE?

The detailed CPD guideline can be accessed at this link: http://pec.org.pk/downloadables/cpd/CPD%20Guideline%20Manual.pdf

What is Engineering Practice Examination?

For assessment of engineering competence, knowledge and skills of an applicant engineer, the Committee shall hold an examination which may be arranged and conducted through local or foreign services hired or availed for the purpose. The EPE is optional for a registered engineer but is an essential part of assessment for the title of professional engineer.

When a registered engineer has attained a minimum of five years of practical experience in relevant field of engineering from a recognized engineering organization or institution or service and has earned requisite credit points, he shall become eligible to apply for EPE.

Privileges of Professional Engineer (PE) over Registered Engineer (RE):
  1. Technical Sanction Authority
  2. Design Certification Authority
  3. Preference for Higher Levels leading towards International Practice
What is the Eligibility Criteria for 7th Engineering Practice Examination (EPE)?
  • 5 years of professional experience since registration with PEC till 30th October 2014.
  • 14.7 CPD points since 10th July 2010.
How to calculate the acquired CPD Points?

To calculate the CPD points, please click on the below link and an Excel file will open. Follow the instructions on the file to calculate your points.


Where can you get the EPE Curriculum and Study Material?

Click on this link to read the EPE Curriculum and Study Material

Format of Engineering Practice Examination is available at this link: Format of Engineering Practice Examination

Guidelines for the candidates are accessible at this link: Guidelines for the candidates

For Examination Schedule Click on this link: Examination Schedule

(Published in Daily Jang & Dawn Combined Edition & "Kawish Hyderabad" on 26th October, 2014


For further details, contact

Engr. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Sheikh
Additional Registrar (CPD)
Ph: (+92) 51-2876702, Fax: (+92) 51 2276224
Email: drashfaq@pec.org.pk

Engr. Ghulam Karim
Deputy Registrar (EPE)
Ph: (+92) 51 2870191, 2829311, Ext:247, 251 Fax: (+92) 51 2871629

Email: gkarim@pec.org.pk, cpd@pec.org.pk



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