Fédération Européenne d'Associations Nationales d'Ingénieurs
European Federation of National Engineering Associations
Föderation Europäischer Nationaler Ingenieurverbände

Guidelines on
Continuing Professional Development
for Engineers in Europe

FEANI (The European Federation of National Engineering Associations) recognises that there is an urgent and on-going need for continuing professional development of engineers in Europe.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the planned acquisition of knowledge, experience and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout an engineer's professional life. It encompasses both technical and non-technical matters.

CPD is vital for maintaining and developing the professional competence, innovation and creativity of the individual engineer. High standards of professional competence are becoming more and more important in an industrial context which is increasingly characterised by global competition, down-sizing of companies, changes in business practices, rapid technological change, and a trend towards less permanent employment. In this context, CPD enhances the engineers' career options and increases their job opportunities and enables them to provide a better service.

CPD is ultimately the responsibility of the individual, but it needs to be carried out in close cooperation and with the support and encouragement of the employer, professional and academic institutions, and drawing on the frameworks of FEANI and its National Member Organisations.

To maintain and develop their professional competence, individual engineers are encouraged to:

  1. Recognise the importance of CPD and take ownership of their professional and personal development
  2. Establish a Competence Development Plan.
    • (a) This plan should identify the competence requirement taking into account the relevant issues, such as
      - Current knowledge, skills and professional experience
      - Personal career intentions, both in the short and in the long term
      - The employer's business objectives and opportunities
      - The continuous changes in industry, technology, society and the profession
    • (b) The Competence Development Plan should then identify the CPD activities required to achieve the competence requirements. CPD activities are not confined to formal courses, but are inclusive of all types of learning related to professional activities, including on-the-job learning.
  3. Actively work towards fulfilling the CPD requirements identified in their Competence Development Plan.
  4. Ensure that all CPD undertaken satisfies adequate quality standards.
  5. Record their CPD activities and achievements so that progress towards implementing the Competence Plan and maintaining professional competence can be demonstrated and the benefits evaluated.
  6. Keep informed of and respond to the CPD mission, policy and standards of their professional institution and/or National Member Organisation.

Approved by the FEANI General Assembly in Lillehammer, Norway, 26 September 1997

For further information, please contact the FEANI CPD Committee:

Chair: Mr Claes TROLLE, Celsius Tech AB, Nettovägen6, S-175 88 Järfälla, Sweden. Phone +46 8 5808 5476, Fax +46 8 5808 7222
E-mail claes.trolle@saabsupport.se