Extracted from "Guidance Notes for Candidates applying for Membership in Structural Discipline by taking

the HKIE Structural Examination"

THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS 香 港 工 程 師 學 會

HKIE Structural Examination

Guidance Notes for Documentation
(For Candidates via the Formal Training Route and the General Experience Route)
(Candidates must read this leaflet in conjunction with M3 Routes to Membership)

Candidates are required to submit their assessment documentation to the HKIE by 31 March
2020.

All documents should be the candidate’s own work and MUST be verified by a Corporate
Member of the HKIE or the candidate’s employer.

All documents submitted will be treated as confidential and will be returned to the candidates.
Candidates should, however, retain copies of all documents submitted as the HKIE does not
accept responsibility for any lost or damaged documents.

The requirements of the documentations are as follows:-

1. Report on Training and Experience

The objective of this report is to inform the Assessors about the candidate’s training
and experience. The report provides evidence to demonstrate that the candidate meets the
HKIE Competence Standard for Professional Engineers (Corporate Members). It
should be concise, between 1,600 and 2,000 words, in English, typewritten on single sides
of A4 paper and submitted in duplicate. At the top of the report, candidates must set out
the specific periods of training and experience that they have acquired in chronological
order, giving inclusive dates in months and years.

The report must not be a mere inventory of work prepared and executed. Candidates
should:

(i) describe in chronological order the tasks in which they have been employed, state the
precise position they have occupied in each case and describe clearly the degree of
responsibility they have been assigned;

(ii) use the first person (I, me, my) to show their personal contribution (not applicable to
interviews under non competence-based system);

(iii) indicate the size and cost of the works;

(iv) elaborate on any particular problems they have encountered and how they arrived at
viable solutions;

(v) provide evidence to demonstrate that the competences set out in the HKIE
Competence Standard for Professional Engineers (Corporate Members) are achieved by
adding notations in the right margin for the competences (C1, C2…etc.) next to the passage
of text. At most four relevant competences should be quoted at a time (not applicable to
interviews under non competence-based system).

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 THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS 香 港 工 程 師 學 會

2. Project Report

The report should be prepared in A4 paper, supported with drawings of NOT greater than
A1 size and submitted in duplicate.

The report shall highlight the technical background of the projects, including general
description on scope of works, structural design assumptions and concept,
design calculation and analysis, support with related drawings such as foundation,
excavation and lateral support plans, structural framing plan and site record photos.

Total no. of pages of the report shall be within 100 and total no. of drawings shall NOT
be more than 15.

The Report should satisfy the requirements as stated in 1 (ii) & (v) (not applicable to
interviews under non competence-based system).

Pre-interview Project Presentation

Prior to the interview, candidates will be allowed 15 minutes to make a presentation of

their Project Report. Candidates should plan this presentation carefully to allow
themselves to cover the scope of their Report in the time allocated.

The Assessors will not normally ask questions until the presentation has
been completed. The Assessors will, however, help a candidate who is clearly having
problems due to nervousness.

Candidates will be able to use the supporting documentation, photographs

and drawings submitted as part of the Project Report, and will be permitted to use
flipcharts to illustrate the presentation. No visual aids such as slides or
overhead projectors will be allowed.

The purpose of this part of the assessment is to ensure that candidates are able to
present themselves orally as well as in writing.

3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Record

Candidates should provide a CPD record to show that they have met the minimum
required number of CPD hours.

A record of Continuing Professional Development up to 31 March 2020 should be provided.

Any projection of CPD activities after 31 March 2020 will not be accepted.
Nevertheless, candidates are expected to continue their CPD activities after that date.

Please refer to Section 4 of M3 Routes to Membership “CPD Requirement and Guidelines”

for details.

4. Training Logbook/Record (applies to candidates under Formal Training Route only)

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M22622
 Extracted from Guidance Notes for Candidates applying for Membership in Structural Discipline by taking the
HKIE Structural Examination

6. Interview4

The Interview will be conducted under the competence-based system for all new
applications. For candidates applying for resit and would like to take the interview
under the competence-based system, please indicate on the form of “Application for
Resit” and provide the submission in competence-based format.

The interview will last for about 45 minutes. For both normal and mature candidates,
Assessors will aim to satisfy themselves that candidates have spent sufficient time on
suitable work and self-reflection on the training/work experience. Both Assessors
may question candidates to ascertain how far they have taken advantage of the
opportunities provided during their training and experience. They will
question candidates to ensure that all the competences set out in the HKIE
Competence Standard for Professional Engineers (Corporate Members) are
achieved so as to satisfy a recommendation for election to Membership.

Candidates are required to give a 15-minute presentation on the project(s)

submitted prior to the Interview. The objective is to test the candidate’s presentation
skills as a professional engineer.

The interview shall be conducted in English.

4
For resit candidates who choose to resit under non competence-based system, please refer to the following
requirements:

Candidates are required to give a 15-minute presentation on the project(s) submitted prior to the Interview.
The objective is to test the candidate’s presentation skills as a professional engineer.

The interview shall be conducted in English.

An interview will follow to test the candidate’s experience, knowledge and ability on the following key
elements:

(i) Scope and quality of illustration

(ii) Structural schemes & stability appraisal
(iii) Alternative viable structural engineering solutions taking into account of client’s requirements -
function, time and cost
(iv) Construction sequences and plants commonly used
(v) Contract administration, construction supervision and record keeping
(vi) Quality assurance and control
(vii) Environmental implications, sustainability and safety
(viii) Local professional practice, and appreciation of local law and statutory legislation
(ix) Effective communication
(x) Interpersonal skills
(xi) Presentation skills
(xii) Relevant Experience
Extracted from M3 Routes to Membership

SECTION 4 CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

REQUIREMENT AND GUIDELINES

4.1 Introduction

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an ongoing necessity in the ever changing

technological world. Practising professional engineers should aim to remain competent
throughout their careers so that they can properly carry out their various duties. Engineers
need to take opportunities to update their depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise,
and develop the personal qualities required to fulfil their roles in industry and society.

4.2 The HKIE CPD Definition

CPD is a systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of relevant knowledge

and skills, and the development of these qualities necessary for successful carrying out of
professional duties throughout an engineer’s career. It aims at enhancing individual
worth and thus corporate performance.

CPD applies to both Corporate Members and to engineers in the pre-Corporate Member
stage.

4.3 General Scope of CPD

CPD covers matters of direct technical relevance as well as broader studies that are
important to the HKIE Members to further their careers. These include professional
ethics, communication, environmental matters, financial management, leadership skills,
legal aspects, marketing, and occupational safety and health.

4.4 General Format of CPD

The format of CPD activities includes, but not limited to, participating in and organising
courses, lectures, seminars/symposia, conferences, presentations, workshops, industrial
attachments and visits, e-learning and professional activities. These may be provided
by the HKIE, the engineering profession, and a variety of other organisations.

4.5 CPD Requirements

The HKIE specifies a minimum CPD requirement for those at the pre-Corporate Member
stage and also at the Corporate Member stage. The CPD record will be taken into account
when considering any application for Fellowship.

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 Routes CPD Requirement Scope of CPD
Formal A minimum average of A minimum of 54 hours during the
Training 45 hours per year from Scheme “A” training period(*) must
Route the commencement date include the following areas:
(Applicable of Scheme “A”, up to
for Scheme applying for Professional (i) Occupational Safety & Health
“A” Trainees) Assessment. Minimum 18 CPD hours.

(ii) Other Technical Matters not

directly related to the trainee’s own
Discipline
(Examples: quality, environmental,
information technology, or other
technical and related matters)
Minimum 18 CPD hours.

iii) General Professional Matters

(Examples: business management,
communication, financial
management, leadership, legal
aspects, marketing, and other related
matters)
Minimum 18 CPD hours.

CPD must be balanced between matters

of Direct Technical interest and those of a
General Professional nature.

In-house CPD activities should account

for a maximum of 50% of CPD days.

General A minimum average of It is desirable to have as much variety as

Experience 45 hours per year for possible and a balance between technical
Route the 6 years immediately and contractual/professional subjects
prior to their application should be sought.
for Professional
Assessment. The CPD requirement for Scheme “A”
Training is a good reference for the scope
of CPD.

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 Routes CPD Requirement Scope of CPD
Mature Route A minimum average of CPD covers both matters of direct
45 hours per year for technical relevance and matters of a
the 3 years immediately broader professional nature. For the latter,
prior to their application one or more of the following could be
for Professional emphasised: management, leadership,
Assessment. financial, safety, health and
environmental issues.

(*) Note: Trainees must complete this mandatory requirement during the Scheme “A”
training period.

One CPD day is counted as 6 hours. Any claim of CPD activities of more than 6 hours in a
calendar day must be approved by the Engineering Supervisor (for Formal Training Route)
or the relevant Discipline Advisory Panels (for General Experience or Mature Route).

It is not practical for the HKIE to approve CPD activities. Corporate Members and
engineers in the pre-Corporate Member stage must determine whether or not an activity fits
the CPD definition in their own particular circumstances.

For the pre-Corporate Member stage it is for the Engineering Supervisor (for Scheme “A”
trainees) or a Responsible Person (i.e. normally an appropriate senior person in the
employing organisation) to consider whether the activity should be endorsed in the logbook
befitting the HKIE CPD criteria.

Postgraduate degree programmes are not usually considered as CPD. Nevertheless,

engineers may find that some programme modules are helpful towards their professional
development and match the HKIE CPD criteria. In such cases, they should seek the
endorsement of taking some modules of postgraduate degree programmes as CPD from their
Engineering Supervisor or Responsible Person.

The suitability of a CPD activity should be decided in relation to the HKIE CPD definition
above.

4.6 The CPD Logbook

The CPD logbook is intended to cover full career from graduation until retirement. It has
been produced as a convenience to Members and as a tangible expression of the HKIE’s
commitment to CPD. The logbook will provide the CPD activities undertaken in
chronological order. It could therefore be useful to apply for employment or to join other
organisations.

A record of CPD activities should be maintained in the HKIE CPD logbook or in similar
format. A template of CPD record for Scheme “A” is appended below for reference.

(a) For engineers in pre-Corporate Member Stage, the far right-hand column is for
endorsement by the Engineering Supervisor (for Scheme “A” trainees) or a
Responsible Person who will normally be a senior person in the organisation. It is
for them to consider whether the activity should be endorsed in the logbook befitting
the HKIE CPD criteria;

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 (b) The column headed “Name of CPD Activity and Organiser” should record the CPD
activity title and the major topics covered, and the name of organiser of the activity
(e.g. The HKIE);

(c) Scheme “A” trainees have to indicate the category of the CPD activity under the
column headed “Category”.

Record of Continuing Professional Development

Date(s) Name of CPD Activity* Category CPD Endorse-

and Organiser Hours ment by
Claimed ES/RP*

* For scope and format of CPD activities, please refer to “General Scope of CPD”
and “General Format of CPD” of this section

ES = Engineering Supervisor, RP = Responsible Person

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Extracted from M3 Routes to Membership

Appendix A

THE HKIE COMPETENCE STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

(CORPORATE MEMBERS)
INCLUDING COMPETENCES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. COMPETENCE STANDARD

A competence standard is an indication of an expected level of performance. The

competence-based assessments conducted by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
(the HKIE) require applicants to provide sufficient outcome evidence to demonstrate
that they are able to consistently apply knowledge, understanding and skills to the
standard expected of a professional engineer at Corporate Member level.

2. FORMAT

The HKIE Competence Standard for Professional Engineers (Corporate Members)

consists of the following:

Competences: these represent broad areas of professional engineering competence and

set the standard expected for professional recognition as Corporate Members of the
HKIE.

Performance indicators (bullet points under each competence): these provide further
detail to elaborate the meaning of each competence thereby enabling the applicants and
Assessors to have a clear understanding of the abilities required to demonstrate each
competence. The performance indicators are neither minimum requirements nor
exhaustive elaboration of the concerned Competence.

Definitions: these provide a critical component of the standard and need to be

considered carefully by applicants when they are preparing their portfolio of evidence
to demonstrate that they meet the competence standard.

3. ASSESSMENT

The candidates undertaking Professional Assessment are expected to provide outcome

evidence of their current competence to their Assessors as a demonstration of meeting
all the competences. The Assessors, however, consider the totality of the outcome
evidences provided and make a holistic assessment as to whether an applicant meets
the HKIE Competence Standard for Professional Engineers (Corporate Members).

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1 Discipline

“Discipline” means a field of engineering in which a member can practically be

competent to practice. The competence of the applicant will be assessed with
respect to the expert knowledge and experience of the concerned Discipline.

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 4.2 Complex Engineering Activities

“Complex engineering activities” mean engineering activities or projects that

have some or all of the following characteristics:

a. involve the use of diverse resources including people, money, equipment,

materials and technologies

b. require resolution of critical problems arising from interactions between

wide-ranging technical, engineering and other issues

c. have significant consequences in a range of contexts

d. involve the use of new materials, techniques, or processes or the use of

existing materials, techniques, or processes in innovative ways

4.3 Complex Engineering Problems

“Complex engineering problems” have some or all of the following

characteristics

a. involve wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering, and other

issues

b. have no obvious solution and require originality in analysis

c. involve infrequently encountered issues

d. are problems beyond the scope of standards and codes of practice for
professional engineering

e. involve diverse groups of stakeholders with widely varying needs

f. have significant consequences in a range of contexts

g. cannot be resolved without in-depth engineering knowledge

4.4 Method of Analysis

The techniques used in quantitative analysis will vary depending on the field of
engineering practices which may include the use of computer, mathematical or
reliability modeling, statistics, or other planning tools.

4.5 Design and Development

Design and development are a conceptual process used to bring together

innovation, aesthetics and functionality to plan and create an artefact, product,
process, component or system for solving a complex engineering problem.
The design and/or development process may develop the shape, size and
selection of material and components for engineering products/outcomes.

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 Design and development also include engineering planning, an example of
which is the process of locating facilities and items of engineering construction
taking into account all the factors affecting their relationship and their
inter-relationships with the external environment.

4.6 Responsibility for Making Decisions for Complex Engineering Activities

Applicants may be taken to have been responsible for making decisions for
complex engineering activities when they have:

a. planned, designed, co-ordinated and executed a (small) project, or

b. undertaken part of a larger project based on an understanding of the whole

project, or

c. undertaken novel, complex or multi-disciplinary work

5. INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS

The following competence standard sets the standard expected for engineers seeking
professional recognition as Corporate Members by undertaking a competence-based
assessment administered by the HKIE. The twelve competences are categorised into
four broad areas as follows:

 Applying Engineering Knowledge (C1, C2, C11)

 Developing Technical Solutions (C3, C4)
 Managing Engineering Work (C5, C6, C7, C12)
 Upkeeping Professional Acumen (C8, C9, C10)

Competence 1 (C1): Comprehend and apply knowledge of accepted principles

underpinning widely applied good practice for professional engineering

a. possess a Washington Accord recognised degree or recognised equivalent

qualification or has demonstrated equivalent knowledge (Note 1)

b. understand and grasp appropriate engineering knowledge

c. work from first principles to make reliable predictions of outcomes

d. seek advice, where necessary, to supplement own knowledge and experience

e. read, understand, evaluate literature, and put into practice new knowledge

Note 1: An applicant who has passed an academic assessment conducted by the

HKIE or has been assessed as a mature candidate is considered as having
“recognised equivalent qualification or has demonstrated equivalent
knowledge”.

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 Competence 2 (C2): Comprehend and apply knowledge of accepted principles
underpinning good practice for professional engineering that is specific to Hong
Kong* (Note 2)

a. demonstrate an awareness of legal requirements and regulatory issues in Hong

Kong relevant to the Discipline under assessment

b. demonstrate an awareness of and apply appropriately the Discipline specific

engineering requirements in Hong Kong relevant to the Discipline under
assessment

Note 2: The Hong Kong legal, regulatory and special engineering requirements may
vary from a Discipline to another. For example, the said requirements may
be very different for Information Discipline than the Structural Discipline.

Competence 3 (C3): Define, investigate and analyse complex engineering

problems in accordance with good practice for professional engineering

a. identify and understand the scope of the problem

b. look into details relevant information using quantitative and qualitative

techniques

c. verify the correctness of results

d. conduct any necessary research and reaches substantiated conclusions

Competence 4 (C4): Design or develop solutions to complex engineering problems

in accordance with good practice for professional engineering

a. identify needs, requirements, constraints and performance criteria

b. formulate concepts and design possible solutions based on engineering principles

c. engage stakeholders in developing possible solutions

d. evaluate the pros and cons of the possible solutions and select a solution that best
satisfies needs, requirements and criteria

e. plan and implement effective, efficient and practical systems or solutions

f. evaluate outcomes against original criteria and assumptions

Competence 5 (C5): Be responsible for making decisions on part or all of one or

more complex engineering activities

a. take full responsibility during the course and/or for the outcome of complex
engineering activities undertaken

b. act appropriately and make decisions during the course and/or for the outcome of
complex engineering activities undertaken

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 Competence 6 (C6): Manage part or all of one or more complex engineering
activities in accordance with good engineering management practice

a. plan, schedule and organise projects to deliver specified outcomes

b. apply appropriate quality assurance techniques to manage engineering projects

c. manage resources, including personnel, finance and physical resources in

engineering projects

d. manage conflicting demands and expectations

e. demonstrate awareness of financial considerations in managing engineering

projects

Competence 7 (C7): Identify, assess and manage engineering risk

a. locate hazards, apportion frequency of occurrence and formulate risk profile in

design and operations

b. develop corresponding management policies, procedures and protocols to

manage

c. manage risks in work and operations according to the policies, procedures and
protocols

Competence 8 (C8): Conduct engineering activities to an ethical standard

prescribed by the HKIE

a. demonstrate understanding of HKIE Rules of Conduct

b. behave in accordance with the HKIE Rules of Conduct in difficult circumstances

(including demonstrating an awareness of limits of capability; acting with
integrity and honesty and demonstrating self management)

Competence 9 (C9): Recognise the reasonably foreseeable social, cultural, health,

safety, sustainability and environmental effects of professional engineering
activities generally

a. consider and take into account of the impact and long-term effects of engineering
activities on social, culture, health, safety, sustainability and the environment

b. project the outcome of professional engineering activities in the context of social,

cultural, health, safety, sustainability and environmental aspects

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 Competence 10 (C10): Communicate clearly with other engineers and others that
he or she is likely to deal with in the course of his or her professional engineering
activities

a. use oral and written communication to convey clear message to his/her audience
that meet their needs and expectations of his/her audience

b. communicate using a range of media suitable to the audience and context

c. treat people with respect

d. develop empathy and uses active listening skills when communicating with
others

e. operate effectively as a team member

Competence 11 (C11): Maintain the currency of his or her professional

engineering knowledge and skills

a. demonstrate a commitment to extending and developing knowledge and skills

b. participate in education, training, mentoring or other programmes contributing to

his/her professional development

c. engage in collaborative activities with professional engineers

Competence 12 (C12): Exercise sound professional engineering judgement

a. demonstrate the ability to identify alternative options

b. demonstrate the ability to choose between options and justify decisions

c. be recognised by peers for his/her ability to exercise sound professional

engineering judgement

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