Background
International Governance under IEA
The APEC Engineer Framework is governed under the Competence Agreements of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA).
To ensure consistency, quality assurance, and international alignment, the IEA oversees the framework through two key multilateral agreements:
- IPEA – International Professional Engineers Agreement
- IETA – International Engineering Technologists Agreement
As the designated Monitoring Committee, the Council of Engineers, Thailand (COET) aligns its registration processes with the standards upheld by the IEA. This ensures that Thai APEC Engineers are recognized as having met internationally benchmarked levels of professional competence.
Information
Empowering Regional Mobility and Professional Recognition
The APEC Engineer Framework is a multilateral initiative that facilitates the cross-border mobility of professional engineers among APEC member economies. It recognizes the substantial equivalence of engineering competence and fosters mutual confidence in national registration systems. Thailand, through the Council of Engineers (COET), acts as the designated Monitoring Committee (MC), enabling qualified Thai engineers to be registered as APEC Engineers and gain recognition across participating economies.
Objectives
To establish a framework for recognizing Substantial Equivalence of professional engineering competence standards among APEC economies. This enables participating economies to apply a common benchmark for evaluating engineering competence. The APEC Engineer Agreement is categorized under the Competence Agreements of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), jointly administered through the International Professional Engineers Agreement (IPEA) and the International Engineering Technologists Agreement (IETA). The IEA serves as the central secretariat to oversee governance and maintain consistency in standards.
Benefits
- Mutual Recognition: Engineers registered under the APEC Engineer framework will have their professional status recognized across all APEC economies without undergoing additional assessment or evaluation procedures.
- Facilitated Mobility: The framework reduces barriers related to licensing procedures and work permits, thereby facilitating professional mobility among APEC member economies.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: It opens more opportunities for participating in international engineering projects and employment across various countries in the region.
- Enhanced Professional Recognition and Trust: The recognition affirms professional competence based on international standards, fostering trust and confidence among employers and partner organizations across APEC economies.
Register
The APEC Engineer agreement is administered within the IEA’s Competence Agreements framework. Through IPEA and IETA, the IEA functions as the central secretariat responsible for maintaining the system’s integrity and ensuring ongoing adherence to international benchmarks. Engineers listed on the APEC Engineer Register are recognized for having met a common set of professional competence standards. This facilitates cross-border practice by enhancing the recognition of qualified professional engineers among APEC member economies.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
7 Regulated Engineering
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid COET license at the level of Professional Engineer (สามัญวิศวกร) or higher in the discipline of application.
- Have at least 7 years of post-graduate engineering experience.
- Have a minimum of 2 years of significant professional responsibility in the controlled engineering field, as defined by COET.
- Have a minimum of 50 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units is required.
- Have a clean disciplinary record – no suspensions or license revocations.
Non-regulated Engineering
Applicants must:
- Be a Thai national and a COET member (either Associate or Full Member).
- Be certified by COET as professionally competent in the engineering discipline for which registration is sought.
- Hold a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering.
- Have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience post-graduation.
- Have at least 2 years of responsible engineering work in that discipline
- Have a minimum of 50 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units is required.
- Comply with all conditions in the Regulation on APEC Engineer Registration, as issued by the COET Board.
Registration Guideline
Your Path to Regional Recognition – Simple, Streamlined, and Secure
Follow these simple steps to apply for APEC Engineer registration through the Council of Engineers, Thailand (COET). The entire process is conducted online, with support every step of the way.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in your details via the official online form:
🔗 Click here to access the form
Step 2: Prepare and Upload Required Documents
You will need to attach the following:
- One-page English CV (summarizing your education and engineering experience)
- Completed application form (auto-filled online)
- Any other supporting documents listed in the form
Step 3: Get Ready to Present
Prepare a short PowerPoint presentation highlighting your:
- Engineering background
- Key achievements and professional contributions
You will be invited to present your work via VDO Conference, as scheduled by COET.
Step 4: Wait for the Approval
Your application will be reviewed by the Monitoring Committee.
🕒 Processing time: within 30 days
Step 5: Pay the Certification Fee
Once approved, you’ll be asked to pay a registration fee:
1,000 THB for your APEC Engineer certificate.
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate
After payment, you can download your official e-Certificate through the COE Service System.