Information
What is the Sydney Accord?
The Sydney Accord (SA) is an international agreement under the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) that recognizes the accreditation of engineering technology degree programs. These programs emphasize the application of technology and technical problem-solving within defined frameworks.
Requirement to Apply for TABEE Accreditation (Sydney accord)
1. The program must be a full-time engineering program or its equivalent at the bachelor’s degree level, with a total duration not exceeding five academic years and comprising no fewer than 120 credits. The curriculum structure must include the following components:
- Basic mathematics and science knowledge, including adequate and appropriate laboratory practice sessions that align with the program objectives and intended learning outcomes. These outcomes should support the graduate’s ability to practice in the fields of engineering and engineering technology in each specific discipline and/or area of specialization.
- Engineering knowledge, covering both fundamental engineering principles and specialized engineering and engineering technology knowledge in each specific discipline and/or area of specialization. This must include laboratory practice and comprise no fewer than 45 credits under the semester system or an equivalent study load of 1½ academic years. This component must also include a Capstone Design Project conducted in the final year, which integrates knowledge and practical experience gained from industrial training. The project must demonstrate the students’ achievement of the program’s intended learning outcomes and their readiness to engage in professional engineering and engineering technology practice.
- General education knowledge, which must be sufficient and aligned to ensure that graduates possess the desired graduate attributes as defined by the program objectives and the institutional goals.
2. Industrial training of not fewer than 210 hours must be included, or the program must provide Cooperative Education (Co-Op) in alignment with the program objectives and intended learning outcomes. This training should equip students with the competencies required for professional practice in engineering and engineering technology in their respective disciplines and/or areas of specialization.
Characteristics of SA-Aligned Programs
- Engineering Technology programs (e.g., B.Tech. in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Technology)
- Focus on hands-on skills, use of engineering tools, and technical execution
- Capstone Project addressing Broadly-defined Engineering Problems
Engineering Problem Type (IEA)
SA programs address Broadly-defined Engineering Problems, which are:
- Well-defined in scope
- Solvable using standard practices or procedures
- Require practical application of engineering principles
Accreditation Process under SA (TABEE)
1. Institution submits application and Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
2. TABEE reviews compliance with SA-based criteria
3. Program Evaluator Team (PEV) conducts on-site evaluation
4. Engineering Technology Accreditation Committee (ETAC) reviews and recommends
5. TABEE Subcommittee approves and reports to the Council of Engineers
Benefits for Institutions and Graduates
- International recognition of engineering technologist qualifications
- Enhanced employment opportunities in applied engineering fields
Support for industry-aligned and practice-oriented education