CPEng Rules Changes
The Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) Rules were most recently updated in 2025. This replaces previous versions of the Rules.
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You can learn more about how the current version differs from the previous version below.
What’s changed?
Legal authority to publish own rules
The Registration Authority now has the legal authority to draft and publish its own rules under the Legislation Act. This means that the CPEng Rules 2025 that are in force are published on the Registration Authority website not on the Parliamentary Council Office New Zealand Legislation website.
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Legal authority to introduce classes of registration
The CPEng Rules (2002) were updated in 2025 to include Subpart 7 – Classes. This subpart introduces Rule 43 which sets out the regulatory requirements for the establishment of classes. The Registration Authority defines a CPEng registration class as a regulated category of professional engineering practice that has a clearly defined scope and where one or more of the following factors have been identified:
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A need to address significant public safety risks associated with substandard engineering work.
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It meets regulatory requirements for greater specificity in engineering competence.
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It reflects a readiness from the profession, ensuring appropriate standards and assessment mechanisms are in place.
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The CPEng Board has approved class establishment guidance which outlines the framework for determining when and how new registration classes will be established within the CPEng regulatory framework. This guidance will be made available by the Registrar upon request.
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Annual renewal of CPEng registration
All CPEng registrants must apply annually for a registration certificate by submitting a declaration and paying the annual fee. Registrants will receive an email in September inviting them to complete this process.
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Continued registration application requirements
From 2026, requirements will change for those due for continued registration reassessment. Updated guidance is now available on our Assessment Guidance page. A webinar covering the new requirements will be held on 7 October 2025.
Updated concerns and complaints process
The concerns and complaints process has been updated to align with the new Rules. New guidance for both complainants and respondents is now available on the engineering concerns page.
Competence assessment arising from a complaint
Under the new Rules, an engineer’s competence may be assessed if a complaint raises concerns about whether they meet the minimum standard for continued registration. Guidance for engineers undergoing a competence assessment triggered by a complaint is now available and will be provided to those affected.
What’s next?
In August, the CPEng Board will provide direction on the first classes to be established. The creation of each new class will include full consultation and collaboration with registrants and stakeholders before that class is introduced. The first classes are likely to be established from mid-2026.
