Our Technical Director, Paul Trew, explores the path to professional registration and the steps to build on public trust.
I feel a deep sense of pride in the dedication and commitment of our profession, and I’m thrilled that the number of IFE members registered with the Engineering Council has now surpassed 1,000 registrants. This truly represents the sheer passion and professionalism of those working in the fire sector, who are committed to ensuring public safety, resilience, and ethical practice across the globe.
Professional registration with the Engineering Council is key to demonstrating a commitment to competence, continuous development, and the ethical standards that our industry is known for.
A rigorous process
Applicants undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure their skills and experience meet the standards benchmarked by the Engineering Council. It’s not an easy process, yet fire professionals undertake it to assure employers, clients, and the general public that they are professional and qualified to undertake these tasks and are skilled and dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards.
Registration routes
IFE members have access to multiple registration routes depending on their knowledge, expertise and professional goals:
Engineering Technician (EngTech): This position is ideal for those with practical fire engineering experience and hands-on problem-solving abilities. EngTech registration is a significant step towards professional recognition, proving competency in engineering principles to fire-related challenges.
Incorporated Engineer (IEng): Suited to fire professionals who use existing and emerging technologies to address fire safety challenges. IEng registrants generally engaged in innovation, system design, and the implementation of fire engineering solutions.
Chartered Engineer (CEng): The highest degree of recognition, reserved for those spearheading fire engineering innovation, research, and large-scale fire safety projects. CEng registrants are renowned for their capacity to develop solutions to complex fire engineering challenges and influence policy and best practices at national and international levels.
Interim IEng and CEng: For those who have the qualifications and are on the pathway to full IEng or CEng status, the interim registration route allows professionals to demonstrate their commitment to career progression and ethical practice while gaining the necessary experience to meet full registration requirements.
Commitment to competence and ethical standards
We are seeing growing recognition of fire engineering as a vital and ever-evolving profession. Fire engineers aren’t just problem-solvers; they’re pioneers—working at the intersection of safety, infrastructure, and innovation.
As I reflect on this milestone, I can’t help but think about the ongoing challenges our sector faces. Fire engineers are often the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to ensure buildings are safe, systems are resilient, and communities are prepared. Whether we're designing safer structures, providing crucial fire safety advice, advancing technologies that keep our cities safe, or undertaking firefighting operations, fire engineers are integral to the wellbeing of society.
Pioneers of safety and innovation
Our sector continues to evolve, with new technology at our disposal. That’s why CPD and lifelong learning ethics are key to our profession; each one of us has a responsibility to ensure that we’re constantly improving and adapting to meet the demands of the job.
I want to extend my thanks to the IFE members who have committed to these standards and to the Engineering Council for their ongoing support. This is a profession that demands excellence, and I am proud to say that the IFE community exemplifies that excellence.
Looking ahead, I encourage anyone who has not yet considered professional membership and registration to take the next step in their career. This opportunity not only opens doors but demonstrates to the public and to our peers that you have the knowledge, skills, and integrity to make a real difference in the world.
Let’s continue to lead the way forward in advancing fire engineering.
For further information on Engineering Council registration please visit: Engineering Council registration.