If you're an engineer in Australia or planning to build your career here, you might have heard about the NER Skills Assessment. But is it really worth your time, effort, and money?

Let me share what I’ve learned — in simple terms — so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right move for your career.

What is NER?

NER stands for National Engineering Register, which is managed by Engineers Australia. It’s a platform that lists qualified and experienced engineers across different disciplines. When your name appears on the NER Register, it shows that you're a professional who meets high industry standards in both technical ability and ethical conduct.



In short, being on the NER Australia list helps prove you're a trusted and competent engineer.



Why is the NER Skills Assessment Important?

The NER Skills Assessment is a detailed review of your qualifications, work experience, and professional development. It checks if you meet the standard for registration on the NER Register.



Here’s why it might be worth it:



1. Industry Recognition

Employers across Australia are starting to prefer engineers who are NER registered. It adds weight to your resume and can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions.



2. Proof of Competency

If you're trying to prove your engineering skills without going through complicated licensing exams, the NER assessment is a great option. It relies on your actual work experience and continuing professional development.



3. Support for Licensing (RPEQ and More)

In some states, like Queensland, you need to be registered to legally work as a professional engineer. Being listed on the NER Register can support applications for state-specific licenses like RPEQ (Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland).



4. Better Career Opportunities

More companies and clients — especially on government projects — are requiring or preferring engineers listed on NER Australia. It shows you're serious about your profession and committed to high standards.



5. Global Value

NER is recognized by many overseas bodies, especially in countries that have mutual agreements with Engineers Australia. So, if you ever plan to work internationally, this can open more doors for you.



What’s the Process Like?

The NER assessment isn't overly complicated, but you do need to prepare. You’ll typically have to:



Submit a detailed resume



Provide evidence of your work experience



Show examples of continuing professional development (CPD)



Possibly attend a professional interview



It’s not a quick checkbox exercise, but if you’ve been working in the industry and keeping your skills up to date, it’s very manageable.



What’s New?

Recently, Engineers Australia announced improvements to the NER application process to make it more user-friendly. With increased focus on quality and public safety in engineering, being listed on NER Australia now carries more weight than ever. More industries are aligning their hiring practices with the standards set by Engineers Australia, which means being NER-registered could soon be the norm rather than the exception.



Final Thoughts

So, is the NER Skills Assessment worth it?



Honestly, yes — if you're serious about your engineering career in Australia.



It helps you build professional credibility, improves job prospects, supports licensing needs, and proves your competence without unnecessary exams. Getting listed on the NER Register shows that you’re not just an engineer by title, but a qualified, experienced, and ethical professional.



It’s an investment in your future — and one that more and more engineers are choosing to make.