What is a Registered Engineering Associate (REA)?

The Registered Engineering Associate (REA) credential is a nationally and internationally recognised technical engineering qualification. It has achieved a high level of recognition and credibility as a measure of superior competence for technical engineers, and indicates that the holder is qualified and experienced as a senior technical member of the engineering profession. Technician engineers provide the key technical engineering design and management inputs for New Zealand’s engineering industry.

The Registered Engineering Associate (REA) credential was established by an Act of the New Zealand Parliament in 1961. The Engineering Associates Act sets out to "provide for the registration and control of certain persons associated with or employed in engineering work, and for the encouragement of better qualification in that work". The Act defines REAs as being individuals generally undertaking engineering activities that fall between the fields of "experienced tradesperson" and "experienced professional engineer".

To receive the REA credential candidates usually have an academic qualification at least the equivalent of New Zealand Certificate of Engineering (NZCE), or the new National Diploma in Engineering (NDE). This academic training must be followed by a period of relevant practical engineering experience, including a minimum period in a position carrying significant engineering responsibility. Depending on the applicant’s academic and practical training qualifications, the time required to be sufficiently competent for REA registration is generally a minimum ten years experience.

The Act requires REAs to be of ‘good fame and character’, to apply their skills and knowledge ethically and to work within their areas of competence. REAs are required to act in the public interest especially in matters of health and safety and the protection of life and the well-being of the community, recognize the need for sustainable management of resources and minimize adverse effects on the environment. They are also required to develop their knowledge and competence on a continuing basis for the betterment of themselves and the engineering profession. This continuing improvement and competence can be re-assessed on a voluntary basis within the Board’s REAcap scheme.

The Engineering Associates Registration Board expects all REAs to commit to the responsibilities and obligations listed in the Code of Ethics.