Application for the right to use the title “Ingenieur” (Engineer)
 

The Engineer Qualification Is Being Reformed

The Engineering Act 2017 upgrades the previous professional designation “Ingenieur” (Engineer) to a new qualification. This enables graduates holding the Engineer title from Higher Federal Colleges of Agriculture (HBLAs) to adequately document their professional qualifications in the future and present them as a high-quality educational qualification with international comparability. Existing holders of the Engineer title will retain their professional designation, “Ing.in” or “Ing.”.

Why Is a New Qualification Necessary?

Training at HBLAs, followed by at least three years of relevant professional experience as a prerequisite for the award of the previous professional designation “Ingenieurin” or “Ingenieur”, is a unique feature internationally. As a result, the high level of competence of Austrian engineers has often not been adequately recognised in international comparisons and has not received due consideration in international project tenders or job applications.

European and National Qualifications Frameworks

The EU has introduced the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), an instrument that enables better international comparability based on an eight-level scale. In Austria, the EQF was implemented as the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in 2016.

What Is the Level of the New Qualification?

Under the new legal requirements, the qualification for engineers is assigned to Level 6 of the NQF. This gives the high quality of engineering competence greater recognition in the international context.

Which Title Will Be Awarded to You?

Upon successful qualification, you are entitled to use the designation “Ingenieurin” or “Ingenieur”, or alternatively the abbreviated form “Ing.in” or “Ing.”, before your name.

Checklist

What Requirements Must You Meet?

• An HBLA school-leaving and diploma examination certificate, or

• An equivalent Austrian or foreign qualification, or other educational programmes with comparable content in engineering-related fields, combined with a general school-leaving examination

And:

• At least three years of relevant professional experience in a company, or at least six years in the case of comparable educational qualifications.

• The three or six years of professional experience must average at least 20 hours per week.

• During this period, you must perform tasks typically carried out by graduates of the relevant HBLA specialisation, extending and deepening your basic competencies.

Qualification Procedure

How Does the Qualification Procedure Work?

The new procedure involves certification through a professional interview.

Certification takes place in the form of a professional interview with two experts from the relevant professional field (certification commission): one expert from professional practice and one subject-specific teacher from an HBLA, university of applied sciences or university.

During the interview, the competencies you have acquired through practical experience are discussed. This is not an examination but a professional discussion between peers. Your knowledge, skills and competencies are assessed against the criteria for Level 6 of the NQF.

If the interview confirms that you possess the required competencies, the Ministry of Agriculture issues an official decree awarding you the qualification “Ingenieurin” or “Ingenieur”. You may repeat the professional interview once.

If your qualifications are not yet sufficient, you can submit a new application for the certification procedure at a later date.

Successful Qualification

The Engineer qualification can be awarded if you meet the following substantive requirements:

• Advanced knowledge in your field of work: in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge.

• Advanced problem-solving skills: the ability to solve complex and unpredictable problems in your respective field of work.

• Professional leadership competencies: the ability to lead specialist activities or projects and assume leadership roles in functional areas or (sub-)projects.

Application and Costs

Submit your application to the Ministry of Agriculture. The following documents must be enclosed:

• Your school-leaving and diploma examination certificate or certificate of an equivalent qualification.

• Confirmation from your employer(s) or, in the case of self-employment, confirmation of professional experience from the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS).

• A detailed description of your professional activities, including your areas of work, projects, the requirements involved, procedures and methods used, as well as your decision-making authority and responsibilities.

Your application will first undergo a formal review based on the submitted documents. If the assessment is positive, you will be admitted to the professional interview.

The professional interview is organised by the University College for Agrarian and Environmental Pedagogy. Please refer to the information sheet attached below for details of the costs. The professional interviews are conducted online.

Link to the application form:

Engineer Application (in German only)

Your Personal Benefits

The new qualification offers the following advantages:

• The title “Ingenieurin” or “Ingenieur” gains greater recognition as a professional qualification.

• Your qualification gains greater international significance.

• You benefit from improved international career opportunities.

Contact for Questions and Further Information

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management 

Department Präs. 1

Stubenring 1

1010 Vienna, Austria

Email: auszeichnungen@bmluk.gv.at

Ms Petra Meier: +43 1 71100 - 606914

Ms Mag. Margarete Hofer: +43 1 71100 - 606389