Engineering technologists have a smaller body of theoretical knowledge than professional engineers, but sufficient to enable them to solve broadly-defined engineering problems using knowledge of physical processes and standard mathematical analysis techniques. Increasing numbers of engineering technologists hold three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) degrees from a university or polytechnic.

Engineering technologists’ work usually involves applying current and emerging technologies, often in new contexts, or applying established principles in the development of new practice. They may also contribute to the advancement of particular technologies. Engineering technologists require a deep knowledge of practical situations and applications, a strong grasp of scientific and engineering principles, and a well-developed capacity for analysis. They must keep abreast of developments in their particular fields.

They are typically specialists in particular fields of engineering technology. Within their specialisations, their expertise may be equivalent to that of a professional engineer; but they are not expected to take such a broad perspective, or carry such extensive responsibility for dealing with stakeholders, integrating systems, or synthesising approaches to complex engineering problems.

Engineering technologists are equipped to approve or certify technical operations such as calibration and testing regimes, compliance with performance-based criteria for safety, and the design of components and sub-systems and of installations such as building services where significant new development is not involved. Such certification from engineering technologists should be acceptable without further verification by others.