Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000)Board NoticesRules: Continuing Professional Development and Renewal of Registration, 20168. Exemptions from the CPD Policy Framework |
| (1) | The following registered persons are exempted from the CPD policy: |
| (a) | Registered persons that have reached the age of seventy (70) years and no longer practice engineering. |
| (b) | Registered persons that hold non-engineering management roles in their respective areas of employment. |
| (c) | Registered persons that have retired completely and no longer carries out any activities associated with the designation of a Professional Engineer in all the categories prescribed by the Act. |
| (d) | Registered persons that take extended leave from engineering work for whatever reason; and |
| (e) | Registered persons that take extended breaks due to unemployment, illness or incapacitation. |
| (2) | The above exemptions are not automatic. Formal application by a registered person to ECSA, accompanied by supporting documentation as well as a sworn statement/affidavit outlining the circumstances and reasons for their application, is required. The Council shall then communicate its decision to the registered person concerned. |
| (3) | Exemption from the CPD policy in terms of Rule 8 does not affect the registration status of a registered person being exempted. Every registered person's duties and responsibilities as a registered person shall persist notwithstanding the exemption. Registered persons to whom exemption is granted are required to confirm their professional registration status on an annual basis with the Council. |
| (4) | The following grounds shall not be deemed adequate by the Council for partial or full exemption of the application of the CPD policy: |
| (a) | Partial retirement by any registered person; |
| (b) | Registered persons undertaking engineering work on a part-time basis; and |
| (c) | Practicing engineering abroad/ outside South Africa. |
| (5) | Registered persons that are exempted from CPD requirements are encouraged to keep up to date and remain relevant in terms of their professional interests, roles and the industries in which they operated prior to exemption. |
| (6) | The exemption of any registered person from CPD shall remain in place until the circumstances for which the exemption was granted are no longer applicable. The onus is on the member to formally (in writing) notify the Council when the circumstances around the granting of the exemption are no longer applicable. |
| (7) | Should an exempted registered person resume engineering work or related activities after a significant period during which such activities were not performed, the Council may require such a person to undertake additional relevant CPD or to provide a plan which sets out in detail how the registered person will update their knowledge and ensure they can perform their responsibilities competently and with due care. |
| (8) | Should an exempted registered person resume engineering work or related activities without the Council being formally notified, then such would amount to misconduct, and such person shall be referred to the Council's Investigation Committee for appropriate action. |