The Institute of Professional Engineering Technologists (IPET) is the recognised professional body for engineering technologists in South Africa. We represent and support professionals who bridge the gap between theoretical engineering and practical application. Our members work across multiple disciplines — from civil and mechanical to electrical, chemical, and beyond — playing a critical role in building, maintaining, and advancing the nation’s infrastructure and industries.

IPET is more than just a professional association — it is a community dedicated to empowering technologists.

• We promote professional and ethical standards to ensure that technologists are respected within the engineering profession.
• We support lifelong learning through structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, events, and resources.
• We create platforms for connection — linking technologists with peers, industry leaders, and academic partners.
• We advocate for recognition, ensuring that the contributions of technologists are acknowledged at every level of industry and government.

In short, IPET is about equipping technologists with the tools, credibility, and network to thrive in their careers while contributing to the growth of South Africa.

Becoming a member of IPET is an investment in your career and professional identity. By joining, you gain:

• Professional Recognition – Membership signals that you are aligned with the official body for engineering technologists, adding credibility and standing to your career.
• Career Growth – Access to CPD programs, workshops, and events helps you build new skills and stay competitive in a fast-changing world.
• Networking & Community – IPET connects you to a strong network of professionals, mentors, and industry leaders who can open doors to new opportunities.
• Advocacy & Representation – IPET actively represents technologists, ensuring your profession is recognised alongside engineers and other technical specialists.

Membership is not just about belonging — it’s about unlocking opportunities, growth, and influence in your field.

They are first and foremost persons who are registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), as Professional Technologists (Engineering).

In order to register, the applicant must provide proof of having obtained a qualification at a Technikon in South Afiica and a period of practical experience in industry, acceptable to ECSA. Qualifications obtained elsewhere will also be considered. Acceptance for registration is at the discretion of ECSA.

A senior or equivalent qualification, with acceptable pass marks in mathematics and science, is required for admission to the Technikon courses. These courses:

• render the best possible service to the profession of engineering technologists by promoting their skills and resources,
• provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge, include practical applications of engineering practice and techniques,
• thoroughly prepare the students for the job market by ensuring that they spend adequate time in applying their knowledge to practical work in the engineering field.

Professional Technologists (Engineering) will be required to exercise mature judgement in the workplace and will be expected to have the ability to conceive, identify and optimise solutions to complex engineering problems. Above all, they must be prepared to accept full professional responsibility for their engineering decisions.

In its Constitution and Bylaws, the South African Association of Consulting Engineers (SAACE) fully recognises the status of the Professional Technologist and no distinction is made between PrEng and PrTech(Eng). The SAACE’s primary requirement for a firm to become and remain a member, is that at least 50% of its principals shall be consulting engineers. The definition of a consulting engineer being a professional engineer or a professional technologist who is registered in terms of the Act, is practising and, as his / her principal occupation, is rendering a professional engineering service to others.

Engineering technologists apply their expertise in any combination of the engineering functions in all branches of engineering. These functions include conceptualising, design, project or construction management, commissioning, measurement and testing, quality assurance, costing and estimating, production, the collection and analysis of data, maintenance, teaching, research and the modification and development of technologies for the solution of complex engineering problems. They may work on their own or can be part of a team.

They may be:

• Consultants in their own right or members of firms of engineering consultants,
• A senior manager in central, provincial or local government, or in private practice,
• A contractor,
• An advisor in a company, practising a high level of technical expertise.

Our vision is to be the recognised home and voice of engineering technologists in South Africa.

We aim to build a future where:

• The expertise of technologists is highly valued.
• Career development and progression are actively supported.
• Contributions to industry, society, and national development are celebrated and respected.

IPET envisions a profession where technologists stand proudly alongside engineers and other professionals as equal partners in driving innovation, sustainability, and progress.