The journey to becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) in Malaysia involves several critical steps, one of which is passing the Professional Assessment Examination (PAE). This examination is a significant milestone for engineers seeking to advance their careers and attain full professional recognition. This blog will provide an in-depth overview of the PAE, including its requirements, procedures, and what candidates can expect during the examination process.
What is the Professional Assessment Examination (PAE)?
The Professional Assessment Examination (PAE) is an examination administered by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) designed to assess the practical experience, knowledge, and professionalism of Graduate Engineers who aspire to become Professional Engineers (PE) . The PAE tests candidates on their understanding of engineering principles, their ability to solve practical engineering problems, and their knowledge of the professional code of conduct.
Eligibility Requirements for the PAE
To be eligible to sit for the PAE, candidates must meet specific criteria as outlined by the BEM:
- Graduate Engineer Registration: Candidates must be registered as a Graduate Engineer with BEM.
- Practical Experience: Candidates must have completed the required practical experience, as specified in Regulation 22 of the Registration of Engineers Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2015). This includes at least three years of practical experience, with at least one year under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE) in Malaysia.
- Application Submission: Candidates must submit their application for the PAE via the MyBEM portal along with the necessary fees and documentation.
Application Process for the PAE
The application process for the PAE involves several steps:
- Online Application: Candidates must submit their application through the MyBEM portal (https://engineer.org.my/Account/Login?).
- Fees: A fee of RM500.00 (examination fee) and RM100.00 (processing fee) must be paid upon application.
- Supporting Documents: The application must be accompanied by reports (Training and Technical) endorsed by a Professional Engineer in the same discipline, along with the completed BEM/Form/PAE/02.
- Approval and Examiner Appointment: Once the application is approved, BEM appoints a Principal Examiner who, in turn, appoints a Second Examiner. The examiners will be from the same or an allied discipline as the candidate.
- Scheduling the Examination: The Principal Examiner will contact the candidate to schedule the examination, including the date, time, and venue.
The Examination Structure
The PAE consists of two main components: a professional interview and an essay writing section.
1. Professional Interview
During the professional interview, the examiners will assess the candidate’s practical experience based on both time and quality. The interview focuses on several key aspects:
- Engineering Principles: The candidate’s understanding of applying engineering principles to solve problems related to investigation, planning, design, construction, operation, or maintenance of engineering works.
- Communication Skills: The candidate’s ability to communicate their knowledge effectively.
2. Essay Writing
The essay writing component consists of two sections:
- Section A: Candidates must write an essay related to their training and experience as described in their report. They will choose one out of two questions provided.
- Section B: Candidates must answer a question on the Code of Professional Conduct, choosing from two questions selected by the examiners.
Each essay is intended to test the candidate’s ability to organize their knowledge and express their thoughts clearly and concisely.
Table 1: Overview of PAE Examination Structure
| Component | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Interview | Assessment of practical experience and understanding of engineering principles | As scheduled |
| Essay Writing | Section A: Related to training and experience; Section B: Code of Professional Conduct | 1.5 hours per section |
Preparation of Documents for PAE
Candidates are required to submit various documents as part of their PAE application. These documents should be certified by a Professional Engineer and are crucial for the evaluation process.
Required Documents:
- Training and Experience Report: A detailed report of 1500-2000 words outlining the candidate’s practical training and experience, including the organizations they have worked with, their roles, responsibilities, and the projects undertaken.
- Working Drawings/Reports: Candidates must submit at least two and not more than four working drawings, or a feasibility study report, or a comprehensive report on a major engineering project. These documents should reflect the candidate’s involvement and contributions to the projects.
Detailed PAE Application Process
To help candidates understand the process, here is a simplified step by step process for PAE:
PAE Application and Examination Process
- Eligibility Check:
- Verify Graduate Engineer registration.
- Confirm completion of practical experience requirements.
- Application Submission:
- Submit application through MyBEM portal.
- Pay the required fees.
- Submit necessary documents and reports.
- Approval Process:
- BEM reviews the application.
- If approved, BEM appoints a Principal Examiner.
- Examination Scheduling:
- Principal Examiner schedules the interview and essay writing session.
- Professional Interview:
- Candidate attends the interview, assessed by the Principal and Second Examiners.
- Essay Writing:
- Candidate writes essays on topics related to their experience and the Code of Professional Conduct.
- Result Notification:
- Candidates are informed of the examination results within six months.
- Unsuccessful candidates are provided feedback and can appeal or reapply.
Important Considerations
- Appeals and Re-examination: If a candidate fails the PAE, they have the right to appeal within 21 days of receiving the result. An appeal fee of RM150.00 is required, which will be refunded if the appeal is successful. Candidates who fail can also reapply for the examination after 12 months.
- Document Submission: It is crucial that all submitted documents and drawings are certified and reflect the candidate’s direct involvement in the projects. Documents prepared during university or college courses are not admissible.
- Confidentiality: BEM takes reasonable care of all submitted documents, which are usually returned to the candidate after the examination. However, BEM does not take responsibility for any loss of these documents.
Conclusion: Achieving PE Through PAE
The Professional Assessment Examination (PAE) is a vital step for Graduate Engineers seeking to become Professional Engineersin Malaysia. By understanding the requirements, procedures, and expectations of the PAE, candidates can better prepare themselves for this critical examination, paving the way for their advancement in the engineering profession.
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