Become a Signatory

The IEA welcomes applications from eligible organisations interested in joining the accords.

Signatories can be organisations authorities, agencies, bodies or institutions. They must be independent of the academic institutions delivering accredited programmes within their jurisdiction. Applications to become an IEA Accord signatory must come from organisations, not individuals.

In order to be eligible organisations must be:

Authoritative accrediting agencies within their jurisdiction
Independent from academic institutions delivering programmes
Representative of the engineering profession in their jurisdiction
Holders of statutory or recognised professional authority for accrediting engineering programmes that satisfy academic requirements for professional practice

Why Become a Signatory?
How to Become a Signatory
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Why Become an An Accords Signatory?

International Recognition and Graduate Mobility

Becoming an IEA Accords signatory provides immediate international recognition for engineering qualifications, enabling graduates to pursue careers across participating countries with minimal additional assessment. This significantly enhances the value proposition of local engineering programmes and institutions, making them more attractive to both domestic and international students. The mutual recognition framework eliminates barriers to professional mobility, allowing qualified engineers to contribute their expertise globally whilst maintaining confidence in their credentials. This enhanced mobility creates opportunities for knowledge transfer, cultural exchange, and professional development that benefit both individual practitioners and the broader engineering community.

Quality Assurance and Educational Excellence

Signatory status demonstrates adherence to internationally recognised quality standards in engineering education and professional practice. The rigorous assessment processes required for IEA membership drive continuous improvement in educational curricula, teaching methodologies, and outcome-based learning approaches. This commitment to excellence enhances the reputation of national engineering institutions and programmes, attracting high-calibre students and faculty whilst building trust with employers, government agencies, and international partners. The ongoing monitoring and review processes ensure that standards remain current with global best practices and emerging technological demands.

"The International Engineering Alliance elevates global engineering practice, building trust through world-class education standards and inspiring professional excellence."

How to Become an Accords Signatory

Step 1. Contact the Secretariat

Applicants interested in becoming a signatory should first reach out to the secretariat.

Get in touch with the IEA Secretariat to express your organisation’s interest.

The Secretariat will explain eligibility requirements and provide the application forms, templates, and relevant rules.

At this stage, you may be introduced to potential mentors from existing signatories who can guide you through the process.

Step 2. Prepare & Submit Your Application

Prepare and submit your application for provisional status, showing that your accreditation system meets the published criteria.

Include evidence of your accreditation policies, criteria, procedures, and examples of recent accreditation decisions.

Pay the required application fee at the time of submission.

The Secretariat will check your submission for completeness, circulate it to existing signatories, and coordinate any questions.

Step 3

Step 3. Nomination and Approval

Applications for admission must include nominations from two signatories affirming that the applicant meets the requirements for provisional status.

The applicant must provide necessary documentation and present their application for provisional signatory status before a meeting of all signatories.

Step 4. Provisional Signatory to Full Signatory Status

During the provisional Signatory period, which typically lasts 2-4 years, the Signatory must be supported by at least one Mentor. Upon meeting the criteria, the Signatory may apply for full Signatory status.

The assessment process for full Signatory status will be overseen by a verification team, and a report will be submitted to the other signatories as per the rules and procedures.

Accord Signatory Enquiries

To enquire further regarding IEA Accords application please contact us via the form provided.

Please note: Applications to become an IEA Accord signatory are open to organisations, not individuals.