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Certified Engineering Surveyor (CES)

The CES credential validates your competence, currency, and ethical practice. It provides clients and regulators with absolute assurance through our enforceable Code of Ethics and mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

National Register

Verify the certification status and professional standing of engineering surveyors.

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New Applicants

Start your 2026 Framework application for the Qualification or Practitioner pathway.

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Eligibility: Applications are for Australian residents only who hold current financial membership with Surveyors Australia.

Interested?

Download Candidate Guide →

Applicants

Download Mapping Template →

Already Certified

CPD & Member Resources →

Framework & Pathways

Select a section below to expand detailed information on the 2026 Certification Framework.

Eligibility Pathways & Fees
  • Qualification Pathway: Recognised AQF Level 5-8 surveying qualification plus 5 years relevant experience. Fee: $550 inc GST.
  • Experienced Practitioner Pathway: Available until 31 Dec 2027 for those with 20+ years experience and no formal qualification. Fee: $1,100 inc GST.
  • Overseas Assessment: Required for international qualification equivalency assessment. Fee: $825 inc GST.
The Application Process
  1. Agree to the Code of Ethics and make initial payment via the Surveyors Shop.
  2. Receive portal access within 3 business days to begin your submission.
  3. Upload your completed Executive Summary Mapping Template and project portfolio.
  4. A technical review is performed by two qualified Assessors.
  5. Successful portfolio review leads to a 30-60 minute online interview via Microsoft Teams.
Project Contexts (Choose 5)

Candidates must submit five distinct experience examples from the following environments:

  • Structures: Bridges, tunnels, dams, or buildings of three levels or more.
  • Roadways: Arterials, motorways, or multi-carriageways.
  • Railway Infrastructure: Rail alignments and associated assets.
  • Underground Assets: Drainage, water, wastewater, or utilities (aligned to AS 5488).

Complete Documentation Checklist

Pre-Submission Requirements

Ensure your submission includes all of the following components before finalizing:

1. Eligibility & Membership

  • ✅ Current Financial Membership: Verified membership with Surveyors Australia or a recognized State partner.
  • ✅ Proof of Australian Residency: Passport, Visa, or Birth Certificate.
  • ✅ Certified Qualifications: Scanned copies of Tertiary Certificates or Diplomas.

2. Portfolio Mapping

  • ✅ Executive Summary Mapping: Using the official template to cross-reference evidence to criteria.
  • ✅ Technical Resumé: Detailing 5+ years of experience and specific project responsibilities.
  • ✅ Two Written References: Must confirm your position, specific technical tasks, quality of work, and safety conduct.

3. Technical Evidence Examples

  • Survey Control Evidence: Design diagrams, observation logs (GNSS/Terrestrial), levelling reports, and adjustment/verification outputs.
  • Detail & As-Built Survey Evidence: Capture methodology, processing records (surfaces/feature datasets), and variance/conformance reports.
  • Project Management & Data Analysis Evidence: Safety records (SWMS/JSEA), design coordination (emails/RFIs), and directory version logs.

Who can certify my documents?

Qualifications and transcripts must be certified as true copies of the original by an authorised witness in Australia:

  • Justice of the Peace (JP)
  • Legal Practitioners
  • Medical Practitioners
  • Police Officers
  • Pharmacists or Nurses
  • Australia Post (5+ yrs)

Certifiers must sign and stamp each copy with their full name, profession, and registration number.

Already Certified? Member Resources

Maintain your professional currency and digital badge. We host monthly Engineering Surveyor webinars through the On-Demand portal specifically to support your 5-point technical CPD requirement.

On-Demand Webinar Portal View Your CPD Log

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the annual CPD requirements for CES holders?

You must complete a total of 15 CPD points per Financial Year. A minimum of 5 points must relate specifically to Engineering Surveying technical competence.

How long do I have to complete my application?

You have six months from the date of initial payment to complete and submit your application and all supporting evidence via the portal.

Where can I display my CES Digital Badge?

Permitted uses include individual email signatures, digital profiles (LinkedIn, professional portfolios), and business stationery (business cards and letterheads) provided the credential applies only to the individual.

For portal support or certification enquiries, please contact:
Jasmine Bulman, Head of Certification
certified@surveyorsaus.org.au | 0437 767 973