What is Knowledge Assessment (KA02) For Engineering NZ?

If you are an engineer seeking professional recognition in New Zealand but do not hold a qualification from a Washington Accord-accredited programme, you must complete a Knowledge Assessment (KA02) required by Engineering NZ.

This process, commonly referred to as a KA02, is the technical pathway used to demonstrate that your acquired knowledge and work experience are equivalent to a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree. It is mandatory for those whose degrees are from non-recognised institutions or in a different but related field.

A Knowledge Assessment for Engineering NZ is a formal evaluation of your underpinning engineering knowledge. Unlike a standard CV review, this assessment requires you to provide evidence of how you have applied fundamental engineering principles to solve complex problems. It serves as a bridge for international engineers or those with alternative qualifications to enter the local professional register.

To navigate this process, you must understand the specific assessment categories used by the professional body.

The Distinction Between KA01 and KA02

Before you begin your application, you must identify which pathway applies to your background. A KA01 assessment is reserved for those who graduated from a university that is part of the Washington Accord but whose specific degree was not accredited at the time of graduation.

The KA02, which is more common, is for engineers with qualifications from non-accredited countries or those with degrees in science or related technologies who have gained engineering expertise through years of practice.

Reasons Why the Knowledge Assessment is Required

The primary reason Engineering New Zealand requires this assessment is to maintain the profession’s high standards and ensure public safety. By validating that you possess a level of technical understanding equivalent to a local graduate, the assessment ensures that every engineer practicing at a professional level in the country is competent.

This requirement is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it serves several practical functions for your career progression in New Zealand.

Bridging the Qualification Gap

Because engineering standards vary significantly across different global jurisdictions, New Zealand uses the Knowledge Assessment to standardise expectations. You are required to show that you understand the “first principles” of engineering, such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, or structural analysis, and can apply them without relying solely on software or manuals. This demonstrates your conceptual depth to handle unique engineering challenges.

Eligibility for Chartered Status

If you intend to become a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or a Professional Member of Engineering New Zealand (PMEngNZ), the Knowledge Assessment is often the first step. You cannot apply for these titles without first proving your educational equivalence. Gaining these credentials is vital for your career, as they allow you to sign off on specific designs and lead major projects independently.

Core Components of a Successful Submission

Your submission is evaluated based on several “elements” of knowledge. You must write narrative descriptions of your work, focusing on how you solved specific technical issues. The table below outlines the key areas you must address in your report:

Element	Focus Area
Knowledge of Principles	Application of fundamental mathematics and physics.
Local Practice	Understanding of New Zealand-specific codes and standards.
Design and Synthesis	Evidence of creating solutions for complex engineering problems.
Technical Literature	Ability to use and cite relevant research and papers.

Preparing Your Evidence for Review

When you compile your Knowledge Assessment, you must select three or four distinct engineering projects or episodes from your career. These should not just list your duties; they must highlight the specific technical difficulties you encountered and the calculations or engineering theories you used to resolve them. Focusing on the “why” behind your technical decisions is what will ultimately satisfy the assessors that you possess the required level of professional competency.