Talk on “Professional

Competency Examination”

Dato’ Paduka Ir Hj Keizrul Abdullah

Past President, Institution of Engineers Malaysia
6th March 2015
 Enabling Legislation Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

REGISTRATION OF
ENGINEERS ACT 1967
Act of Parliament
First enacted as Act 66 (of 1967)

Regulations Governing the Engineering

Profession, Practice & Services
 Intent of Legislation Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Preamble  Registration of Engineers Act

1967 (Revised 2007) - REA

An Act to provide for the registration of

engineers, and sole proprietorships,
partnerships and bodies corporate providing
professional engineering services and for
purposes connected therewith
 History of the Act Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

1967 The REGISTRATION OF ENGINEERS ACT 1967

was enacted (Act No. 66 of 1967)
1972 Amendments (Act 138 - Operationalised in 1972)
1973 Amendments (Act 173)
1974 Amendments (Act 218)
1987 Revised to be REGISTRATION OF ENGINEERS
ACT 1967 (Revised 1987)
(Act 662 - 16.1.1987)
2002 Revised to be REGISTRATION OF ENGINEERS
ACT 1967 (Revised 2002)
(Act 1158 - 1.12.2002)

2007 Further amended to become REGISTRATION OF

ENGINEERS ACT 1967 (Revised 2007)
(ACT A1288 - 1.4.2007)
 Why Amend? Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The Professional Acts have been amended

several times since 1967

Primarily to ‘plug’ the ‘loopholes’ as the Profession

evolved…
 Latest Amendments Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

REGISTRATION OF
QUANTITY
ENGINEERS ACT ARCHITECTS ACT 1967
SURVEYORS ACT 1967
1967 (ACT 117)
(ACT 487)
(ACT 138)

1972 1972 1972

1973 1973 1973
1974 1974 1974
1987 1979 1981

LIST OF 2002 1988 1984

AMENDMENTS
2007 1992 1989
2014 1994 2001
2002 2002
2007 2014
2014
TOTAL NO. OF
7 10 9
AMENDMENTS
 Why Amend? Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The latest amendments to the Professional

Acts are

Primarily driven by the Government’s commitments in

International Trade….
Malaysia as a Trading Nation has Benefitted
Greatly from Trade Liberalisation
 Liberalisation Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

MULTILATERAL REGIONAL BILATERAL

Global Trade Regional Free Bilateral Free Trade

Organizations Trade Agreements Agreements
•ASEAN-China (Jul 2003)
AFTA (Jan 1992) •ASEAN-Japan (Oct 2003)
World Trade
AFAS (Dec 1995) •ASEAN-Korea (Dec 2005)
Organization (1995)
TPP (Under negotiations) •ASEAN-Australia/NZ (Jan
EU (Under negotiations) 2010)
•ASEAN-India (Jan 2010)
Global Free
Trade Liberalisation Bilateral Free Trade
Agreements Framework Agreements
•Malaysia-Japan (Dec 2005)
General Agreement •Malaysia-Pakistan (Jan 2008)
AFAS - Progressive
on Trade in Services •Malaysia-NZealand (Oct 2009)
liberalisation of selective
(Jan 1995) •Malaysia-Chile (Nov 2010)
sectors (Dec 1995)
•Malaysia -Aust (Under nego)
•Malaysia-USA (Under nego)

Malaysia’s International Trade Agreements

Liberalisation Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

ASEAN

ASEAN Economic
Community

ASEAN Free Trade

Area

ASEAN Framework
Agreement on
Services
Developed Nation Status Institution of Engineers
Malaysia
 Developed Nation Status Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
THRESHOLD 92
40% 76 77
72 68
Lowest 30%
50.7 44
Service 20% 37
Contribution
of Developed 10%
Nations – 0%
68% Malaysia Thailand Indonesia Singapore Hong Kong Australia United United
Kingdom States

Services Manufacturing Industry Non-Manufacturing Industry Agriculture

Sourced from Global Competitiveness Report 2010 – 2011

Sources: The World Bank; Economist Intelligence Unit. Note: Data are for 2008 or the most recent year available.

Contribution of Service Sector to GDP (%)

Developed Nation Status Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Overall Economic Standing

 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

How Do We Get Back on Track

To transform the Malaysian Economy…

 Need To Be More Competitive Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Global Competitiveness Index Rankings (Historical) Global Competitiveness Index 2010–

2011 & 2009-2011Rankings
3 3 Country Rank Score
5 5 2010- 2009- 2010- 2009-
7 2011 2010 2011 2010

10 Singapore 3 3 5.48 5.55

11 11 11
12 United States 4 2 5.43 5.59
Hong Kong 11 11 5.30 5.22
15
United Kingdom 12 13 5.25 5.19

20 Australia 16 15 5.11 5.15

Malaysia 26 24 4.88 4.87
24
24 Thailand 38 36 4.51 4.56
25 26
26
Indonesia 44 54 4.43 4.26

30 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Rankings based on 12 pillars of competitiveness:
1) Institutions; 2) Infrastructure; 3) Macroeconomic stability; 4) Health
and primary education; 5) Higher education and training; 6) Goods market
7 7 7 efficiency; 7) Labor market efficiency; 8) Financial market sophistication;
9) Technological readiness; 10) Market size; 11) Business sophistication;
Sourced from Global Competitiveness Report 2010 – 2011 & 2008-2009 and 12) Innovation

Global Competitiveness Ranking

 Three Strategic Reforms Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Liberalisation of
Services
Competition Open markets to foreign
Law investment, encouraging
competition.
Competition Act 2010 aims
Improves access to international
to protect economic
markets allowing Malaysian firms
development and consumer
to export overseas.
interest through preventing
anti-competitive practices
and abuse of a dominant Standards
position
Improves quality of Malaysian
services, allowing Malaysian
firms to procure locally and
export overseas.

Overall increase in
Competitiveness
 Issues To Consider Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

For amendments to the Professional

Acts the following Issues to be
considered …..
 Malaysia’s Commitments Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

IMP3 & NKEA PROMOTED SERVICES SECTOR

PRIORITY SECTORS NON-PRIORITY SECTORS

(1) Business & Professional

Services,
(1) ICT,
(2) Distributive Trade,
SERVICE SECTOR (2) Tourism, (1) Logistics
(3) Construction,
(3) Healthcare
(4) Education,
(5) Oil, Gas & Energy

END DATE FOR

2010 2013 2015
LIBERLISATION

- 30% by 2006
- 49% by 2006 - 49% by 2008 - 49% by 2008
FOREIGN EQUITY - 51% by 2010
- 51% by 2008 - 51% by 2010
PARTICIPATION - 70% by 2015
- 70% by 2010 - 70% by 2013
* Construction not less than 51% by 2006

Malaysia’s Commitments in ASEAN for Services

(ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services Timeline)
 Malaysia’s Commitments Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SECTOR

(Foreign Equity)

2008 : 49%
AFAS Threshold for Equity 2010 : 51%
(Asean Framework Agreement on Services)
2015 : 70%

Multi-disciplinary Practice (MDP) : 30% open to

anybody/persons
(Architectural, Engineering & Quantity Surveying)
AFAS 8th Package Single-disciplinary Practice (SDP)
Architectural (CPC 8671) : 0%
Engineering (CPC 8672) : 0%
Integrated Engr (CPC 8673) : Unregulated
Quantity Surveying(None yet) : 0%

Cabinet Decision 2012 : 100%

14 November 2008

Budget 2012 Announcement Architectural : 100% by 2012

by YAB Prime Minister
7 October 2011
Engineering : 100% by 2012
 Issues To Consider Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

CURRENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

1 Sector lacks 2 Restrictions on 3 Restrictions on

capacity to foreign foreign
compete on a professional professionals
bigger scale services firms • Foreign
• Professional • There are many professionals are
services sector are restrictions against restricted to
predominantly foreign firms practice in many
made up of small practicing in ways
firms Malaysia

Present State of Professional Services Sector

 Issues To Consider Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

GATS stipulates that measures relating to

qualification requirements and procedures, technical
standards and licensing requirements should not
constitute unnecessary barriers to trade in services
Rules & procedures should be:
• Based on objective & transparent criteria, such as
competence and the ability to supply the service
• Not more burdensome than necessary to ensure the
quality of service
• In the case of licensing procedure not in themselves
a restriction on the supply
Note: Certification, licensing etc. of service suppliers may be based on MRA or may be
accorded autonomously.

Requirements Under GATS

 A Balancing Act Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PROS CONS
• Opportunity for Malaysia to compete
• Foreign providers crowd out
internationally, -contributing to GDP domestic providers
Potential outflow of money

?
growth and generating foreign exchange •

• Improves the overall business from Malaysia - with foreign

environment providers and shareholders
repatriating profits
1. Introduction of international best
practices, better skills and technology
• Increased risk of financial
instability due to increased
2. Entry of foreign service providers can
exposure to global economic
lead to better services for domestic
events
consumers
• Risk of brain drain
3. Improve the performance and
competitiveness of domestic service
• Risk of environmental
providers degradation
4. Attract foreign direct investment into the
country

Finding Balance between Liberalisation and Protectionism

 Latest Amendments Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

What needs to be done for the

Professional Acts

Taking the next step…

 Concept of 2-Tier Registration Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

BEM

Graduate
Engineer

Professional
1 tier of registration
st
Engineer

Professional
2nd tier of registration Engineer with Practicing Cert 
Practicing Licence
Certificate
 Latest Amendments Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

As the BEM can register professional engineers of any nationality, the firms
under which they provide the services may have 100% foreign equity

HOW PROFESSIONAL SERVICE REGISTRATION WITH THE BOARD OF

IS PROVIDED ENGINEERS MALAYSIA
Engineers of any nationality can be
Individual Engineers registered with the Board.

Single Disciplinary Practice 100% foreign equity allowed with 30%

Sole Proprietorship equity open to all and 70% for Professional
Partnership Engineers with Practicing Certificate for
Body Corporate body corporate
100% foreign equity allowed with 30%
Multi-Disciplinary Practice equity open to all and 70% equity for Prof.
Body Corporate Eng/Arch/QS (No change)
At least 2/3 of the Directors in the Board of
Management of Firm or Body Directors must be Professional Engineers
Corporate with Practicing Certificates
 Latest Amendments Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

SUMMARY OF OTHER MAJOR AMENDMENTS

TEMPORARY REGISTRATION Section 10A deleted since engineers of any nationality can be
OF FOREIGN registered
PROFESSIONALS
QUALIFIED PERSON UNDER Local or foreign Professional Engineers with Practicing
THE BUILDING ACTS Certificate
To register as a Graduate Engineer the basic qualifications shall
meet the Washington Accord requirements

TIME REQUIRED FOR Takes 3-4 years to be registered as a Professional Engineer after
REGISTRATION passing Professional Assessment Examination (PAE)

Additional 1-2 years to obtain a Practicing Certificate on passing

the Professional Competency Examination (PCE)

CONTINOUS PROFESSIONAL Annual 50 hours CPD mandatory with checks by BEM for
DEVELOPMENT Professional Engineers
COMPOSITION OF THE
Minimum 50% must be P.E. with Practicing Certificate
BOARD
REGISTRATION OF OTHER
PERSONS RELATED TO Registration of Engineering Technologist and Inspector of Works
ENGINEERING
 Safeguard Measures Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Liberalisation does not mean deregulation

That is why safeguard measures are …

 Safeguard Measures Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

THE RISKS OF LIBERALISATION

To safeguard local and national policies so

that are not negatively affected

To protect the public against hazards of

sub-standard services by foreign imports

To ensure that liberalisation promotes Safeguard measures in

economic growth as originally intended developed countries are
even more comprehensive
To ensure that local professionals can when compared to
withstand any destabilizing and debilitating developing countries …
effects from the entry of foreign
professionals.

To prepare capacity building programmes

for local professionals
Developed Countries Introduce Competency Examinations
When They Liberalise as a “Safeguard” Measure

Paper from Engineers Australia to Department of

Foreign Affairs & Trade on the Australia – Malaysia Free
Trade Agreement, October 2004

“There is no specific nationality, citizenship or residency

requirements for registration by the National Engineering
Registration Board or membership of Engineers Australia to
practice as a professional engineer in Australia. However
applicants must demonstrate awareness of national and
local standards, rules and practices; and be assessed as
meeting the National Competency Standards for
Professional Engineers.”

Victoria – Building Act 1993 Requires building practitioners

to be registered with the Building Practitioners Board which
uses the test for competency.
Developed Countries Introduce Competency Examinations
When They Liberalise as a “Safeguard” Measure

Foreign Engineers to be Permitted to Practice in Taiwan,

Jan. 14 2009
The Public Construction Commission in line with Taiwan’s
membership of the WTO and the APEC Engineer agreement
scheme …………foreign engineers with which Taiwan has
concluded an MRA will be permitted to participate in
Taiwan’s engineering examinations ….. and on passing will
be issued accredited engineer certification and may
apply for a license to practice engineering in Taiwan.

A foreign engineer who has been licensed to practice in

Taiwan will be able to conduct professional engineering work
and signing of engineering documents jointly with local
engineers or independently and undertake other professional
activities ……. and all documents and drawings related to
work undertaken in Taiwan must use Chinese as the
primary language.
 Safeguard Measures Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

BEM

Graduate
Engineer

Professional
1 tier of registration
st
Engineer

Professional Practicing Cert 

2nd tier of registration Engineer with Licence
Practicing Condition  Professional
Certificate Competency Exam PCE
 Route To Become P.Eng with Institution of Engineers

PC
Malaysia

EXISTING 1st TIER OF EXAMINATION (PAE) RETAINED.

REGISTRATION WITH
THE BOARD AS A
Degree accredited by the
PROF. ENGR. (P.E.)
Board to register as a 3-4 YEARS
Graduate Engineer WORKING
EXPERIENCE

1-2 YEARS
Notes:
Registration with the BEM as a Graduate Engineer is straight-
forward provided that conditions such as the basic qualifications are
met (eg. Engineering degrees recognised under the Washington
Accord).
Professional
Registration as a Professional with BEM after passing the 1 st. tier Competency
examination (PAE). However if foreign professionals can Examinations
demonstrate the same applies to their home countries BEM may
consider them to be registered without sitting the 1 st. tier of
examination or at least undergo the interview process.
LICENSED TO SUBMIT
To ‘practise’ and supply professional engineering services BEM will
issue licenses upon passing the Professional Competency Exams
PLANS UNDER THE
(PCE) i.e. the 2nd. tier of registration. This is mandatory for all BUILDING ACTS
professional engineers wishing to supply professional engineering
 For Engineers  Other Exams Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

GAS SUPPLY ACT, SURUHANJAYA TENAGA

EXISTING P.I. RETAINED (REG. OF ENG. ACT)

JURUTERA
REGISTER GAS
C.E.for Professional
WITH BEM AS Jurutera
Professional Interview
P.ENG Gas
Assessment
Examination
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ACT, SURUHANJAYA TENAGA

COMPETENT
ELECTRICAL
C.E.for Comp. Professional ENGINEER
Elec. Eng Interview

NOTE THAT THE

SPAN ACT NOW
REQUIRES THE
PRACTICING PRACTICING CERTIFICATES ENGINEER OR
CERTIFICATE FOR FOR OTHER ENGINEERING ARCHITECT TO BE
Professional SUBMITTING PERSON DISCIPLINES REGISTERED WITH
Competency UNDER ‘S.D.B. ACT’
THEM
Examination (Building Industry)
 Safeguard Measures Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICE BOARD OF

& PROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST ENGINEERS

1st Safeguard Measure Basic undergraduate

Board register Graduate Engineers provided  degree meets Board’s
degree meets the Washington Accord requirements

2nd Safeguard Measure

Board registers Professional Engineers provided Pass the 1st tier
 have obtained required technical competence or examination
obtained through accredited programme overseas
Annual CPD
compulsory
3rd Safeguard Measure
Pass the 2nd tier for
Before the issue of ‘license’ Professional Engineer
examination i.e. the renewable
 must demonstrate competence in
Competency Exams of P.E. and
understanding national/local standards, rules,
regulations & laws P.E. with
4th Safeguard Measure Issued a ‘license’
Practising
The ‘license’ is renewable every year subject to the (Practising Certificate
Professional Engineer  undergone Continuous Certificate) which is
Professional Development programmes accredited renewable every year
by the Board
Note: CPD also applies at the 1st. tier of registration
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Professional
Competency
Examination
 Professional Competency Exam Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PART 1 Enabling Legislation

Amendments to REA 1967
PART 2 What is the Purpose of the PCE
To ensure Competency
PART 3 Format of the PCE
The Structure and Format
PART 4 The Common Paper – Sample Questions
For all Engineers in the Building/Construction Industry
PART 5 The Civil & Structural, Mechanical & Electrical Papers
Sample Questions
PART 6 Trial Examination
To test the Examination
PART 7 Candidates Feedback & Results of the PCE
To gauge the Difficulty & Level of Understanding
PART 8 BEM’s Operations for the PCE
Information for Candidates
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 1
Enabling Legislation

Amendments to REA 1967 ….

 Latest Amendments to REA Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

(1) Amendment to Section 4 (Functions of the Board)

Section 4(1) The functions of the Board shall be –

(ee)(ed)(ii) to appoint a committee consisting of

persons to be determined by the Board, to conduct
the Professional Competency Examination for the
purpose of issuing a Practising Certificate to
Professional Engineers.
 BEM Organisational Setup Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Amendment
BEM Prof. Competency
Examination (PCE)
Council to be set-up
President

Secretary & 14 members who shall be 1 member from 1 member from Board
Registrar Professional Engineers Board of Architect of Quantity Surveyor

Standing Committees of BEM

Examination & Qualification The Professional Assessment

Quality Examination (PAE) is under the
Application purview of BEM’s Examination &
Accredited Checkers Qualification Committee
Management
Engineering Accreditation Council The accreditation of the
Scale of Fees undergraduate engineering degree
Training & Education is under the purview of the BEM’s
Engineers Act Engineering Accreditation Council
IT
National Monitoring
Publications
Professional Practice
 PCE Council Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PROFESSIONAL
COMPETENCY
EXAMINATION
COUNCIL OF
BEM

PANEL OF
MODERATOR

Integrity of the Competency Examination is important ……..

 Latest Amendments to REA Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

(2) Amendment to Section 10 (Qualifications for

Registration)

Section 10(D) (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act,

any person who –
(a) is a registered Professional Engineer
(b) has passed a Professional Competency
Examination conducted by the Board; and
(c) has complied with all the requirements of the
Board;
shall be entitled on application to be registered as a
Professional Engineer with a Practising Certificate
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 2
What is the purpose of the PCE?

To ensure competency ..….

 Purpose of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The Professional Competency Examination will test

the candidates within the limits of “professional
engineering services” as defined by the Engineers
Act in the engineering disciplines of Civil &
Structural, Mechanical and Electrical engineering,
critical for the construction industry

The examination will test the candidate’s knowledge,

experience and application of :

• Regulations and Rules of Engineering Practice

• Statutory Laws, Design Codes, Regulations
• Standards of Professionalism and Ethical Behaviour
imposed by BEM
Future Applications of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

BEM is developing PCE for other engineering

disciplines
The following organisations were commissioned to
prepare the criteria/requirement, syllabus and exam
questions :

•Marine MISC BHD

•Chemical iChemE Malaysia Chapter
•Environmental Dept of Chem Engrg UM
•Oil and Gas Petronas
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 3
Format of the Professional
Competency Examination (PCE)
The structure & format ..….
 Eligibility to sit for PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

• Professional engineers wishing to sit for the PCE shall

apply to the Board by completion of a prescribed form
and payment of the prescribed fees
• Eligible candidates for the examination must be a
Professional Engineer registered with the Board in the
appropriate discipline
• Candidates seeking registration as a licensing
submitting engineer in the construction industry must
have the relevant working experience in the field of
engineering which he wishes to practice
• On approval of the candidate’s application by the
Board, the candidate is allowed to sit for the
examination.
 Format of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

• The Examination is conducted by BEM pursuant to

Section 4 of the amended REA
• BEM appoints an Examination Panel, consisting of such
members from amongst registered Professional
Engineers to assist in conducting the Examination
• The PCE comprises :
• PART A {Common}  Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper
2 (Subjective)
• PART B {Each discipline}  Paper 1 (Objective) and
Paper 2 (Subjective)
• Candidates can sit for PART A and B together or
separately
• Must pass both papers for both PARTs at one sitting
• The exam is an open book exam
 Format of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY EXAMINATION

PART A PART B
Common for all engineering disciplines Specific for C&S, M and E disciplines

Civil &
PAPER 1 PAPER 2 Mechanical Electrical
Structural
Objective Subjective Discipline Discipline
Discipline
questions questions

PAPER 1 PAPER 1 PAPER 1

Objective Objective Objective
questions questions questions

PAPER 2 PAPER 2 PAPER 2

Subjective Subjective Subjective
questions questions questions

Currently has been developed for the Building/Construction Industry ………

 Examination Regulations Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

 PCE comprises of 2 PARTs  PART A and PART B

 Each PART consists of 2 papers  Paper 1 and Paper 2
 Compulsory to pass both papers in PART A and B
 Candidates must pass both papers for PART A and/or
PART B at one sitting
 If the candidate passes PART A but fails PART B, he is
allowed to re-sit the latter. This condition will also
apply if he passes PART B but fails PART A.
 The pass result for PART A or PART B is valid for 3
years and there is no limit of attempts to re-sit the other
PART as long as it is within the 3 years period
 After the 3 years period, the candidate has to re-sit
both PARTs again
 PCE : PART A Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PART A - Common Paper

• To be taken by all candidates

• Non-technical in nature
• To test candidates’ knowledge of laws governing the
profession, the responsibility of the professional
towards the general public and standards of
professionalism and ethical behaviour

There are two papers for this PART  Paper 1 and Paper 2
 PCE : PART B Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PART B - Paper on each Discipline

• To be taken by candidates in the relevant discipline

which they wish to practice
• Technical in nature
• Test candidate’s competency within his respective field
of practice on :
Regulations and rules of practice by BEM
Statutory laws, codes, regulations etc.

There are two papers for this PART  Paper 1 and Paper 2
 General Description of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Comprises of 2 PARTS - PART A & PART B

Subjects Time Allocated Description
Common paper is to be taken by all candidates,
Consists of 2 papers which
will be non-technical in nature but will test on the
candidates’ knowledge of laws governing the
PART A Paper 1(Objective) & profession, the responsibility of a professional
Common Paper 2(Subjective) Towards the general public and standards of
Paper professionalism and ethical behavior. There are two
1.5+1.5 hours papers for this PART i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Candidates must pass both papers at one sitting.

A technical paper which will be on civil & structural,

Consists of 2 papers mechanical and electrical engineering. Candidates
will sit for the paper in the relevant subject which
PART B they
Paper Paper 1(Objective) & wish to practice. The examination will test the
specific for Paper 2(Subjective) candidates’ competency within his respective field of
each practice. There are two papers for this PART i.e.
discipline 2.0+1.5 hours for C&S Paper 1 and Paper 2.
1.5+1.5 hours for M&E
Candidates must pass both papers at one sitting.
 Structure of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

TIME
PART A FORMAT
ALLOCATED
40 objective questions
Paper 1 1.5 hours
Passing mark 50%
Common Paper
(For all disciplines) 5 long/essay questions of
Paper 2 1.5 hours which 3 to be answered.
Passing mark 50%
TIME
PART B FORMAT
ALLOCATED
1.5 hours 40 objective questions
Paper 1
Passing mark 50%
Civil & Structural Paper 5 long/essay questions of
2.0 hours
Paper 2 which 3 to be answered.
Passing mark 50%
1.5 hours 40 objective questions
Paper 1
Passing mark 50%
Mechanical Paper
5 long/essay questions of
1.5 hours
Paper 2 which 3 to be answered.
Passing mark 50%
 Structure of PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

TIME
PART B FORMAT
ALLOCATED
1.5 hours 40 objective questions
Paper 1
Passing mark 50%
Electrical Paper 5 long/essay questions of
1.5 hours
Paper 2 which 3 to be answered.
Passing mark 50%
 Syllabus for PART A Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PART A : Common for all Disciplines (Paper 1 & 2)

Laws and regulations governing the engineering profession in Malaysia

Engineer’s responsibility to society and to the public

Professionalism on a conceptual basis, ethical conduct and professional practice

Overview of laws having relevance

Basic knowledge of Contract Laws being practiced locally with respect to the
Construction Industry
An in-depth knowledge of the functions of the consulting engineer during the
various stage of project implementation in accordance with BEM Model Form of
Agreement

Management of Engineering Consultancy Practice

For each major topic above there will be sub-topics ………

 Syllabus for PART B Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

PART B : Specific for each Discipline (Paper 1 & 2)

Civil & Structural Paper Mechanical Paper Electrical Paper

Survey & Site Investigation Air Conditioning and

Regulatory Practice
Works Ventilation System
Electricity Distribution
Earthworks Fire Protection
System
System Protection &
Structural Analysis & Design Hydraulics
Discrimination
External Water Supply &
Sewerage for Building Other mechanical systems Building Systems
Development

Road & Highway designs

Drainage Design for Building

development
Regulatory practice &
Submission Procedure for
Civil Engineers
 PART A : Subject Weightage Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

No. of multiple choice questions = 40

No. of subjective questions = 5

Category Weightage in %

Construction Law 25%

Engineers Act 35%

Local Laws relevant to the practice 30%

Management of Engineering Consultancy
10%
Practice

Note: Subjective questions may comprise combination of some or all of the above categories
 PART B : Subject Weightage Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

No. of multiple choice questions = 40

No. of subjective questions = 5 (may be a combination of categories)

Civil & Structural

Mechanical Paper Electrical Paper
Paper

Weightage Weightage Weightage

Category Category Category
(%) (%) (%)
Air-
Regulatory
Geotechnical 20% Conditioning 40% Practice
20%
& Ventilation
Electricity
Civil Fire
Infrastructure
30% Protection
30% Distribution 30%
System

System
Structure 40% Hydraulics 20% Protection
25%

Other Mech. Building

UBBL 10% Systems
10% Systems
25%
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 4
Sample Questions :
The Common Paper

For all Engineers in the Building/Construction

Industry …..
Sample Question : PART A Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. A local Consultant (A) enters into an agreement

with a foreign Contractor (B) to carry out
engineering consultancy services for a Turnkey
Contract in that country. Mid-way through the
project, war breaks out in that country. What is
the effect?

A. The Contract is valid and enforceable

B. The Contract is frustrated
C. The Contract is suspended
D. The Contract is discharged
E. The Contract is void

[Test on Contract law]

Sample Question : PART A Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q2. Which of the following statement is/are true?

a) Only Mechanical Professional Engineers can submit
active fire protection plans
b) Only Civil or Mechanical Professional Engineers
can submit passive fire protection plans for
industrial buildings
c) Professional Engineers of any discipline can submit
active fire protection plans
d) Only Electrical Professional Engineers can submit
electrical plans
A. a) only D. c) only
B. a) and b) only E. b), c) and d) only
C. a), b) and d) only
[Test on UBBL and Regulations]
Sample Question : PART A Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q3. Which of the following statement is false?

A) The BEM Scale of Fees is mandatory.
B) A Sole Proprietorship practising as an ECP
must be registered with BEM
C) All ECPs must be registered with BEM
D) Professional Fees based on man months do
not contravene the BEM Scale of Fees
E) For a private project, a consultant may
exclude provision of supervision and hence
need not charge the corresponding
professional fees

[Test on Engineers Act]

Sample Question : PART A Paper 2 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. The contractor applies for Extension of Time (EOT)

before his contract completion period expires. The
Contract Administrator does not respond and the
original contract completion date is passed. One
month later, the Contract Administrator issues a
V.O. for additional works to the Contractor. The
Contractor refuses to carry out the V.O. works.
What can the Contract Administrator do in this
situation?

[Test on Contract law and the Engineers Act]

Sample Question : PART A Paper 2 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q2. A Consultant has carried out substantial works on

a project and the Employer encounters financial
difficulties. He suspends the project. On
resumption, he terminates the Consultant's
employment citing use of in-house consultants to
complete the works due to financial constraints.
What is the legal effect of the termination and what
financial compensation can the consultant seek?

[Test on Contract law and the Engineers Act]

 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 5 (a)
Sample Questions :
The Civil & Structural Paper
For civil engineers …..
Sample Question : C&S Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. Which of the following statements are true for

circular column?
A. Minimum no. of bars is 8, size of bar is not less
than 10 mm
B. Minimum no. of bars is 8, size of bar is not less
than 12 mm
C. Minimum no. of bars is 6, size of bar is not less
than 10 mm
D. Minimum no. of bars is 6, size of bar is not less
than 12 mm
E. None of the above

[Test on understanding of the Code of Practice]

Sample Question : C&S Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q2. What is the minimum residual pressure head for

an external hydrant system required by Bomba
A. 3.0m
B. 7.5m
C. 12.5m
D. 10.0m
E. 9.0m

[Understanding of Bomba requirements]

Sample Question : C&S Paper 2 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. You are the infrastructure engineer for a housing

developing scheme for a 500 acres project. What is
your advice to the Developer, Planners and
Architects in terms of requirements for drainage
for the whole development?

Note:
Question can be answered in ½ hr provided that
the answer is descriptive in nature. However if a
layout plan of the housing scheme with contours
are provided and it is expected that the drainage
reserve be sized-up, this question will take 1 hr. to
answer.

[Understanding of MASMA]
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 5 (b)
Sample Questions :
The Mechanical Paper
For mechanical engineers …..
Sample Question : Mech. Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. Which of the following is not applicable for active

fire designs?

A. MS 1472
B. MS 1780
C. MS 1910
D. MS 1525
E. Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysia

[Understanding of design codes for fire protection]

Sample Question : Mech. Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q2. Fire lifts are required for buildings where the

top most occupied floor is

A. Over 30.5m
B. Over 18.5m
C. Over 1,000m2
D. Over 18.5m and 1,000m2
E. Over 30.5m and 1,000m2

[Understanding of Bomba requirements]

Sample Question : Mech. Paper 2 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. The following complaints have been received from

building occupants. Briefly describe what you think are
the likely causes of these problems and the solutions you
would propose.
a) Office occupants seating next to window complain of
unsatisfactory air conditioning. Your on-site
measurement shows the design temperature of 24ºC DB
and 55% RH is achieved.
b) Hotel guests complain it takes a long time to get hot
water from their toilet showers and the water temperature
fluctuates during their showers.
c) The contractor was unable to achieve specified
background noise level of NC 25 for the auditorium even
though he has followed manufacturer’s recommendation
of internal duct lining as well as installed silencers.

[Understanding of Building Services requirements]

 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 5 (c)
Sample Questions :
The Electrical Paper
For electrical engineers …..
Sample Question : Elect. Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. Which is the best installation method to minimize

eddy current losses in single core cable sheaths ?

A. Flat formation
B. Trefoil formation
C. Alternate formation
D. Cross bonding of sheaths
E. Bundle in air

[Understanding of Electrical Distribution Network]

Sample Question : Elect. Paper 1 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q2. What is expected short circuit current at 400V if a

1000 kVA transformer of 11/0.4 kV with an
impedance of 5 % is connected to a 11 kV infinite
bus ?

A. 8,000 Amps
B. 1,250 Amps
C. 50,000 Amps
D. 2,886 Amps
E. 28,868 Amps

[Understanding of System Protection]

Sample Question : Elect. Paper 2 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Q1. Answer completely the following two questions:

(a) As a electrical consulting engineer, describe

clearly the general procedures which would be
established for acceptance of works under your
supervision

(b) Describe the role of SIRIM certification in the

work acceptance procedure

[Understanding of Building Systems]

 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 6
Trial Examination

To test out the PCE …..….

 Format of Trial PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The Trial Examination was organized for the following

disciplines of engineering in the Building/Construction
industry :

 Civil & Structural engineering

 Mechanical engineering
 Electrical engineering
 Format of Trial PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The Trial Examination was conducted in two parts:

 PART A : The Common paper was to be taken by all

candidates. This paper was non-technical in nature
but would test on the candidates’ knowledge of laws
governing the profession, the responsibility of a
professional towards the general public and
standards of professionalism and ethical behavior.
There were two papers for this PART i.e. Paper 1 and
Paper 2. Candidates must pass both papers at one
sitting.
 Format of Trial PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The Trial Examination was conducted in two parts:

 PART B : This was the technical paper which was

on Civil & Structural, Mechanical and Electrical
engineering. Candidates will sit for the paper in the
relevant discipline which they wish to practice. The
Examination will test the candidates’ competency
within his respective field of practice. There were
two papers for this PART i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Candidates must pass both papers at one sitting.
 Breakdown of Candidates Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

All the Candidates were Professional Engineers (P.E.)

A total of 47 candidates sat for the trial PCE on 24

April 2010 at the Women’s Institute of Management,
Kuala Lumpur

Breakdown of disciplines :
Civil and Structural = 25 candidates
Mechanical = 12 candidates
Electrical = 10 candidates

Candidates from consultant firms : 40 pax

Candidates from govt. bodies/organization : 7 pax
 Trial Exam Schedule Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Schedule for PART A : Common Paper

8.00 am Registration
*8.45 am - 10.30 am PART A : Common Paper 1
(1½ hours)
10.30 am - 11.00 am Breaktime
*11.00 am - 12.45 pm PART A : Common Paper 2
(1½ hours)
12.45 pm - 1.30 pm Lunch

* Inclusive of 15 minutes to read the question paper

 Trial Exam Schedule Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Schedule for PART B : Discipline Paper

*1.30 pm - 3.15 pm PART B : Discipline Paper 1

(1½ hours)
3.15 pm - 3.45 pm Breaktime
*3.45 pm - 5.30 pm PART B : Mech./Elect. Paper 2
(1½ hours)
*3.45 pm - 6.00 pm PART B : Civil Paper 2
(2 hours)

* Inclusive of 15 minutes to read the question paper

 Trial Exam in Progress Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

No hand phones

No computers

Open Book Exam

2 Tables provided
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 7 (a)
Candidates’ Feedback on Trial
Examination

To gauge the level of difficulty …..….

 Candidates’ Feedback Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

a) Part A Common Paper 1 Difficult: 14 Reasonable: 29

b) Part A Common Paper 2 Difficult: 13 Reasonable: 30
c) Part B C&S Paper 1 Difficult: 8 Reasonable: 15
d) Part B C&S Paper 2 Difficult: 8 Reasonable: 15
e) Part B Mech. Paper 1 Difficult: 1 Reasonable: 10
f) Part B Mech. Paper 2 Difficult: 1 Reasonable: 10
g) Part B Elect. Paper 1 Difficult: 2 Reasonable: 7
h) Part B Elect. Paper 2 Difficult: 1 Reasonable: 8

Majority of candidates find it reasonable ………

 Candidates’ Feedback Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Was the whole Examination too hectic to be taken in

one day?
Yes No
C&S 18 5
Mechanical 5 6
Electrical 3 6
Total (43) 26 17

Would you like the Examination to be conducted over

two days period?
Yes No
C&S 17 6
Mechanical 5 6
Electrical 4 5
Total (43) 26 17
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 7 (b)
Results of the trial examination

& the level of understanding ….….

 Marking Scheme Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

a) Candidates must satisfy the examiners in all the

papers in PART A and PART B of the examination
b) No marks will be revealed to the candidates. The
results will be notified to the candidates as either a
“pass” or “fail”
c) The marks are to be used as an internal tool to
gauge the “difficulty” level of the exam for the
examination committee. They are being kept as
“confidential”
d) To obtain an overall pass in the exam, candidates
must pass both PART A and PART B
 Marking Scheme Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

e) Each paper in the exam is being marked by two

examiners except for the geotechnical questions in
C & S : PART B Paper 2 which is marked by only
one examiner
f) Each paper has been marked by two examiners
independently
g) In the event of a dispute in the overall marks for
the paper given by each examiner, a third examiner
will be appointed to mark the paper to resolve the
results
h) The dispute in the marks for each paper will not be
revealed to the examiners
 Results of Trial Exam Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

C&S Mech. Elect.

Common Paper 1 (Objective) 14 5 3

Common Paper 2 (Subjective) 6 3 3

C&S Paper 1 (Objective) 7

C&S Paper 2 (Subjective) 5

Mechanical Paper 1 (Objective) 11

Mechanical Paper 2 (Subjective) 7

Electrical Paper 1 (Objective) 7

Electrical Paper 2 (Subjective) 4
 Results of Trial Exam Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

No. of candidates who passed the overall examination

Civil & Structural discipline : 0
Mechanical discipline : 2
Electrical discipline : 0
Total no. of candidates who passed: 2 (or 4.26%)
 Reasons for Poor Results Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Circumstances under which the candidates were

sitting for the exam and these factors were:

a) There was no recognition for the results of the exam

by ACEM or BEM. It was a trial run of the PCE
b) Candidates were given a limited time frame to
prepare for the exam i.e. less than two months
c) Due to time constraint, no course was organized to
prepare the candidates for the exam except for an
evening presentation talk organized by ACEM
d) Honorarium provided was not for success in the
exam but rather to attract Candidates to sit for the
exam voluntarily
 Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Part 8
BEM’s Operations for the PCE

Information for the Candidates ….….

 Application To Sit For PCE Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

The following documents will be made available to

Candidates :
a) Application form for the P.C.E. which amongst others
will include the time, date and venue. The form will be
available on BEM’s website
b) P.C.E. - Volume 1 (General information and
Examination Syllabus) will be made available to
Candidates
c) P.C.E. - Volume 2 (Sample questions for PCE) will be
made available to Candidates
 Application to Sit for Professional Competency Examination

To: Registrar,
The Board of Engineers Malaysia,
Tingkat 17, Ibu Pejabat JKR,
Jalan Sultan Salahuddin,
50580 Kuala Lumpur.

I hereby apply to sit for the following papers in the Professional Competency Examination:
Part A – Common Paper 1 and 2 (Compulsory for all candidates) 
Part B – Civil & Structural Paper 1 and 2 
Part B – Mechanical Paper 1 and 2 
Part B – Electrical Paper 1 and 2 

Please tick (  ) in the appropriate box for the papers which the applicant wishes to sit

I attach herewith my *cheque/bank draft for RM ________ being payment of my application to sit for the above
examination.
*Payment by cheque is to be made payable to: ‘The Board of Engineers Malaysia’
I hereby authorize the Board of Engineers Malaysia to seek verification on the information submitted by me in any
manner and by any means as it deems fit and proper.

Personal Particulars
(To be completed by the applicant)
Full Name:___________________________________________________________________________
(Use block letters and underline surname)
Permanent Address:___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Postal Address:_______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Application Form
P.C.E. Vol. I - General Information Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Contents Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Aims of the PCE 3
3. The examination 3
4. Eligibility to sit for the examination 3
5. Fees to sit for the examination 4
6. Date of the examination 4
7. Examination venue 4
8. Application form 4
9. Final results and notification 4
10. Examination appeals 4
11. Courses for the examination 4
12. No refund of examination fees 4
13. No show by the candidates for the examination 5
14. Identification of the candidates at the exam centre 5
 P.C.E. Vol. I - General Information Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Contents Page

15. Format of the Examination Papers in the 5

Various Disciplines
PART A
Common Paper 1 5
Common Paper 2 5
PART B
Civil & Structural Paper 1
5
Civil & Structural Paper 2
5
Mechanical Paper 1 6
Mechanical Paper 2 6
Electrical Paper 1 6
P.C.E. Vol. I - General Information Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

Contents Page

16. Syllabus of the Examination in the 6

Various Disciplines
PART A
16.1 Common Paper - Paper 1 & Paper 2 6-10
PART B
16.2 Civil & Structural Paper 1 & Paper 2 10-14
16.3 Mechanical Paper 1 & Paper 2 14-17
16.4 Electrical Paper 1 & Paper 2 17-21
17. Weightage for the Questions for the Examination 22
17.1 Common paper 22
17.2 Civil and Structural paper 22
17.3 Mechanical paper 23
17.4 Electrical paper 23
 Conclusion Institution of Engineers
Malaysia

• The latest amendments to the Engineers Act were

passed by the Dewan Rakyat on 27th Nov 2014 and by the
Dewan Negara on 17th Dec 2014
• The amendments were gazetted on 24 Feb 2015
• As a safeguard measure to protect public interest, a two-
tier registration system has been introduced
• To move from the 1st Tier to the 2nd Tier, the Professional
Engineer will have to pass a Professional Competency
Exam (PCE)
• BEM has developed the structure and format of the PCE
and has carried out a Trial Exam
• BEM is now ready to operationalize the Professional
Competency Examination