BEM OUTCOME-BASED PROFESSIONAL

ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION (PAE)

(Will be implemented starting 1st May 2022. Fully implemented 1st January 2023)

In keeping with the global move in the international engineering communities towards an
outcome-based competence assessment for international recognition, BEM on 22.11.2021 has
approved the implementation of BEM Outcome-Based Professional Assessment Examination
(PAE) to assess the outcome of practical training and experience for independent practice.
With this assessment method, the PAE would be in line with the international best practices.

I. Objective of Outcome-based PAE

The main objective is to confirm whether the candidate’s training and experience has satisfactorily
met the competence (outcome) required for a professional engineer. Two experienced and trained
PAE assessors will conduct an in-depth interview to authenticate the candidate’s practical
experiences which are supported by evidences provided in the application form as well as the
training & experience report, and to verify the competence presented therein.

II. Key Assessment Features:

This outcome-based assessment method has the following features and/or benefits:

❖ Measure the knowledge, understanding, skills and professional attitude necessary for
PAE Candidates to perform effectively – competence.
❖ Use standard competency descriptors as the only assessment yardsticks – common
ruler.
❖ Use rubrics to assess the competence level, and minimize individual subjectivity –
objective assessment.
❖ Assessors to base assessment on the evidence demonstrated by Candidates –
evidence based.

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III. Professional Competence

Professional competence is the ability to carry out tasks to effective standards, of which the
achievements require the combination of knowledge, understanding, skills, values as well as
professional attitudes. It denotes the ability to perform specific tasks correctly, safely, effectively
and consistently.

Competence Categories

Professional competence is grouped under five categories for assessment:

A. Use of a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding for
optimizing or maximizing the application of existing and emerging technologies.
B. Application of appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of
engineering problems.
C. Demonstration of technical and commercial leadership through planning and managing works,
resources and quality.
D. Demonstration of effective communication and interpersonal skills.
E. Demonstration of a personal commitment to professional standards, recognizing obligations to
society, the profession and the environment.
Each of the five competence categories consists of several competence elements to be assessed
directly.
A Professional Engineer is required to demonstrate their competence in all the five categories, but
the depth and extent of their competence will vary with the nature and requirements of their
respective role. On the whole, they will have to demonstrate an appropriate balance of
competences to perform their role effectively at professional engineer level.
Competence categories A, B, C and D will be assessed during oral interview. However,
Competence category E will be assessed through a written examination.

IV. The Interview (to assess attainment achieved in competence categories A, B, C and D)

The purpose of oral interview is to assess attainment by the Candidate in competence categories
A, B, C and D.
The format of the interview is normally arranged as follows:
• Introduction
• 15 Minutes of Presentation by the Candidate
• 45 Minutes of Q&A Session
• Opportunity for providing final evidence
• Conclusion

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Presentation

The purpose of the presentation is to enable the candidates to highlight specific aspects of their
work which they may consider most suitable to demonstrate the competence categories A and B.
The presentation will also aid the assessors in their assessment of the candidate’s evidence
relating to competence category D. However, the presentation will only form a small part of the
overall assessment as the assessors will examine candidates’ full evidence during the remaining
part of the interview.

If the presentation is deemed not satisfactory, assessors may subject the candidate to a
written examination on a technical topic (technical essay) based on their respective areas
of practice and experience.

V. Code of Conduct Essay

After the interview, candidates will be required to write an essay on their understanding of the code
of conduct and professionalism so as to demonstrate:
Competence Category E: Ethical and Professional Conduct
Personal commitment to ethical conduct, professional standards, recognizing obligations to society,
the profession and the environment.
E1. Compliance with relevant codes of conduct and ethical principles.
E2. Managing and applying safe systems of work.
E3. Undertaking engineering activities consistent with principles of sustainable development with
due care to the environment.
E4. Continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in own area
of practice.
E5. Understanding the legal matters pertaining to the engineering profession.

(Application Form and Guideline for Outcome-Based PAE will be uploaded later.)

(Special Board 22.11.2021)