Qualified Environmental Professionals are defined as professionals who possess advanced expertise in environmental sciences and management, a comprehensive understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental challenges, and the practical skills necessary to protect, restore, and sustainably enhance the environment. They are also expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, adhering to HKIQEP’s core values, Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (https://hkiqep.org/codes-of-ethics-and-conduct/).
In addition to a strong foundation of environmental principles and practices, Qualified Environmental Professionals may specialise in more specific areas within the broader environmental field, such as air quality management, greenhouse gas mitigation, water resource management, waste management, energy efficiency, or other expert environmental disciplines.
HKIQEP offers three distinct routes to Professional Membership, each with its own pathway to meet the application requirements. Regardless of the route chosen, all applications are subject to rigorous assessment and review. Final approval by the General Council is required before HKIQEP Professional Membership is granted.
Details of the three routes and their respective pathways are summarised below and in the accompanying diagram.
Professional Assessment Overview:
The Professional Assessment consists of two parts (Part I and Part II):
- Part I can be taken at any time, and a passing result is valid for 5 years (60 months). For candidates applying through the mature route, Part I may be waived at the discretion of the HKIQEP Qualification Panel (QP).
- Part II should be taken within the 5-year validity period of Part I, AND after the candidates have accumulated the required years of experience for their chosen route.
Route 1: HKIQEP Acceptable Undergraduate (UG) Degrees
For candidates holding HKIQEP-recognized undergraduate degrees, two pathways are available:
1. Graduate Environmental Training Scheme (GETS):
Accumulate at least 4 years of work experience under GETS, which includes 2–3 years of formal on-the-job training followed by 1–2 years of responsible experience. Candidates must also complete the Professional Assessment as outlined in the overview.
2. General path:
Accumulate at least 5 years of relevant work experience, including 3 years in a management role. Candidates must also complete the Professional Assessment as outlined in the overview.
Route 2: Non-HKIQEP Acceptable UG Degrees
For candidates whose undergraduate degrees are not recognized by HKIQEP, two pathways are available:
1. Relevant local UG degree* (e.g. Science, Engineering, or Business-related degrees):
i) Top-up with an HKIQEP-accredited postgraduate (PG) degree AND accumulate 5 years of relevant work experience (including 3 years of management), OR
ii) Accumulate 8 years of relevant work experience (including 3 years of management) without an HKIQEP-accredited PG degree.
2. Candidates for this pathway must also complete the Professional Assessment as outlined in the overview.
Other UG degrees (non-local or non-relevant) or relevant local UG degrees without HKIQEP- accredited PG degrees: Undergo an assessment of their academic qualification and follow individualized advice based on the assessment**.
Route 3: Mature Route
Candidates with 15+ years of progressive experience, including at least 3 years in a management role, may apply through the Mature Route by submitting an application form. The form requires candidates to provide the necessary information, relevant supporting documents, and a professional paper following the specified guidelines. The HKIQEP Qualification Panel (QP) will review the submission and recommend the next steps, which may include taking the Professional Assessment (Part I and II), waiving Part I and proceeding directly to Part II, or, in exceptional cases, direct submission for HKIQEP General Council approval.
Remarks:
# Can be taken anytime but is valid for 60 months only.
* For degrees to be considered relevant, they must contain training in analytical methods, multi-disciplinary collaboration, problem solving, effective communication and life-long learning.
** Advice from the assessment may include: (1) directly pursue an established path; or (2) complete additional courses or gain more work experience before pursuing an established path.
*** Recommendations from QP after review of the submitted paper may include: (1) complete the process starting with Professional Assessment (Part I); (2) waive Part I and allow the candidate to proceed directly to Part II; or (3) in exceptional case submit for approval by the HKIQEP General Council.
For information on the requirements and processes for different membership classes, visit: https://hkiqep.org/membership-class/
For information on the qualification process, visit: https://hkiqep.org/qualification-process-general/
Should you have any queries concerning HKIQEP membership, please contact us through membership@hkiqep.org