The Sydney Accord pertains to engineering technology programs accredited by its signatories within their respective jurisdiction starting in 2001. Signatories to the Sydney Accord are organizations responsible for accrediting engineering programs in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Sydney Accord assists in determining if a four-year engineering technology program one jurisdiction is recognized for purposes of licensure and registration, employment, or admission to graduate school in another jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction
Signatories to the Sydney Acccord may accredited programs outside of their countries but only those programs accredited within their countries are recognized by the Accord.
The Sydney Accord applies solely to four-year engineering technology programs accredited within the jurisdiction of the signatories. For example, although ABET accredits programs in countries outside of the U.S., the Sydney Accord recognizes only those programs accredited within the U.S.
Recognition Dates
The year in which the signatory joined the Sydney Accord determines recognition. For example, ABET became a signatory of the Sydney Accord in 2009. Graduates of U.S.-based ABET-accredited engineering technology programs beginning in 2009 are covered by the Sydney Accord.
Other signatories are under no formal obligation to recognize ABET-accredited engineering technology programs or their graduates prior to 2009. However, individual signatories may recognize graduates prior to 2009 at their own discretion. Please see the list of Sydney Accord signatories to check the year in which each signatory joined the Accord.
Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies
International accrediting, regulatory, and educational organizations have developed statements of graduate attributes and professional competency profiles.
The International Engineering Alliance, which administers both the Washington Accord for engineering and the Sydney Accord for engineering technology, has prepared a document that presents the background to these developments; their purpose, methodology, and limitations; and describes the graduate attributes and professional competency profiles for engineers and engineering technologists.
Read the International Engineering Alliance Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies.
Is Your Program Recognized by the Sydney Accord?
These questions will help you determine whether your program is recognized by the Sydney Accord.
Have Questions About the Sydney Accord?