To become a process or chemical engineer you need a Bachelor of Technology or a Bachelor of Engineering specialising in:

• chemical and process
• chemical and materials
• materials and process
• chemical technology.

To work in research and development, a higher degree, such as a Master of Engineering or relevant PhD, is required.

The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) accredits engineering degrees, which are recgonised in many other countries.

IPENZ website - information about IPENZ Acredited degrees

NCEA Level 3 (or Bursary) maths with calculus, chemistry and physics is strongly recommended. Students may be able to take bridging courses if they do not have all the required subjects.

Further skills are gained on the job, and engineers may attend courses, seminars, workshops and conferences to keep their skills up to date. They are expected to read journals and be aware of any regulation changes.

The Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) runs courses for engineers' continuing professional development.

IPENZ website - information on continuing professional development

After completing qualifications, gaining appropriate work experience (usually four to five years) and completing a practical competency assessment, engineers may apply to the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) to become a chartered professional engineer (CPEng).

To maintain registration, chartered engineers must show that they are competent to practise at least every five years, and usually need to display evidence of undertaking professional development.

IPENZ website - information on registration