What is a Summary Statement?
The Summary Statement is a structured document that forms part of your CDR submission to Engineers Australia. Its purpose is to help assessors quickly locate evidence of your engineering competencies within your Career Episodes.
Think of it as an index that maps each required competency indicator to specific paragraphs in your Career Episodes where you have demonstrated that competency.
The Structure of a Summary Statement
The Summary Statement is presented as a table with three columns:
| Competency Element | How Addressed | Where Demonstrated |
|---|---|---|
| PE1.1 | Brief description of how you demonstrated this | CE1, Para 3; CE2, Para 5 |
Column 1: Competency Element
The specific competency indicator from Engineers Australia's MSA document (e.g., PE1.1, PE2.3, PE3.2).
Column 2: How Addressed
A brief statement (1–3 sentences) explaining how you demonstrated this competency. This should be specific and reference your actual work.
Column 3: Where Demonstrated
The paragraph reference(s) in your Career Episodes where the evidence can be found. Use the format: CE[number], Para [number] (e.g., CE1, Para 4; CE3, Para 7).
The Three Competency Categories
PE1 — Knowledge and Skill Base
Demonstrates your theoretical and practical engineering knowledge:
- PE1.1: Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of engineering fundamentals
- PE1.2: Conceptual understanding of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics
- PE1.3: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of engineering knowledge
- PE1.4: Discernment of knowledge development and research directions
- PE1.5: Knowledge of engineering design practice
- PE1.6: Understanding of scope, principles, norms of engineering practice
PE2 — Engineering Application Ability
Demonstrates your ability to apply engineering knowledge:
- PE2.1: Application of established engineering methods to complex problems
- PE2.2: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools, and resources
- PE2.3: Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes
- PE2.4: Application of systematic approaches to engineering project management
PE3 — Professional and Personal Attributes
Demonstrates your professional conduct and attributes:
- PE3.1: Ethical conduct and professional accountability
- PE3.2: Effective oral and written communication
- PE3.3: Creative, innovative, and proactive demeanour
- PE3.4: Professional use and management of information
- PE3.5: Orderly management of self and professional conduct
- PE3.6: Effective team membership and team leadership
Step-by-Step Writing Process
Step 1: Number Your Paragraphs
Before writing the Summary Statement, number every paragraph in all three Career Episodes. This makes cross-referencing accurate and easy.
Step 2: Review the MSA Document
Download the current MSA document from Engineers Australia's website and identify all competency indicators required for your ANZSCO occupation.
Step 3: Map Each Indicator
For each competency indicator, search through your Career Episodes for relevant evidence. Note the paragraph numbers where you have demonstrated each competency.
Step 4: Write the "How Addressed" Column
For each indicator, write a concise statement explaining how your experience demonstrates that competency. Be specific — reference actual projects, calculations, or decisions.
Step 5: Verify Coverage
Ensure every required indicator is addressed. Missing even one indicator can result in rejection.
Common Mistakes
- Vague "How Addressed" statements — "I used engineering knowledge" is not sufficient
- Incorrect paragraph references — always double-check your references
- Missing indicators — review the MSA document carefully
- Referencing the same paragraph for everything — spread evidence across multiple episodes
Get Expert Help
Writing an accurate Summary Statement requires deep knowledge of EA's requirements and careful attention to detail. Our CDR experts can ensure your Summary Statement is complete, accurate, and compelling. Contact us for a free consultation.