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Statutory Declaration Engineers (SDE) : Get It Right With Expert Support

If you are an overseas engineer applying for an Australian skills assessment, you have likely come across the term Statutory Declaration Engineers (SDE). Many applicants find this requirement confusing. Some underestimate its importance entirely. However, getting your statutory declaration right can make a significant difference to your overall assessment outcome.

This page explains everything clearly  from what a statutory declaration actually is and why Engineers Australia requires it, to how to complete the form correctly and how it differs from other employment evidence. Whether you are preparing your CDR or applying for state engineering registration, this covers it all. 

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What Is a Statutory Declaration for Engineers?

A statutory declaration is a document of a formal, legal nature. It enables an engineer (or a person who assists their application) to state facts under oath regarding the engineering work experience.

It’s basically a statement which you sign in the presence of an approved witness. This witness is the one who verifies your identity, and certifies that what is said in your declaration is true. It’s a serious affair in Australia to make a false statement in a statutory declaration.

The significant role of statutory declarations in the engineering migration context is as follows:

  • They are official records of work experience, if there are no and/or inadequate employment records.
  • They carry legal weight  unlike a simple letter, a statutory declaration is a sworn legal instrument
  • Where the request for a reference is not forthcoming from previous employers, Engineers Australia accepts them as evidence.
  • They can be useful for engineers in a situation where they have left a job for one that is not cooperative, the business has closed down, or they have worked overseas and it is difficult to document their work history.
  • State engineering registration bodies also have statutory declarations in their assessment process.
  • The declaration should be made in the presence of a witness, for example, a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, notary public or other person recognised by law.

Moreover, engineers often mix up a statutory declaration with a reference letter or personal statement. They’re quite distinct documents. A statutory declaration is a declaration that is under the legal responsibility of the person who is making it; the person making the declaration takes the responsibility for the accuracy of the declaration.

In addition, Engineers Australia has requirements regarding the content of a statutory declaration and its format for it to be considered a valid assessment piece.

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    For what reasons Engineers Australia want a Statutory Declaration

    Engineers Australia (EA) will require a Statutory Declaration (Stat Dec) if you are unable to provide standard employment evidence. The principle reasons are:

    • The Company No Longer Exists: You were unable to obtain a reference letter from the business you worked at because the business was closed.
    • Former Employer Refuses Reference Letter: Your previous employer refuses to give you a reference letter.
    • Lost or Destroyed Records: Company records which were required for your reference are lost or destroyed.
    • Self-Employment or Freelance work: If you are self-employed or a freelancer and do not have a traditional employer reference letter, you will need to contact your client or employer to request a reference.
    • Your official reference letter is too vague and doesn’t include enough detail of your technical role to meet Engineers Australia’s requirements.

    Further, statutory declaration documents are mentioned as a valid form of evidence for employment in Engineers Australia’s assessment guidelines. Ignoring this option when your standard documentation is incomplete leaves significant gaps in your application.

    Statutory Declaration for State Engineering Registration

    A Statutory Declaration (Stat Dec) is also used for professional engineering registration within Australia after you migrate, not just for your initial skills assessment. Common uses include:

    • Proving Experience for RPEQ Registration: To verify your years of professional experience for becoming a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) when you cannot get a formal reference letter from a past employer.
    • For a Chartered application, if no official evidence of competency development is available, you can apply for Chartered Status (CPEng) to provide evidence of your competency development.
    • Verifying Special Competencies: If your official reference letter does not specifically note your work on a significant project that reflects a specific competency, you may want to verify this competency. This can be addressed with a Stat Dec from a supervisor/senior colleague.

    How to Complete an SDE Form Correctly

    Correctly filling out a Statutory Declaration Engineers (SDE) form:

    1. Be sure to use the correct form:
    • Complete the Commonwealth Statutory Declaration form downloaded and prepared from the Attorney-General’s Department website of the Australian Government.
    1. State Your Details:
    • Fill out your name, address and occupation at the top of the form.
    1. State the facts:
    • The central topic or ideas of a piece of writing. Use the first person point of view (“I”) and facts. The following should be included in the setting for employment:
    • The company’s name and the full address.
      • Precise length of service.
      • Your job title(s) designations.
      • A clear statement of your engineering responsibilities, relating to your nominated ANZSCO code.
      • You will not be able to give a standard letter of reference.
    1. Obtain an Authorised Witness:
    • Do not sign the form until you have read it. There is a requirement to locate an authorized witness. This in Australia may be a Justice of the Peace (JP), lawyer or police officer. Overseas, it can be an Australian consular officer.
    1. Sign in Front of the Witness:
    • The declaration shall be signed in the presence of the person to be signed before you say that the contents are true. The witness will then fill in his/her part of the form.

    Statutory Declaration vs Other Employment Evidence

    Here is a comparison of a Statutory Declaration versus other types of employment evidence.

    Primary Evidence (Preferred)

    • Reference Letter on Company Letterhead:
      • Pros: The gold standard. Official, verifiable and directly from the employer.
      • Cons: Not possible when the company is closed or refuses to provide.
    • Payslips / Bank Statements:
      • Cons: There is no denying it and no questioning the length of time.
      • Pros: Not specific about job duties.
    • Tax Records / Superannuation Documents:
      • Cons: Work papers are required.
      • Cons: Does not specify the responsibilities.

    Secondary Evidence – Used when Primary is not available

    • Statutory Declaration (Stat Dec):
      • Pros: Alternative to relying on primary evidence to make your case when there is a lack of it. It lets you specify what tasks you are responsible for.
      • Cons: It’s a self-made claim. On the other hand, it must be based on other evidence – such as payslips or tax records – and be credible to establish that there was a relationship of employment.

    Use a Stat Dec as the “glue” between the other pieces of evidence if you don’t have a main reference letter.

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    Why Choose CDR for Australia for Your Statutory Declaration Preparation?

    It is important to have an understanding of Engineers Australia’s requirements to prepare a legally compliant and assessment effective statutory declaration. So why do Engineers trust CDR for Australia with this important document :

    • Deep EA Expertise: They know what Engineers Australia assessors are looking for in your statutory declaration.
    • Ensuring Legal Compliance Formatting – They take care to format each declaration in the proper format required by EA.
    • Occupational Specific Content: They customise the engineering descriptions to your ANZSCO occupational code.
    • Full Evidence Strategy: They can make recommendations as to which supporting evidence best supports your declaration.
    • Assistance with State Registration: They can assist you with the initial EA evaluation and for engineering registration in the State.
    • Successful Experience & Speed Delivery: They boast a very successful track record with engineers from over 30 countries and have fast solutions to meet deadlines.
    • No Hidden Fees and Free Consultation: They have no hidden fees and there is a free consultation. 

    Ready to Prepare Your Engineering Statutory Declaration?

    The Statutory Declaration Engineers (SDE) process does not have to be complicated or stressful. With the right guidance, a correctly prepared declaration becomes one of the strongest pieces of evidence in your Engineers Australia application  particularly when standard employment documentation is difficult to obtain.

    Every word in your declaration matters. Every fact must be accurate. All of the format requirements must be fulfilled. This document is crucial to get right the first time – else you can find yourself wasting time and may have issues with rejected or questioned declarations.

    Begin your preparations with professional assistance. Collaborate with experts with knowledge of the legal requirements and assessment environment for Engineers Australia Statements.

    Get in touch with CDR for Australia today for your free consultation and take the first confident step toward a successful Engineers Australia skills assessment. 

    Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

    Can I write my own statutory declaration for Engineers Australia?

    Yes, it’s you who writes the content. It should, however, be in a proper format and signed in the presence of an authorized witness. Content can be created with professional help that will ensure it complies with EA’s requirements.

    Authorized witnesses are a Justice of the Peace (JP), solicitor, notary public, police officer, pharmacist or dentist.

    An Australian diplomatic or consular officer, a notary public or someone authorised by the laws of your country.

    No. A statutory declaration is best when backed with other documents like payslips, tax records or employment contracts.

    It is a serious criminal offence to make a false statutory declaration. Be sure to make all statements true and honest. If an error is noted after signing, please contact Engineers Australia immediately. 

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