The PAEC is responsible for setting the Institute’s academic and professional development standards and making the final decisions regarding the accreditation of academic courses and graduate training programmes and the granting of IMarEST recognition for relevant CPD courses).

The committee appoints suitable people to serve on appropriate multi-institution panels, for example, the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB). More broadly, it deals with the Engineering Council and Science Council on all education, training and registration matters and the relationship of the Institute with other licensed and authorised bodies and affiliated institutions.

The committee have responsibility to identify and train suitable accreditation panel members and CPD recognition assessors and to promote, support and approve the continuing professional development (CPD) of members through activities such as training programmes, seminars, courses etc.

Finally the PAEC administer the awarding of supplementary grants, scholarships and appropriate prizes.

Full terms of reference for the Professional Affairs and Education Committee can be found in the Rules of the Institute.