How to Get PE Endorsement in Singapore — Step by Step

This guide covers the practical process. For what PE endorsement is and our service scope, see our PE endorsement services in Singapore page. For fees, see the PE endorsement cost guide.

Step 1: Confirm whether you need a PE — and who is asking for it

Not every renovation needs a Professional Engineer. The requirement usually comes from one of four places, and knowing which one tells you what the PE must produce.

• BCA (Building Control Act 1989): building works that need plan approval and a permit for structural works are submitted by an appointed Qualified Person (QP). For structural works this is a PE (Civil). Carrying out such works without approved plans or a permit is an offence under section 20 of the Act.
• HDB: HDB does not allow existing structural reinforced-concrete (RC) elements in flats to be tampered with. Removing a non-structural RC wall needs HDB approval and must be supervised by a PE (Civil/Structural). Lightweight partition walls need HDB approval, but HDB's guidelines do not require a PE for them.
• MOM (Workplace Safety and Health regulations): certain temporary structures, such as some scaffolds and formwork, must be designed by a PE. Whether yours does depends on its type and size — see temporary works PE endorsement.
• MCST, landlord or insurer: condominium management, commercial landlords and insurers often ask for a PE letter or endorsed drawings for loading, openings, mezzanines or fit-out works, even where no statutory submission is needed.

If you have a letter or email asking for "PE endorsement", keep it — it usually states what document is expected.

Step 2: Choose a PE in the right discipline

A PE may only practise in the branch they are registered in. Check this before you engage anyone.

You can confirm any engineer's registration and practising certificate on the PEB directory. QP.sg covers civil/structural work through Er. David Zheng Zhijian (PE Civil, PEB No. 4385) and mechanical work through Er. Lu Min Thet (PE Mechanical, PEB No. 4379).

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Complete documents are the single biggest factor in turnaround time. Prepare:

• Existing floor plans or as-built drawings — architectural and structural, from HDB, the developer or MCST if available
• Proposed layout or renovation drawings — showing exactly what will change
• Site photographs — of the affected walls, floors, ceilings and structural elements
• Contractor's method statement — for structural or demolition works
• Authority correspondence — letters from HDB, BCA, your MCST or landlord stating their requirements
• Survey plans — for BCA A&A submissions, showing the plot and existing building

If you do not have everything, send what you have. Missing items can usually be identified, obtained or confirmed as unnecessary at the quotation stage.

Step 4: Agree the scope and fee

A clear quotation should state the deliverable (assessment letter, calculations, endorsed drawings or full submission), whether site visits are included, and how authority queries are handled. Fees depend on the type of works, whether calculations or drawings must be produced from scratch, the number of site visits and the authority involved. QP.sg gives fixed-fee quotations within one working day — indicative ranges are on the pricing page.

Step 5: Site inspection, where needed

A site visit is needed when as-built drawings are missing, when existing conditions must be verified, or for structural alterations. Simple cases with good drawings can often be assessed from documents alone.

Step 6: Engineering assessment, calculations and drawings

The PE checks the proposed works against the existing structural system and the applicable codes, prepares calculations, and produces or checks drawings in the format the authority or client requires. This is where problems are best caught — for example, an "internal wall" that turns out to be structural, or a mezzanine that exceeds the floor's design loading.

Step 7: Endorsement and delivery

The PE signs and seals the documents with their PEB registration number and returns them, usually in digital form. Physical sealed copies are issued where an authority or party requires them.

Step 8: Authority submission and queries

Where a statutory submission is needed, the appointed QP files the endorsed documents and responds to any queries. For BCA, submissions go through CORENET. Under the URA/BCA circular of 23 July 2026, the CORENET X Gateway is mandatory for new projects of 5,000 m² gross floor area or more from 1 October 2026; smaller projects can still use the existing system for now.

Important: a PE endorsement does not guarantee approval. The authority decides, and may ask for clarifications or changes. Agree upfront how query responses are handled in your fee.

Typical timelines

These assume complete documents. Site visits, missing drawings and authority queries add time.

Common causes of delay

• No as-built drawings, so the existing structure must be surveyed first
• Starting work before the endorsement or approval is in place
• Engaging a PE outside the required discipline
• Changing the layout after calculations are done
• Unclear requirements from the MCST or landlord

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get PE endorsement in Singapore?

It depends on the works and how complete your documents are. As a guide, simple HDB-related endorsements typically take 2–5 working days, temporary works 3–7 working days, and BCA submissions 1–3 weeks, plus the authority's own processing time.

Does PE endorsement mean my submission will be approved?

No. A PE endorsement certifies the engineering design. Approval is decided separately by BCA, HDB, SCDF or the relevant authority, which may raise queries before approving.

Can any Professional Engineer endorse my drawings?

Only a PE registered with the Professional Engineers Board (PEB) who holds a valid practising certificate, and only within their registered branch. Structural works need a PE (Civil); geotechnical building works need an accredited specialist PE (Geotechnical); mechanical works such as ACMV and fire-protection systems typically need a PE (Mechanical).

What documents do I need for PE endorsement?

Existing floor plans or as-built drawings, the proposed layout, site photographs, the contractor's method statement for structural or demolition works, and any letters from HDB, BCA, your MCST or landlord. Send what you have and missing items can be identified at the quotation stage.

Do I need PE endorsement to hack a wall in my HDB flat?

HDB does not allow existing structural reinforced-concrete elements to be tampered with. Removing a non-structural RC wall needs HDB approval and supervision by a PE (Civil/Structural). Lightweight partition walls need HDB approval, but HDB's guidelines do not require a PE for them.

Get started

Send your drawings, photos and any authority letters on WhatsApp (+65 9800 4385) or through the enquiry form, and you will receive a fixed-fee quotation within one working day. See also our QP submission services and PE endorsement FAQ.