Summary of the most material changes
| # | Change | Significance |
|---|
| 1 | Enabling Act updated from 1983 Act to OHSA 1993 | Modernisation/correction |
| 2 | Removal of the Commission's discretion to certify competency without passing examination | Raises the bar; examination pass now mandatory |
| 3 | Introduction of an audi alteram partem hearing before suspension/cancellation | Significant due process improvement |
| 4 | Proof of lost certificate must now be in affidavit form | Tightens evidentiary requirements |
| 5 | Duplicate certificate fee changed from fixed ZAR 130 stamp to Chief Inspector's discretion | Modernises fee mechanism |
| 6 | "Duplikaat" removed from duplicate certificate wording | Minor/language change |
| 7 | Consultation with Government Mining Engineer removed throughout | Significant structural change; removes mining-sector oversight |
| 8 | Commission composition overhauled. ECSA nominee is added. mining representation reduced and minimum members for engineers increased | Significant governance change |
| 9 | Quorum increased from 3 (chairperson + 2) to 5 (chairperson + 4) | Strengthens decision-making integrity |
| 10 | Exemption from examination subjects abolished | All candidates must write all subjects |
| 11 | Minimum candidate age raised from 23 to 25 | Raises entry threshold |
| 12 | Academic requirement added alongside practical experience | New formal qualification criterion |
| 13 | Application fee changed from fixed ZAR 130 stamp to Chief Inspector's discretion | Modernises fee mechanism |
| 14 | Qualifying examination moved from Department of Education and Culture to Department of Higher Education and Training | Administrative alignment |
| 15 | Chief Inspector must now consult the Commission before deciding appeals | Procedural improvement |
| 16 | Directives to be published on official departmental communication platforms | Transparency improvement |
