The Qualification

Whilst studying for a degree, or other qualification, in civil and/or structural engineering you may join the Institution as Student member. Upon graduation, provided you have an accredited degree or equivalent qualification leading to Chartered Membership or Associate-Membership, you can then transfer to Graduate membership. Applicants with qualifications which are accredited against SARTOR (1990) leading to Associate-Membership remain in the Student grade of membership until they transfer to Associate-Membership. As a Student or Graduate you will have an opportunity to enjoy the full services of the Institution.

Before proceeding to Chartered Membership or Associate-Membership of the Institution Graduates/Students must demonstrate that they have acquired the specialist skills, knowledge and competence to practice as a structural engineer. This involves a period in practice during which they must achieve competence in core objectives, specified to minimum standards by the Institution, in structural engineering and other related areas. This period is known as Initial Professional Development.

On completion of their IPD graduates can apply to the Institution to sit the examination for either Chartered Membership or Associate-Membership, depending on which route is being followed. A Professional Review interview, will be arranged. The Interview is one hour in length and will be conducted by two experienced senior members of the Institution. Its purpose is to establish that graduates have completed their IPD to the requisite standard and show the necessary commitment to the profession.

Following success in the Interview candidates can proceed to the Chartered Membership examination or Associate-Membership examination, as appropriate. Success in the Chartered Membership examination enables Graduate members to transfer to a Member. They are entitled to use the title Chartered Structural Engineer and the designatory letters MIStructE. Members may also apply for registration with the EC ^UK which entitles them to the title Chartered Engineer and the letters CEng.

Success in the Associate-Membership examination enables a Graduate or Student member to transfer to an Associate-Member. They are entitled to use the designatory letters AMIStructE and registration with the EC ^UK as an Incorporated Engineer and the letters IEng.

The most senior grade of the Institution is Fellow which is recognised by the designatory letters FIStructE. The Institution also has the grade of Associate, recognised by the letters AIStructE. This is principally for senior structural engineers outside the European Union who are members of indigenous national engineering organisations with which the Institution has an agreement.