European Directive 2005/36/EC concerns the recognition of professional qualifications across the European Union (EU). ICE is the UK competent authority for the implementation of this Directive for the profession of civil engineering. This route is intended for EU civil engineers seeking recognition in order to work in the UK.
This route exempts professionally qualified engineers, within the EU, following the ICE’s standard qualification process to achieve ICE Membership.
Please note that the resulting ICE professional qualification cannot subsequently be used to gain recognition with another engineering body which the ICE holds a Mutual Exemption Agreement, as it will have been granted on the basis of equivalence of the holder’s original qualification.
Am I eligible?
Full details of the eligibility criteria can be found in European Directive Route to Membership guidance.
If on reading European Directive Route to Membership guidance you have any queries about your eligibility for this route, please send your enquiry with a copy of your CV, together with copies of any academic and professional qualifications to erp@ice.org.uk.
How to make an application?
To make an application for membership via the EU directive you must submit the appropriate application form (below) along with the appropriate documentation as detailed in section 4 of European Directive Route to Membership guidance.
You will be required to pay a non refundable application fee.
How is your application assessed?
Within one month of receipt of your application you will receive confirmation that your application is complete or a request for further information.
Once your application has been deemed complete, it will be sent to the ICE Exemption & Recognitions Panel (ERP) to be assessed. The ERP will be looking to confirm how you have achieved the ICE Member attributes.
Please note that applications are assessed are on a case by case basis. Applications can be submitted at any time and are not restricted by Panel meeting dates.
As required by Directive 2005/36/EC, you will receive a decision on your application within 4 months of confirmation of receipt that your application is complete.
After the assessment
Successful applicants will admitted to the ICE as Member and will be automatically registered with the Engineering Council at the relevant grade.
On admission as a Member you will be invoiced:
- for the ICE entrance fee (unless you are an ICE Graduate member of at least 2 year’s standing), *
- the Engineering Council entrance fee*
*an annual subscription fee for both ICE and EC is required to maintain your membership.
You will also be issued with an ICE Membership certificate once all outstanding fees have been settled. Your EC certificate will be sent to you directly from the EC.
If your application was not successful you will be advised of the reasons why.
More information
If you need any further information, please contact the Exemption and Recognition Panel Coordinator on email: erp@ice.org.uk or on +44 (0)20 7665 2174.