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Attributes for professionally qualified membership

The standards of professional civil engineering competence and commitment presented here – the ICE Attributes - ensure our professionally qualified members are equipped to address the needs of society and business, deploying the most appropriate engineering methods and technologies, solving complex challenges, enhancing welfare, health and safety, and working with the environment.

Within this framework, ICE recognises the extraordinary challenge of the Climate Emergency as a very necessary central cultural feature in the development and work of civil engineers and technicians, and the Attributes should be read with this strongest intent in mind.

The tabs below list the attributes required to become an ICE member at Chartered Engineer (CEng) level, Incorporated Engineer (IEng) level and Engineering Technician (EngTech) level.

Incorporated Engineers maintain and manage applications of current and developing technology, and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacture, construction and operation.

As a prospective professional civil engineer, you must have a sound knowledge and understanding of the construction process together with the activities connected to it. You must have an appreciation of, and be able to identify and manage, risks to all those engaged and affected by the design, construction, operation, use, maintenance and demolition of any works. For those whose experience includes the construction process, site experience will ordinarily be required.

A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their competence in all of the areas listed, but the depth and extent of their experience and competence will vary with the nature and requirements of their role.

Attribute information for trainees using IPD Online

To help you understand what will change within IPD Online, we have produced a document showing the current attributes and how IPD Online will look with the revised wording for the new Attributes, alongside each other. This is supported with commentary on the differences for each qualified grade. IPD Online will be updated accordingly in October 2021.

Please note that Trainees who complete their Training Agreement or Mentor Supported Training before the changes in IPD Online are updated will need to make sure that they meet the requirements for Professional Review when they apply.

Download IPD Online: Changes to ICE Attributes

Attribute information for Professional Review candidates

This document provides an overview of the changes to Attributes for Incorporated and Chartered Professional Reviews taking place from January 2022.

Download Professional Review: Changes to ICE Attributes

Attribute group Attributes of MICE/IEng MICE

1 Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering
  • Maintain and extend knowledge of engineering theory and practice, and how technology assists its application
  • Solve engineering problems using a sound theoretical approach, based on evidence, and contribute to continuous improvement
  • Identify, review and select techniques, procedures and methods to undertake engineering tasks
  • Contribute to the design and development of engineering solutions, implement those solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness in the context of the whole project life cycle
  • Exercise sound independent engineering judgement

2 Management and Leadership
  • Plan the work and resources needed to enable effective implementation of engineering tasks and projects
  • Manage the planning and organisation of tasks and resources
  • Manage teams or technical specialisms
  • Assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
  • Manage quality processes and contribute to quality improvements

3 Commercial Ability
  • Manage, prepare and control costs/budgets of engineering tasks or projects
  • Use sound knowledge of statutory and commercial frameworks within their own area of responsibility and have an appreciation of other commercial arrangements

4 Health, Safety and Welfare
  • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of legislation, hazards and safe systems of work
  • Manage risks
  • Manage health, safety and welfare within their own area of responsibility
  • Contribute to improvements in health, safety and welfare

5 Sustainable Development
  • Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work
  • Manage engineering activities that contribute to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)

Attribute 5 guidance document

6 Interpersonal Skills and Communication
  • Communicate well with others at all levels including effective use of English*, orally and in writing
  • Discuss ideas and plans competently and with confidence
  • Demonstrate effective personal and social skills
  • Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion

*Please note: All assessments and reviews for Engineering Council registration will be conducted in English, subject to the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993

7 Professional Commitment
  • Understand and comply with the ICE Code of Conduct
  • Understand the ethical issues that may arise in their role and carry out their responsibilities in an ethical manner
  • Plan, carry out and record Continuing Professional Development (CPD) necessary to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice
  • Identify the limits of their personal knowledge and skills
  • Engage with ICE activities

Chartered Engineers develop solutions to complex engineering problems using new or existing technologies, and through innovation, creativity and technical analysis.

As a prospective professional civil engineer, you must have a sound knowledge and understanding of the construction process together with the activities connected to it. You must have an appreciation of, and be able to identify and manage, risks to all those engaged and affected by the design, construction, operation, use, maintenance and demolition of any works. For those whose experience includes the construction process, site experience will ordinarily be required.

A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their competence in all of the areas listed, but the depth and extent of their experience and competence will vary with the nature and requirements of their role.

Attribute information for trainees using IPD Online

To help you understand what will change within IPD Online, we have produced a document showing the current attributes and how IPD Online will look with the revised wording for the new Attributes, alongside each other. This is supported with commentary on the differences for each qualified grade. IPD Online will be updated accordingly in October 2021.

Please note that Trainees who complete their Training Agreement or Mentor Supported Training before the changes in IPD Online are updated will need to make sure that they meet the requirements for Professional Review when they apply.

Download IPD Online: Changes to ICE Attributes

Attribute information for Professional Review candidates

This document provides an overview of the changes to Attributes for Incorporated and Chartered Professional Reviews taking place from January 2022.

Download Professional Review: Changes to ICE Attributes

Attribute group Attributes of CEng MICE

1 Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering
  • Maintain and extend knowledge of engineering theory and practice, and how technology assists its application
  • Solve engineering problems using a sound theoretical approach, based on evidence, and contribute to continuous improvement
  • Engage in the creation and/or introduction of new, advancing or improved techniques and technology
  • Identify, review and select techniques, procedures and methods to undertake engineering tasks
  • Take an active role in the identification and definition of requirements, challenges, risks, and opportunities and undertake appropriate investigation and action
  • Contribute to the design and development of engineering solutions, implement those solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness in the context of the whole project life cycle
  • Undertake the design, development and implementation of engineering solutions and evaluate their effectiveness in the context of the whole project life cycle
  • Exercise sound independent engineering judgement

2 Management and Leadership
  • Plan the work and resources needed to enable effective implementation of engineering tasks and projects
  • Manage the planning and organisation of tasks and resources.
  • Manage (organise, direct and control), programme or schedule, tasks and resources
  • Manage teams or technical specialisms
  • Lead or influence teams / technical specialisms, understanding the limits of their skills and knowledge
  • Assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
  • Develop others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
  • Manage quality processes and contribute to quality improvements
  • Demonstrate continuous quality improvement and promote best practice

3 Commercial Ability
  • Manage, prepare and control costs/budgets of engineering tasks or projects
  • Manage, prepare and control costs/budgets of a significant engineering task or project
  • Use sound knowledge of statutory and commercial frameworks within their own area of responsibility and have an appreciation of other commercial arrangements
  • Demonstrate sound judgement on statutory, contractual and commercial issues in relation to own area of responsibility

4 Health, Safety and Welfare
  • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of legislation, hazards and safe systems of work
  • Manage risks
  • Manage health, safety and welfare within their own area of responsibility
  • Contribute to improvements in health, safety and welfare
  • Demonstrate leadership by promoting good practice and improvements in health, safety and welfare

5 Sustainable Development
  • Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work
  • Manage engineering activities that contribute to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
  • Take a professional and responsible role in improvements that support sustainable development and reduce resource demand, set in the context of a whole project life cycle

Attribute 5 guidance document

6 Interpersonal Skills and Communication
  • Communicate well with others at all levels including effective use of English*, orally and in writing
  • Discuss ideas and plans competently and with confidence
  • Communicate new concepts and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Demonstrate effective personal and social skills
  • Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion
  • Proactively manage diversity and inclusion

*Please note: All assessments and reviews for Engineering Council registration will be conducted in English, subject to the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993.

7 Professional Commitment
  • Understand and comply with the ICE Code of Conduct
  • Understand the ethical issues that may arise in their role and carry out their responsibilities in an ethical manner
  • Plan, carry out and record Continuing Professional Development (CPD) necessary to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice
  • Identify the limits of their personal knowledge and skills
  • Exercise sound holistic independent judgement and accept responsibility
  • Engage with ICE activities

Engineering technicians apply proven techniques and procedures to the solution of practical engineering problems.

As a prospective professional civil engineering technician, you must have a sound knowledge and understanding of your role in the construction process and the activities connected whether that be the design, construction, operation, use, maintenance and demolition of any works. You must understand the safety implications of the role and complete tasks with due consideration for safety. 

A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their competence in all of the areas listed, but the depth and extent of their experience and competence will vary with the nature and requirements of their role.

Attribute group Attributes of EngTech MICE

1 Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering
  • Use appropriate scientific, technical or engineering principles
  • Review and select appropriate techniques, procedures and methods to undertake tasks
  • Identify problems and apply appropriate methods to identify causes and achieve satisfactory solutions

2 Management and Leadership
  • Identify tasks and organise resources to complete them effectively
  • Work reliably and accept responsibility for their work or the work of others
  • Complete tasks with due consideration for quality

3 Commercial Ability
  • Identify, organise and use resources with consideration of cost

4 Health, Safety and Welfare
  • Understand the safety implications of the role
  • Complete tasks with due consideration for safety
  • Comply with safe systems of work

5 Sustainable Development
  • Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work
  • Complete tasks with consideration for their environmental impact

Attribute 5 guidance document

6 Interpersonal Skills and Communication
  • Communicate effectively with others, at all levels, in English
  • Work effectively with colleagues, clients, suppliers or the public
  • Demonstrate personal and social skills
  • Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion

7 Professional Commitment
  • Understand and comply with the ICE Code of Conduct
  • Understand the ethical issues that may arise in their role and carry out their responsibilities in an ethical manner
  • Carry out and record the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) necessary to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice

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