Professional qualification recognition

Recognition of your academic qualifications

The Engineering Council participates in a range of international agreements that recognise accredited engineering courses, such as the European Engineering Education database and the Washington, Sydney and Dublin Accords. Some authorities in the Middle East also recognise UK-accredited courses for professional engineering registration.

If you've studied an accredited engineering course or courses at one or more UK universities (for example, an MEng, or BEng plus MSc), they should be recognised under European or International Engineering Accords and will put you in the best position for global mobility after you graduate. Use the Engineering Council Accredited Course Search (ACAD) to check if your UK course is accredited and under which Accord it should be recognised.

In the same way, ICE recognises a wide range of non-UK engineering courses that are accredited by other bodies as meeting all or part of the knowledge requirements for professional qualification. We'll confirm if your course is recognised and for which grade when you join as a Graduate member.

If your course or courses aren’t accredited, it doesn't mean your academic qualifications won't be recognised, but you may have to submit additional information about your studies or undergo further assessment to qualify with ICE or register with another professional engineering body.

Working in the EU

If you are unsure whether you need to obtain recognition of your qualifications or be registered to practise, UK Government advice is first to check the European Commission’s regulated professions database for the status of your intended profession in the relevant country. If it indicates that recognition is necessary, you should contact the relevant Point of Single Contact for that country.

If you need further advice or assistance after speaking to the Point of Single Contact please contact us at [email protected] (or UK NARIC if you are not an ICE member).

ICE members should contact us at [email protected] if you need confirmation of your professional status to register to practise or apply for recognition of your qualifications. Please also get in touch at [email protected] if you experience any difficulties or have any concerns about if or how your qualifications are being recognised and we will do our best to assist.

Qualifying with ICE

ICE can support your initial professional development (IPD) and help your career progression wherever you are in the world. Your IPD Online training record can be transferred between approved employers you can begin or complete it with the support of an ICE-approved mentor instead of your employer.

We also offer Professional Review sessions in a number of locations outside the UK – details are available on the key dates section of our website.

Join ICE as a Graduate member

Becoming a Graduate member (GMICE) is an important step on your way to one of our globally-recognised qualifications. Having a professional qualification will boost your career development and employment prospects. We also offer tailored support, training and learning from other experienced professionals.

Join today

Membership and Registration with other engineering bodies

Explore the sections below to learn more about opportunities available to you around the world.

In addition to the agreements which cover recognition of academic qualifications, we have agreements for professional recognition that offer a streamlined route to professional membership and/or registration with other engineering bodies around the world. Please note that not all qualified members will be eligible for recognition under these agreements, and you should check the criteria carefully before applying.

If the agreements listed below don't cover your specific situation, please refer to our Advice and Guidance section.

*Criteria

1. Must be a Chartered Civil Engineer
2. Must have qualified directly with ICE by passing the Professional Review
3. Will be expected to hold an accredited engineering degree(s) recognised under the Washington Accord to benefit fully from the streamlined route. If not, you may be required to undergo additional assessment of your academic knowledge
4. Must be professionally qualified for at least one year before applying
5. Must be registered with the Engineering Council at the equivalent grade
6. Your rights to recognition under EU legislation and the Professional Qualifications Directive will supersede any terms of this agreement
7. Must have at least one year post-qualification relevant experience in Hong Kong
8. Must be an EU national/hold EU national rights
9. Must be CEng registered with the Engineering Council

Working in the EU

If you are unsure whether you need to obtain recognition of your qualifications or be registered to practise, UK Government advice is first to check the European Commission’s regulated professions database for the status of your intended profession in the relevant country. If it indicates that recognition is necessary, you should contact the relevant Point of Single Contact for that country.

If you need further advice or assistance after speaking to the Point of Single Contact please contact us at [email protected] (or UK NARIC if you are not an ICE member).

ICE members should contact us at [email protected] if you need confirmation of your professional status to register to practise or apply for recognition of your qualifications. Please also get in touch at [email protected] if you experience any difficulties or have any concerns about if or how your qualifications are being recognised and we will do our best to assist.

International professional registers

You can further enhance your professional status by joining a specialist register after you've gained a professionall qualification, such as:

• International Professional Engineer (IntPE)
• International Professional Engineering Technologist (IntET)
• European Engineer (Eur Ing)

We also offer other specialist professional registers which will mark you out as an expert in your field, in areas such as ground engineering, conservation, security, and health and safety. Read the full list of our specialist professional registers.

ICE offers accreditation of university and college courses that are delivered and awarded by providers outside the UK.

Our accreditation assessors have extensive experience and will be happy to advise on programme content as well as sharing best practices. ICE-accredited courses are recognised in many countries under the International Education Accords and European Engineering Education Database which will benefit graduates seeking a global career.

Your students will also benefit from studying an accredited course. Once they've completed the course, your graduates will meet many or all of the educational requirements for registration with ICE as a Member (MICE) and with the Engineering Council (UK) as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and/or Engineering Technician (EngTech).

What's the process?

• Check our degree course guidelines developed in collaboration with the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) to ensure that your university or college programmes cover the necessary core and optional subjects
• Submit an initial enquiry form that will be reviewed by our experienced assessors. We'll get in touch with any questions, and advise you if we'll proceed with an accreditation visit
• Submit a full submission document to our assessors eight weeks before the visit
• Make travel and accommodation arrangements for our assessors

Once accredited, you can promote the new status in your promotional materials. Your courses will be listed on ICE’s online database of accredited programmes and on the Engineering Council (UK) Accredited Programme database. Also, you'll be eligible to apply for the EUR-ACE label, awarded by the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE).

To maintain accreditation, the university or college may need to submit an action plan that addresses the recommendations and requirements outlined in the visit report. If this response is satisfactory, then accreditation can be extended to the full five-year period. When the courses have been accredited for the full five-year period, we'll get in touch four years after the original visit to plan for a re-accreditation visit the following year.

How much does it cost?

If the accreditation is sought outside the UK, the university or college must cover all costs incurred to undertake the accreditation visit to their institution, and any subsequent visits required to maintain their accreditation status.

Student chapters

When you've achieved accreditation, we can support and engage with your students through an ICE student chapter. ICE student chapters organise technical talks, site visits and are a great way for your students to network and socialise with other civil engineering students.

Become an academic assessor

If you're a course leader or programme director for a civil engineering bachelor’s or master’s programme, you could become one of our accreditation assessors. Find out more in our guidance document, including how to get in touch.

Professional qualification is available to faculty members

Becoming a qualified member of ICE and gaining a professional qualification is a great achievement and showcases your skills, knowledge and experience. Lead the way for your students and start your journey today.