Incorporated and Chartered Engineer

Application and Information

How do you become professionally qualified as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer?

The process is identical for both grades.  Broadly, Incorporated Engineers manage engineering processes and projects and their knowledge and understanding is underpinned by diplomas, national certificates and first (bachelor’s) degrees. Chartered Engineers are more experienced, lead and innovate and their knowledge is underpinned by masters level degree programmes.  There are three stages to becoming qualified:

  1. An assessment of your diploma or degree level academic qualifications, and if necessary
  2. Assessment of equivalent knowledge and understanding gained on short courses and in the workplace
  3. Passing your professional review

Incorporated Engineers (IEng)

Maintain and manage applications of current and developing military and/or construction engineering technology, and may undertake engineering design, development, manufacturing, construction and operation.

Incorporated Engineers are able to demonstrate:

  • The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in developed technologies using well proven analytical techniques.  Examples could include enhanced force protection, improved search techniques better communications improved movement of plant and equipment, bridging solutions as well as helping the Forces live, move and fight.
  • Successful application of their knowledge to deliver military or construction engineering projects or services using established technologies and methods.
  • Responsibility for project and financial planning and management together with some responsibility for leading and developing other professional staff.
  • Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters.

Chartered Engineers (CEng)

Develop solutions to military and/or construction engineering problems using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and change and/or they may have technical accountability for complex systems with significant levels of risk.  As well as construction engineering, examples could include managing equipment procurement programmes, development of Urgent Operational Requirements, shaping the battlespace, force protection engineering, management and control of infrastructure.

Chartered Engineers are able to demonstrate:

  • The theoretical knowledge to solve problems in new technologies and develop new analytical techniques in their field of expertise.
  • Successful application of the knowledge to deliver innovative products and services and/or take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems.
  • Accountability for project, finance and personnel management and managing trade-offs between technical and socio-economic factors.
  • Skill sets necessary to develop other technical staff.
  • Effective interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters to senior and non-technical staff.

Route Advisory Panel (RAP – IEng & CEng only)

The RAP board read and assess all Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer applications. The RAP – a team of experienced engineers – will provide advice on the right approach for you.  They meet every 8 weeks and aim to provide advice on your initial application within 6 weeks, often earlier.  Their programme over the next 12 months is here.

Lt Col (Retd) John M Newsome CEng MICE MInstRE

Maj Balkrishna Gurung GCGI CEng MInstRE

Lt Col (Retd) Philip Westwood IEng MIET MInstRE

Can you help me prepare?

Yes, we can help you prepare!

Following your initial application we can provide a personalised one-to-one mentor support, from a member who is already an experienced incorporated or chartered engineer.  They can help with guidance and support following the RAP board feedback, as well as preparing for the professional review.

There are also a wide range of training opportunities available through our sister charity RE CPD.

CONTACT US

What is a professional review?

A professional review is the final stage of the CEng and IEng process. This is where you highlight the skills, education and experience satisfying the professional competencies, at the appropriate level.

The Professional Review itself is made up of:

  • The professional review report – you’ll need to submit a report of between 2000 – 3000 words showing how you meet the competencies required to become an incorporated or chartered engineer, together with your CPD records.
  • Professional review interview – you’ll then be interviewed by experienced military engineers. Be prepared to deliver a short presentation on how your skills and experiences satisfy the competencies of the required level and to discuss your professional review report.

Application and Registration Fees

The Institutions fees and charges for professional registration are the lowest of all the professional engineering institutions.

A full table of fees can be found by clicking the button below. 

Fees and Charges

Interested?

There are so many ways to become qualified that we start the process by inviting you to complete a short initial application to the Route Advisory Panel (RAP).  That should take you no longer than an hour or two to complete, providing you have your qualifications and CV to hand.  From then on we provide you with guidance and support, each step of the way.

To go through the process you must first be a member of the Institution of Royal Engineers.

Dates to Target

 

2025 Professional Registration, Key Dates – to follow

Registration Panels (RP):

 

Last dates for PRI to follow:

CEng PRI Dates

 

IEng PRI Dates

IEng PRI dates tend to be more flexible, but the dates above ensure consideration at the next RP.  We work to a ten-week cycle, as best we can.

Commissioning Board 2025

To be able to rely on a successful IEng or CEng registration for a 2025 Commissioning Board, candidates should have their PRI completed by 25th October 2025

  

 

 

 

 

Professional Registration Handbook

The Institution sets out all the procedures and processes it uses to deliver professional registration in its handbook which can be viewed here.

  1. Section 1 – Policy and Procedures
  2. Section 2 – Constitution and terms of reference for panels and committees
  3. Section 3 – Application forms and guidance notes – Please note that some of the forms and procedures have been amended as a result of covid measures.
  4. Section 4 – Instructions for awarding Engineering Registration levels with competences

Problems shared are problems halved – access our FAQ page or contact us for any questions you may have.