CIOB builds a clearer path towards Chartered careers

The Chartered Institute of Building is changing its grade structure to encourage more people to become chartered, increasing the level of professionalism within the industry and improving recognition of Chartered status.

The changes will provide a clearer differentiation between chartered and non-chartered members, creating a structure that can be more easily understood by employers, clients and the general public.

Following consultation with its membership the CIOB grade changes place more emphasis on the achievements of Chartered Builders and Chartered Construction Managers: all of whom have had their skills, experience and competencies independently verified by industry experts.

From 1 July 2015 anyone joining the Institute will be known as a Student or Applicant, indicating that they are working towards Chartered membership (MCIOB or FCIOB). They will not be permitted to put letters after their name until they have become a fully Chartered Member or Fellow.

Associate (ACIOB) and Incorporated (ICIOB) grades, which were introduced as transition grades towards chartership, will be closed to newcomers. Current Associate and Incorporated members can continue to use their ACIOB and ICIOB designations until June 2025, or until their subscription lapses.

Bridget Bartlett, deputy chief executive said: “This grade change provides much needed clarification for employers, clients and industry newcomers. We hope that it will encourage more people around the world to take up the benefits of a Chartered career.

“The MCIOB qualification is comparable to a bachelor’s degree and is recognised internationally. As well as providing independent validation of members’ skills and competencies, chartership also indicates commitment to continual improvement and ethical working practices.

“Hundreds became chartered with us last year and we are seeing significant and rising demand for our recently secured title Chartered Construction Manager.

“ACIOB and ICIOB were intended to be a transitionary grades. Our data suggests that many of our Associate and Incorporated members are well qualified to take the professional review for Chartered membership, and we very much hope that they will take that step which so effectively demonstrates their commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

“Becoming Chartered is now a much less onerous proposition as we have streamlined our online application processes and have training providers ready to help those who need additional qualifications. Our teams at head office and throughout our branch structure are on hand to help members with any questions they may have and we look forward to helping our Associate and Incorporated members take this new express route to an even more fulfilling and rewarding career.”

More information about the grade change is available at http://www.ciob.org/gradechange