New Chartership application process

What employers need to know

IChemE has reformed its Chartered Member (MIChemE) application process, replacing the traditional three-stage model with a single, streamlined professional review. This change makes the path to chartership more efficient, consistent, and accessible. For Employer Partners, it provides new opportunities to support early-career engineers more effectively.

What’s changed?

Old process

Applicants previously progressed through three distinct stages:

• Individual Case Procedure (ICP) – verifying academic qualifications
• Initial Professional Development (IPD) – confirming structured learning
• Professional Review – submitting a Competence & Commitment (C&C) report, attending an interview, and securing references and verification

Each stage was assessed separately, often resulting in delays and repeated submissions.

New process

All elements are now submitted together in a single application. Reviewers will assess the academic background as part of the Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding (UKU) process and then move on to assess the technical experience, and professional competence to complete the Professional Review.

Applicants now submit:

• Personal and qualification details
• Technical Biography (if qualifications don’t fully meet UKU)
• Competence & Commitment Report (C&C)
• Verifications for both TB and C&C
• Referee statements, CV, and photo ID.

This integrated review streamlines the process, reduces duplication, and speeds up decision-making.

Why it matters for employers

The new approach reflects the reality of modern engineering careers, where competence is developed through diverse roles and pathways. It also provides a clearer roadmap for supporting candidates aiming to become Chartered Members.

Key implications for Employer Partners include:

• IPD remains essential, but is now embedded within the application. Candidates need to maintain strong development records that feed directly into the C&C report. IChemE’s “Framework for Effective Mentoring” can help with tracking and recording.
• Verification is completed during the single application, candidates must provide verified evidence of academic learning along with any evidence of professional development.
• Mentoring is more important than ever. Thoughtful guidance helps candidates reflect on their development and articulate their individual contributions. Mentors can be sourced through IChemE Connect’s Mentor Match or supported internally via ACTS training.

How employers can support candidates

Encourage early tracking of experience aligned with the IChemE guidance document. Provide mentoring from Chartered Members to review Technical Biographies and C&C drafts. Offer mock interviews, maintain an updated list of potential verifiers and referees, and promote the use of IChemE support tools such as templates, webinars, and Mentor Match.

Lastly…

This new single submission process is more intuitive, more efficient, and built for today’s engineers. As an Employer Partner, your continued support through mentoring, training, and professional development is crucial in helping candidates succeed.

For full guidance, visit the Chartered Member section of the website or contact your Regional Engagement Manager.