Learn how to achieve CIOB Membership through the CIOB Professional Review. A simple guide for construction professionals ready to go Chartered.
A clear and personal guide for professionals ready to grow in the construction industry
Thinking About Getting Chartered?
If you’re working in construction and want to stand out professionally, becoming Chartered with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is one of the best steps you can take. I remember when I first came across the idea of CIOB Membership, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I had the experience but didn’t know how to get recognised for it.
Now that I’ve gone through the full process and earned my Chartered status, I want to share what I learned in a simple way that anyone can understand—no jargon, no overcomplicating.
What Does Chartered Status with CIOB Mean?
Becoming a Chartered Member means you’ve proven your knowledge, experience, and commitment to professional standards in construction. You’ll earn the right to put MCIOB after your name, showing employers and clients that you’re serious about your work.
CIOB Membership offers:
- Internationally recognised professional status
- Proof that you meet ethical and technical standards
- Access to a global network of construction professionals
- Better career opportunities and higher chances of promotion
For me, getting Chartered wasn’t just about the title—it was about feeling confident and credible in my profession.
What Is the CIOB Professional Review?
The CIOB Professional Review is the final step to becoming Chartered. It’s not a test or a formal exam. It’s a written assessment where you explain how your past work experience shows that you meet the CIOB’s core competencies.
These include:
- Managing health and safety
- Project planning and delivery
- Leadership and people management
- Legal and contractual knowledge
- Sustainability and ethics
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The review is based on your real-world experience. If you’ve been working in construction, you likely already meet many of these standards—you just need to explain how.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for Chartered status, you must:
- Be an existing CIOB Member (non-chartered)
- Have at least 3–5 years of relevant work experience
- Be in a role where you’ve taken responsibility—managing people, budgets, or safety
- Keep a record of your CPD activities
You don’t need a degree to apply. What matters most is what you’ve done, not just what you’ve studied. That’s one of the reasons I chose CIOB—they focus on real experience.
How to Complete the CIOB Professional Review
Here’s the process broken down in simple steps:
Step 1: Join CIOB
If you’re not already a member, join as a non-chartered member through their official website. Once you’re a member, you can start your Chartered application.
Step 2: Read the Review Guide
CIOB provides a detailed guide that explains all the competencies and how to write about them. This document will become your best friend throughout the process.
Step 3: Reflect on Your Experience
Think about past projects where you made decisions, led teams, managed safety, or handled resources. These examples will form the foundation of your Professional Review.
Step 4: Write Your Submission
You’ll need to prepare:
- A written review covering all required competencies
- Your CV
- A record of your CPD
- (Optional) Supporting evidence like project plans or reports
Use clear language, and focus on your own actions—use “I” rather than “we.” Show how you contributed, what problems you solved, and the outcomes of your decisions.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once complete, upload your documents through the CIOB portal. The review panel will assess your submission and get back to you—usually within a few weeks.
How Long Does It Take?
If you already have your documents ready, the full process can take about 4 to 8 weeks. Writing the review might take a couple of weekends if you dedicate time to it. I took my time and spread it out over a month.
What’s New in 2025?
In 2025, the CIOB Professional Review process is more streamlined than ever:
- The online submission system is smoother
- There’s a clearer guide for applicants
- More emphasis is placed on ethics, safety, and sustainability
- You can now track your application progress directly through your CIOB profile
These updates made the process much less stressful for me, and I think they’ve helped a lot of other applicants too.
Tips That Helped Me
- Start early – Don’t wait until you’re 100% “ready.” You probably already are.
- Use plain English – You’re not writing a novel. Just be clear and direct.
- Be honest – There’s no need to exaggerate your achievements.
- Stick to the format – CIOB gives you a guide for a reason—follow it.
- Ask for help – CIOB members and mentors are usually happy to give feedback.
Final Thoughts: It’s Worth It
Getting CIOB Membership through the CIOB Professional Review helped me move forward in my career. I became more confident, more visible in my industry, and more qualified for senior roles.
If you’re in construction, and you’ve been building your skills over the years, this is your chance to get recognised for it.
Start your journey today—and earn the Chartered status you deserve.
