Why the IStructE is so amazing…

and why you should join

(and how)

Mohamad Al-Dah FIStructE

Chairman of UAE Regional Group
Overview

• What the customer wants

• Grades of Membership
• Routes to Membership
• Academic Qualifications
• IPD and the Core Objectives
• Professional Review
Why bother?
What the customer wants
As requested:
• What being charted means, what benefits it brings;
• Main differences between IStructE, Engineers Australia
and ICE;
• How to become a member and the different levels of
membership - Graduate Members, Technician Members,
Associate-Members, Chartered Members, Fellow
Members;
• Technician Chartership (TIStructE)
What the customer wants
As requested:
• How to get started with the portfolio (maybe show an
example of a portfolio submitted);
• Who can be your mentor;
• How to prepare for professional review and exams –
what challenges they may face.
Grades

6 main grades of membership

• Student
• Graduate
• Technician (TIStructE – EngTech)
• Associate-Member (AMIStructE – IEng)
• Member (MIStructE – CEng)
• Fellow (FIStructE – CEng)
Routes to Membership
• Always a route for everyone
– Standard Route
– Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) e.g.
Engineers Ireland / ICE / Engineers Australia etc. etc.
– EU Directive
– Comparability Route e.g. China Class 1 Registered
Structural Engineers
– AM to CM Bridging Route
– Research and Development Route
 Standard Route

There are three basic steps to becoming professionally

qualified with the Institution

1.Satisfying the academic requirements

2.Satisfying the Initial Professional Development (IPD)
requirements
3.Passing the Professional Review
Academic Requirements

• Chartered membership - MEng or equivalent e.g.

– BEng (Hons)* + MSc
– BEng (Hons)* + Technical Report Route
– BEng (Hons)* + Chartered Membership Exam

• Associate-Membership – Bachelors degree or equivalent e.g.

– BSc
– HND + AM Exam

• Technician – NC or equivalent
* Accredited as part-satisfying the academic base for Chartered
membership
Accreditation of Academic Base

• JBM accredited courses

– www.jbm.org.uk

• Recognised degrees - FEANI

– www.feani.org/webfeani/

• Mutual recognition agreement – Washington Accord

– www.engc.org.uk/international/international_agreeme
nts/washington_accord.aspx

• Academic assessment (AQP)

Further Learning

• Periods of Further Learning

- Chartered Membership Examination
- An accredited/approved MSc or similar post-graduate
course specified by the Institution
- A technical report based upon experience
- JBM accredited Employer Work Based Scheme
IPD

IPD comprises the acquisition and development of the

specialist knowledge and skills, and their practical
application, that are needed to practise as a Structural
Engineer.
The UAE is rich in various IPD/CPD
Core Objectives

• Personal – Objectives 1.1 and 1.2

• Engineering – Objectives 2.1 to 2.5
• Management & Commercial – Objectives 3.1 to 3.6
Core Objective Standard

• A - Appreciation
• K - Knowledge
• E - Experience
• B - Ability
IPD

There are three routes for demonstrating achievement of

IPD

1. Individually Managed IPD

2. Accredited Training Schemes
3. Retrospectively Collated IPD
Individually Managed IPD

Candidates should meet with mentors on a regular basis

(at least quarterly) and complete:

• Diary
• IPD Quarterly Report Form
• Progress Summary Record
1. Personal
1. Attended IStructE Ordinary Meeting “Safety & Ethics” – 29 January 2015
1.1 Reviewed Institution’s Code of Conduct – 19 February 2008
1.1 Attended ICE meeting “Sustainability: The Way Forward” - 31 March 2015
1.2 Worked on project X which required me to develop knowledge of a new piece of software X – Jan – March 2015

2. Engineering

3. Management and Commercial

4. Development Action Plan / Objectives for next period :

Mentor’s Comments:

Candidate Signature:

Mentors signature: Mentors Name (Print):

Ref: Core Objective Minimum Level Attained at Date of Assessment
Standard
Date 1: Date 2: Date 3: Date 4:
…………… …………… …………… ……………

1.0 Personal

1.1 Institution K
Knowledge of the Institution and involvement in
Institution affairs.

1.2 Communication B
Ability to demonstrate effective communication
and interpersonal skills

2.0 Engineering

2.1 Conceptual Design B

Ability to produce viable structural solutions,
within the scope of a design brief, taking account
of structural stability, durability, aesthetics and
cost. A K E B

2.2 Analysis and Design B

Ability to carry out analysis and design of
structural forms

2.3 Materials B
Ability to specify and co-ordinate the use of
materials
Accredited Training Scheme

Under the Accredited Training Scheme the Institution will

recognise comparable schemes accredited by other
institutions i.e. ICE, HKIE
Retrospectively Collated

Candidates who have not followed either the Individually

Managed Route or the Accredited Training Scheme Route
must apply under the Retrospectively Collated Route.
IPD

Irrespective of the route follows all candidates must submit,

at the time of application:

• Application form
• A two-page experience report giving brief details of the
candidate’s experience
• IPD Final Report Forms for each of the 13 Core
Objectives
This guy did it last year..
This guy did it last year..
IPD Final Report Forms

The Final Report Forms should be:

• Positive
• Personal
• Specific

• OPEN 2005 FILE

 IPD Final Report Form – poor example
Candidate Name: M S Engineer
Membership Number:
Core Objective: 2.1 – Conceptual Design
The information provided within this IPD Final Report
Standard Achieved (please tick) A K E B form is neither specific enough nor personal to the
Date of Report: 01/05/10 
Report:
candidate. It is very general in nature as it does not refer
to any specific projects the candidate has worked on.
I have gained the ability through experience of
conceptual design on various projects, not only to
appraise the best solution in terms of structure but to The candidate attempts to state how they have achieved
work with the design team to find the best integrated the necessary standard of the Objective, but there is
solution to meet the needs of the particular project.
insufficient specific information provided for a proper
This has been done through conceptual design judgement to be made. The lack of detail provided is
discussions with the design team on subjects such likely to make the Interview somewhat tougher as the
as visual appearance, thermal mass, acoustics,
buildability, air tightness, cost and the possibilities of Reviewers probe the candidate for the information they
integration of structure and service schemes to require.
provide both energy and/or cost savings.

The conceptual design is a key element of every Although the candidate’s mentor has taken the time to
tender when the best value for the project is sought read and sign-off the IPD Final Report Form, the
from designers and contractors. An inappropriate comment he has provided does not benefit the candidate.
design may lead to concerns regarding its viability as
a structure or other health and safety issues.
The Reviewer’s would prefer to see positive, informative
statements being made by mentors.
Any design should respond to the client’s
requirements in terms of cost, aesthetics and use.
*Please note that Mentor’s Comments/signatures are
Mentor’s Comments:
only compulsory for candidates following the Individually
Agreeed Managed Route.
Candidate Signature:

Mentor’s Signature: Mentor’s Name (Print):

M Entor
 IPD Final Report Form – average example
Candidate Name: M S Engineer
Membership Number:
Core Objective: 2.1 – Conceptual Design
Standard Achieved (please tick) A K E B
Although the candidate has provided some specific
Date of Report: 01/05/10  information about the activities he has been involved
Report:
in which contribute to this Objective, the level of detail
I have been responsible for the production of is insufficient.
conceptual schemes for numerous projects – new
builds as well as refurbishments/extensions – in
particular structural steel against reinforced concrete The candidate should have provided specific
and masonry against timber framed structures. information under the projects mentioned as well as
I have also prepared options for safely constructing
providing references to where these projects are
retaining walls by either a bored piled retaining wall or a located in the supporting documentation that has been
sequenced traditional reinforced concrete retaining submitted.
wall. These projects involved both the superstructure
and foundation options for tenders/contractor pricing.
The comments provided by the mentor are at least
Refer to the following within my portfolio of work: positive but they lack specific detail and could be
made more personal which would help the Reviewers
 Hancock Bridge strengthening
 Burj Al Qatan in assessing the candidate’s ability.
 Cable-stayed bridge over Dnepr river
 Arch dam *Please note that Mentor’s Comments/signatures are
Mentor’s Comments:
only compulsory for candidates following the
I confirm that Mr Engineer has undertaken the tasks Individually Managed Route.
detailed above to a standard of Ability. This can be
confirmed within his portfolio of work.
Candidate Signature:

Mentor’s Signature: Mentor’s Name (Print):

M Entor
 IPD Final Report Form – good example
Candidate Name: M S Engineer Mentor’s Comments:
Membership Number:
Whilst acting as Mr Engineer’s mentor for the last four years, I have witnessed a significant
Core Objective: 2.1 – Conceptual Design improvement in his ability regarding conceptual design. Initially Mr Engineer gained
significant ability in designing ‘traditional’ structures but after only a short period of time was
Standard Achieved (please tick) A K E B encouraged to undertake the design of more complex and challenging structures. Mr
Engineer clearly relishes the challenges posed in designing more complicated structures or
Date of Report: 01/05/10  where there are underlying problems which must be surmounted for the project to succeed.
Report: His innovative approach can be seen in the foundation design (in which he has become
something of an office expert) for the honey processing plant and the flexible use ground
During my career I have displayed a strong ability to conceive viable alternate structures as per floor of the exhibition centre.
the client’s brief. In so doing I take into account the costs, aesthetics, materials, durability and
construction methods of the project. An ability in Conceptual Design has been demonstrated I would not hesitate to assign major and challenging projects to Mr Engineer as I have every
in the following projects; references refer to the portfolio of work where more detailed confidence that his ability in conceptual design will ensure that the project is a success.
information can be found including comparisons of different materials, designs etc:
Candidate Signature:
 Ultrasonicated honey processing plant, Devon
o Ref: Section 2.1.1
o £2.2 m, 2 storey, masonry/fabricated steel structure
o Complications included: Mentor’s Signature: Mentor’s Name (Print):
– the site being on a significant gradient
– close proximity of river – required construction of retaining walls M Entor
– ground investigation showed that ground bearing pressure was not sufficient
to use traditional foundations – ground improvement required through use of
piled foundations
– close proximity of major road – required construction of retaining walls and
This is a strong IPD Final Report Form as it provides a general
removal of existing derby retaining wall as client wished the plant to be built introductory paragraph detailing how the candidate approaches
2 m below the road level. Options for removing derby wall were presented
to the client and a contiguous retaining wall constructed to support both Conceptual Design. It then gives detailed information, related to specific
 (Replacement) Arch Bridge, River Isar, Munich projects, justifying the candidate’s belief that they have met the standard
o Ref: Section 2.1.2
o £1.5 m, 2 storey (railway and two-lane roadway), steel bridge, three arch 250 m
expected of the Core Objective. This candidate has also provided
span references to the portfolio of work so that the Reviewers can quickly and
o Replacing a historic bridge which had been rendered unsafe due to an impact by a
ferry easily find the information they are looking for.
o Improvements to the original design were possible:
– steel replaced concrete due to quicker construction and lower weight
demands
– structural system improved by making all arches externally statically
The candidate’s mentor has given positive and specific comments and
determent. This was achieved by tying the arches throughout the bridge clearly takes his role as mentor seriously. By describing the candidate’s
deck
development and skills, albeit briefly, the mentor has provided the
 Exhibition centre, Liverpool
o Ref: Section 2.1.3 Reviewer’s with an insight which may otherwise be unavailable to them;
o £125 m, 4 storey (with mezzanine), precast concrete/fabricated steel structure
o Complications included:
this will assist them as they begin the process of assessing the
– client requested no columns within the main 36 m2 exhibition hall – structural candidate’s standard in this Core Objective.
steel truss used as economically viable and met the height requirements
– numerous staircases and ramps, which were all treated as individual
structures within the overall design – a combination of support systems
(bearing walls, beams, hanging walls, etc) were used
*Please note that Mentor’s Comments/signatures are only compulsory for
– flexibility of ground floor (main) exhibition hall – utilised a braced steel candidates following the Individually Managed Route.
transfer frame with the floor beams using UC sections; beam deflection
analysis was essential to assess the deflection from the dead load of the
precast structure of the floors above
Individually Managed Route

Additional information to be submitted following application:

• Completed IPD quarterly report forms
• Completed Progress Summary Records
• Portfolio of work

Additional information at Interview

• Personal development record (diary)
• Further examples of work
Accredited Training Scheme

Additional information to be submitted following application:

• Relevant sections/records of Training Agreement
• Portfolio of work

Additional information at Interview:

• Personal development record (diary)
• Further examples of work
Retrospectively Collated

Additional information following application:

• Comprehensive portfolio of work

Additional information at Interview:

• Personal development record (diary)
• Further examples of work
Professional Review

The Professional Review is a two-stage process

comprising of:

– Professional Review Interview

– Institution examination

– OPEN 2017 PRI FORM

Rub shoulders with…
Meet a President…
Visit a university… (most CPD talks are held there)
Procedures
• Applications received by Institution by 1 September
• Applications forwarded to Regional Group
• Pair reviewers with interviewees and check for conflicts
of interest
• The reviewers write to the interviewees with time and
location.
• Interviews are (normally) conducted between November
and December
• You post your portfolio direct to the reviewers giving
them at least two weeks to review before the PRI
Paperwork

• Form M - Please ensure you give home and work emails

and phone numbers
• Experience report – should read as a CV and give us a
chronology of your career
• IPD final report forms
Portfolios

• Start by imagining your reviewer is a volunteer, usually

very busy running a small practice or a senior member of
a larger organisation
• Reviewers want an easy life (make your life easy too,
save your work – open portfolio)
• Reviewers want to be led through your training
• Reviewers want you to prove that you have completed
your IPD
• As from 2016 all portfolios must be presented in Core
Objective order
Portfolios (Continued)

• The IPD Regulations contain the full portfolio guidance

• Each portfolio should include the portfolio checklist
• A maximum of 25 mm in depth (double-sided)
• A maximum of 40 mm in depth (single-sided)
• If you fail to comply with these requirements your
portfolio may be rejected, your interview delayed or
cancelled
The Interview

• Start with an informal 10-15 minute presentation of your

career
• No electronic aids
• It helps to use samples, perhaps from your portfolio
• But, if from portfolio, know what you are going to use!
• This is a chance to settle in and for you to introduce
yourself
• Reviewers may ask questions
• Open 2017 form
The Interview (Continued)
• Reviewers will usually start by discussing objectives
where they think you are stronger
• Reviewers will then focus on the areas where they think
there may be gaps
• If they are asking a lot of searching questions about one
objective it means they are not clear you have satisfied
the objective!
• At a resit, they will only test the objectives being resat
(up to three)
Tips (Al-Dah)
• Do try to talk yourself out of anything including:
– The CM Exam is irrelevant
– They should allow ETABS in the exam
– Drawing a Moment / Shear diagram
– Crappy scheme designs
Tips (From London IStructE)
• People most commonly fail Core Objectives 2.1
(Conceptual Design) and 2.2 (Analysis and Design).
• After the design Objectives, 2.3 (Materials) and 2.5
(Experience in Construction Techniques) cause
candidates difficulty
• Cannot afford to ignore management and commercial
issues
• If it is in your portfolio be prepared to talk about it
• If it is a drawing be prepared to explain what you did
towards its production
• Don’t just include pages of TEDDS output or analysis
• Be prepared to draw a bending moment diagram
After the Interview

• A Summary Report Form is completed by the reviewers

• If reviewers can’t agree, the PRI Coordinator adjudicates
• The forms are returned to the Institution
• The Institution will write to you, probably in the New Year
• If you have failed, we can give feedback via the
Institution
2007 - Closeup
• Chartered Membership Exams
• (Part 3) old name
• 30% pass rate (open the guide)
Examination
• Since 2015 the Institution has held two Examinations per
year:
- Chartered member exam in January and July
- Associate-Member exam will only be held in July
• From 2016 onwards there will be 5 questions in the
Chartered member exam per sitting
• Both exams last 7 hours
• Only one question must be answered
• Each question is divided into two sections with multiple
parts within each section
• Candidates can expect to be elected to Membership in
June and November respectively
Purpose of the Exam

• Final qualifying examination of the Institution

• International exam for an international Institution
• Not a theory examination
• Not a design examination
• But a test of competence across a wide range of skills
required of a Chartered Structural Engineer
• Taken by about 750 candidates world wide (around 50%
non-UK based)
Structure - Exam contains five sections

• The five sections of the examination test the principal

activities involved in design process
– Design appraisal and conceptual design
– Written communication (to a client)
– Design calculations
– Engineering drawings
– Construction issues
Structure - Type of Question

• Industrial/long span Building

• Commercial Building (steel/concrete)
• General/smaller scale building
• Bridge
Structure - timetable

• Seven hour exam

• 15 minutes reading time
• Open book (can give false sense of security)
• 30 minutes for lunch
• Non-expert invigilators
Pass mark

• Pass mark is 40%

• Both parts must be passed but not each sub-part.

Exam Resources

• Past Papers available for download

• Hints and Tips
• Interactive CD-ROM
• Examiners reports
• FREE Preparation courses run by Regional Groups/HQ
• Most important:
– PRACTICE….
At the end you want one of those…

And you can get it

Recognition…respect…

You can do it too..

 Structural Behaviour Course
FREE online tool for
Student members.

The Structural Behaviour

Course offers 200
questions which assess
elements of structural
behaviour, providing
detailed feedback on
answers.
Developed as a resource
for students seeking to test
their knowledge of key
engineering fundamentals.

https://www.istructe.org/resources-centre/structural-behaviour
The Way Forward

• Apply for Student/Graduate membership

• Review IPD regulations
• Determine progress made against the Objectives
• Set target date for Professional Review Interview
Personal advice…
Personal advice…
Take pictures..
Visit play with models..
Visit sites..
From the inside…
Take selfies..
Take a break..
Finally..

•Get involved!
Questions?