Membership FAQs

Applying for membership

Q. I’m interested in becoming a member, what do I need to do?

A. You need to complete an SOE application form. Follow the 5 easy steps to Membership to find out how to register and download an application form.

Q. How do I get a membership application form?

A. First you must register as an SOE website user. Follow the 5 easy steps to Membership to find out how to register and download an application form. Alternatively, telephone the membership department on 020 7630 6666.

Q. What class of membership could I be eligible for?

A. A panel of experts review every application for membership and a suitable class of membership will be awarded based on an individual’s qualifications, training and experience. We strongly advise that you produce signed photocopies of your engineering qualifications and any training courses which show evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Q. After I submit my membership form, how long will I have to wait to learn what class of membership I have been awarded?

A. Upon receipt of your application you will receive confirmation detailing when your application will assessed by the Membership Marking Committee. There are six Membership Marking Committee meetings annually. Once your application has been assessed by the Membership Marking Committee you can expect to hear from the Membership Team regarding the outcome with 10 days.

Q. What dates, in 2012, should I be aiming to get my application in for?

A. 2 February, 29 March, 31 May, 23 August, 18 October and 3 December.

Q. Do you have a retired class of membership?

A. Yes. The requirements are that you must be 65 years of age or over, have retired from all gainful employment and have 15 years membership. Retired application forms are available on request by contacting the Membership and Professional Standards department on 020 7630 6666 or by email at membership@soe.org.uk.

Q. I wish to apply for transfer to a higher class of membership. As I have already submitted photocopies of my qualifications do I need to forward copies again?

A. Unfortunately, due to storage restrictions we can only retain application forms for a period of 5 years. If you applied more than 5 years ago then you will need to re-submit your photocopies of certificates, suitably initialled by two sponsors.

Q. I pay my Engineering Council registration fees through another organisation; can I pay them through SOE instead?

A. Yes, if you’re a member of the SOE you can pay your Engineering Council fees through us. All you need to do is contact us on 020 7630 1111 to let us know and we will do the rest.

Q. I am emigrating overseas, can I remain in membership?

A. Yes. Some areas outside the UK have an active network of SOE members, visit Network for more details. Don’t forget, if you are moving abroad please remember to change your address details in My Profile or inform us so we can ensure that all correspondence is sent to your new address.

Q. How do I nominate a friend for membership?

A. You can nominate a colleague or friend for membership on our recommend a member page. Once your nominated person has paid their £35.00 application fee and formally entered membership you will receive a £35.00 Marks and Spencer, iTunes or Amazon voucher (overseas members a credit of £35.00 will be added to your membership account).

Q. My membership has lapsed, can I re-join the SOE?

A. In line with Engineering Council UK regulations, your membership can be reinstated within 3 years of lapsing. Thereafter you must re-apply.

Q. How do I correct information SOE holds about me?

A. To view the information SOE holds about you, simply log into the My Profile, accessed from My SOE. You can make changes to your personal details and preferences any time of day or night. Alternatively call us to update your details on 0207 630 6666 or email membership@soe.org.uk.

Q. How do I find a sponsor?

A. As part of the application process you will need to find someone to sponsor you. This can be any one of the following: an existing SOE member, someone registered with Engineering Council (CEng, IEng or EngTech) or a senior manager or HR person from your current employment. If you are having difficulty in finding a sponsor please do not hesitate to contact the Membership Team who will be happy to assist you on 0207 630 6666 or email membership@soe.org.uk.

Q. How do I get a replacement card/certificate?

A. You can obtain a replacement membership card or certificate by contacting the Membership Team on 0207 630 6666 or alternatively email membership@soe.org.uk.

The charge for a replacement membership card or certificate is £20 (each), to be paid by debit/credit card at the time of request.

Q. How do I find my nearest region or centre?

A. Visit the SOE Network to find your nearest regional centre, or alternatively you can contact the regional coordinator regions@soe.org.uk or call us on 0207 630 1111.

Engineering Council Registration

Q. How do I register with the Engineering Council?

A. Registration with the Engineering Council is based on an individual’s academic qualifications. In order to start the initial process you will need to forward photocopies of your academic qualifications. For further information please visit the Engineering Council FAQs page or e-mail registration@soe.org.uk.

Subscription fees

Q. I can claim my subscription fees back from my company; can you provide a copy of my fees invoice?

A. Most companies will accept the renewal notice we send you at the end of the year, but we will be happy to provide a copy of a subscription invoice for you, just call us on 020 7630 6666. Remember, if you pay by direct debit or credit/debit card you can use your statement as evidence of payment. It would be helpful to have your membership number ready!

Q. What number do I call to pay my annual subscription fees?

A. 0845 0549 944 (calls charged at local rate for UK callers). This number is for subscription payments only.

Q. Can I pay online?

A. Yes, members can pay securely online at any time of the day or night. Log in to My SOE and click on My Subscription.

Q. Can I get tax relief on my subscriptions?

A. Yes, visit the Tax Relief on subscriptions page for instructions.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

Q. I am interested in obtaining a CPC am I eligible to hold CPC through my membership to the SOE?

A. No. Unfortunately, as part of an EU Directive which came into force in 2000, new members are no longer eligible to hold a CPC licence through membership of the SOE/IRTE. Only existing IRTE members prior to 2000, depending on their class of membership, are entitled to hold a CPC licence through their membership. New members are now advised to sit the RSA CPC exam. For further details on the RSA CPC exam please ring 01223 552552.