Find out how to gain registration with the Engineering Council at EngTech, Ieng or Ceng levels.

Application Process

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

A. You need to complete an SOE application form. Click here to download the membership application form and follow the 5 easy steps to Membership.

Q. How do I get a membership application form?

A. You can either download an application form or telephone the membership department on 020 7630 6666.

Q. What class of membership am I 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 Continual 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. Because applications for membership are formally assessed only six times a year, it can take between 3 weeks and 2 months to process your application, depending on when your application is received. On acknowledgement of your application form, you will be informed of the date of the next assessment so you should know when to expect confirmation of the class awarded.

Q. What dates, in 2008, should I be aiming to get my application in for?

A. 5 February, 1 April, 3 June, 31 July, 2 October and 27 November.

Q. Do you have a retired class of membership?

A. Yes. The requirements are that you must be 60 years of age or over, have retired from all gainful employment and have 10 years paid membership. Retired application forms are available on request by contacting the Membership and Professional Standards department on 020 7630 6666 or by e-mail 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 your two sponsors.

Q. I’m already a member of another organisation, and also registered with the Engineering Council, can I complete a fast track form for membership?

A. Unfortunately we must ask you to complete a normal application form to provide us with copies of all your relevant qualifications and career information. Once you have gained membership you can pay your Engineering Council annual registration fees through us.

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 ECUK fees through us. All you need to do is contact us on 020 7630 6666 to let us know and we will do the rest.

Q. I am emigrating to Australia/New Zealand will my membership be recognised over there?

A. Yes. The IRTE has one active centre in Australia which is the Perth Centre. Contact details can be found on www.soe.org.uk under regional network. The SOE also has links with an affiliated IRTE New Zealand centre. The IRTE New Zealand Centre also runs a conference and exhibition, held every two years. For further information please contact kateb@tenz.co.nz. Don’t forget if you are moving abroad please remember to 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. Please use the nomination form at www.soe.org.uk/join/offer.html If they successfully become a member you will receive £5 off next year’s subscription fees.

Q. I’m trying to log onto the website, its asking for my membership number, where will I find it?

A. On your membership card, we send this to you each December.

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.

Engineering Council Registration

Q. How do I register with the Engineering Council UK?

A. Registration with the EC(UK) 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 e-mail registration@soe.org.uk

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.

Subscription fees

Q. I pay my annual subscription by Direct Debit and have noted that you have debited my account twice, why?

A. As a result of feedback from our members, the Council of the SOE decided that members paying by Direct Debit would benefit from having their yearly annual subscription debited in two instalments. The annual subscription renewal notices are despatched in November each year and clearly state that as an existing Direct Debit payer the account will be debited in two instalments on 1 January and 1 April, or shortly afterwards.

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 in December, 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.