FAQs – Architects, Civil Engineers & Planners find an answer to

Do I need to register with a professional body?
… when working as an Architect?
… when working as a Civil Engineer?
… when working as a Planner?
… when working as a Surveyor?

Do I need to register with a professional body?        top

Professional registration is often required by employers, and in some cases is essential. The theory behind professional registration is that you have your qualification recognised and approved by the relevant body. It is a way of regulating qualifications, including those obtained outside the UK, and controlling who is given professional status. Certain professions are protected in the UK, for example Architects – who must be registered with the ARB (see below) in order to work as an Architect in the UK. The same applies for Chartered Engineers & Surveyors, who must be registered with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors if they are to work as a Chartered Surveyor in the UK. You should be aware that the need for professional registration depends upon an employer’s individual requirements, unless you are an Architect, Chartered Engineer or Chartered Surveyor in which case you must be registered before you can work in the UK.

… when working as an Architect?        top

The term 'Architect' is protected in UK law. You can only use it when you are fully qualified and have your name on the Architect's Registration Board (ARB) register. The ARB is the official body dealing with the recognition of architectural qualifications obtained outside the UK. Qualified Architects coming from EU member states may hold qualifications that are recognised in the UK under the European Commission Architects' Directive 85/384/EEC. The ARB will be able to give you more information about this and the process of registering in the UK.

To call yourself a Chartered Architect you must be on the ARB register and also elected to chartered membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). For further information please see

… when working as a Civil Engineer?        top

The engineering profession is not regulated as such in the UK, meaning that anyone can work or seek employment in engineering without registration. In accordance with current EU regulations, Engineers benefit from the rules on recognition of professional qualifications (Directive 89/48/EC). This means that a professionally qualified Engineer from the EU has the right to become qualified in any other EU member state, according to specific provisions.

There are protected titles, however, these being Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech). These titles are granted by the engineering institutions under license from the Engineering Council UK.

One of these engineering institutions is the Institution of Civil Engineering (ICE) who grants the titles to qualified members in civil engineering.

Another institution that grants professional membership is the Institution of Structural Engineers (I.Struct E.).

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… when working as a Planner?        top

The planning profession is not regulated in the UK either. However, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is the professional body responsible for town and country planning. It is not necessary to be a Chartered Town Planner and therefore member of the RTPI in order to practise in the UK but most employers would recommend that Planners seek membership of the Institute.

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… when working as a Surveyor?        top

If working as a Chartered Surveyor you need to register with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

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