In this guide
Use this material to examine your own work. Confirm current requirements, forms and dates with ICE before applying.
ICE's Training Scheme helps employers support staff through IPD. Understand the responsibilities of each person involved and how the scheme operates.
Who is who
- Trainee
An individual developing and training under an ICE Training Agreement with an Approved Employer, in accordance with the scheme.
- Supervising Civil Engineer (SCE)
Approved by ICE and provided by an Approved Employer to mentor trainees. Preferably a professionally qualified ICE member, though not mandatory. Personally and professionally accountable to ICE, and primarily responsible to the profession.
- Delegated Engineer (DE)
Normally a professionally qualified ICE member given responsibility by an SCE to mentor trainees day to day. May not be the trainee's line manager. For a trainee seconded elsewhere, someone with at least as much responsibility as their line manager.
- ICE Approved Employer
An organisation approved by ICE to operate the Training Scheme, providing trainees with the opportunity and support to gain the knowledge and experience to complete their IPD.
- ICE Training Scheme Administrator (TSA)
Runs day-to-day administration and keeps the trainee list current. Could be an SCE, an HR manager or a learning and development manager. Can view records but cannot edit or sign off.
- Training Provider Administrator (TPA)
A nominated person from an apprenticeship training provider who can see high-level attribute progress for apprentices on their courses, but not the underlying evidence.
- Membership Recruitment Team (MRT)
ICE staff who give guidance on becoming professionally qualified, set up and monitor Approved Employers, recommend SCEs for approval, and verify and register the completion of Training Agreements. They should meet SCEs, DEs and trainees every one to two years.
- Initial Professional Development Panel
The ICE panel to which the MRT recommends Approved Employers and SCEs for approval, and which decides on removal from the Approved Employers list.
- IPD Online
Where a trainee's progress is recorded and assessed. Accessed through MyICE.
- TAGSO: Training Agreements Online
The paperless system Approved Employers use to administer Training Agreements, with automated payment. Not linked to IPD Online.
Attribute levels within the scheme
The scheme records progress at levels rather than as a simple achieved or not:
- Knowledge: a basic understanding and knowledge of the area of competence.
- Experience: achieved the attribute in different situations, working under supervision.
- Ability at IEng: achieved it in different situations, assisting others and working without supervision.
- Ability at CEng: as above, plus the additional areas of experience within the attributes that apply only to those aiming for CEng.
To complete IPD, a trainee must reach the ability level in all aspects of the attributes for their target grade.
Progressing within the scheme
A trainee who has completed at IEng level, or at EngTech level, can continue their IPD at the next level: the Training Agreement is extended or reactivated using the transfer form, and only the attribute levels between the previous completion and the new IPD level need to be documented and achieved. ICE states that no additional fee is payable when an agreement is transferred or reactivated for CPRP or CIPRP.
Who does what, at a glance
| Role | Reviews progress | Signs off attributes | Approved by ICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee | Records the evidence | No | Membership required throughout |
| Delegated Engineer | Quarterly, day to day | Assesses in IPD Online | Appointed by the SCE |
| Supervising Civil Engineer | At least annually, formally | Yes, and completes the Training Review | Yes, via the IPD Panel |
| Training Scheme Administrator | Can view records | No | Added by another TSA |
| Training Provider Administrator | High-level progress only | No | Requested through ICE |
| Membership Recruitment Team | Meets everyone every one to two years | Registers the completion | ICE staff |
Questions to ask yourself
- Which of these roles applies to me, and have I read what it requires?
The responsibilities are specific, and several of them (validating CPD by benefit rather than attendance, for instance) are commonly misunderstood.
- Is our record of who holds each role current?
SCEs are removed from an employer's list six months after leaving, and IPD Online access goes with them.
Official sources
Selected publisher pages were rechecked in September 2026. Other source records were last checked in July 2026. Open the latest official document before relying on a requirement.