Use this material to examine your own work. Confirm current requirements, forms and dates with IStructE before applying.
Incorporated Membership is a full professional grade. Its review uses the ten Core Objectives, a portfolio and the two-part interview and examination structure.
Where the standards differ from Chartered
Less than most people expect, and the difference is worth knowing precisely.
Reading the two current IPD guidance documents side by side, the minimum standards are identical for nine of the ten Core Objectives. The single difference is Core Objective 3, Concept Creation and Design:
- Incorporated-Member requires Experience: the subject performed independently or under supervision.
- Chartered Member requires Ability: performed without supervision, and competent to advise others.
That is the formal difference in the standards. It is not the whole difference between the grades (the examinations differ, and the depth expected in questioning differs) but it is what the two documents say, and it is more specific than the general impressions that circulate.
The two grades, side by side
| Situation | Incorporated-Member | Chartered Member |
|---|---|---|
| Core Objectives | The same ten | The same ten |
| Concept and design | Experience | Ability |
| Every other objective | Identical standards | Identical standards |
| Portfolio | Same format and limits | Same format and limits |
| Interview | Same format | Same format |
| Examination | Incorporated-Membership Examination | Chartered Membership Examination |
| Progression | A supplementary examination route exists to Chartered | — |
Compiled by reading the current Incorporated-Member and Chartered Member IPD guidance side by side. Confirm your own position with IStructE.
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.