In this guide
Use this material to examine your own work. Confirm current requirements, forms and dates with IStructE before applying.
Divide the portfolio by Core Objective, provide a hyperlinked index and make it easy to cross-reference the report forms. These are prescribed structure requirements.
An order that satisfies the requirements
- 01
The signed portfolio checklist
First page, as required. Download the current version from the Institution: it is the only version that counts, and it changes.
- 02
A hyperlinked contents page
One line per Core Objective, each linking to its section. Add PDF bookmarks for the same sections; between them, a reviewer can move around your document in one click instead of scrolling.
- 03
A one-page project key
An optional project key can save repeating context across the ten sections. List the sector, your role, dates and any redactions for each project referenced.
- 04
Ten sections, one per Core Objective, in the Institution's order
Only the documents relevant to that objective in each. Head each section with the objective number and title so a reviewer arriving by bookmark knows immediately where they are.
- 05
Within a section: a short lead, then annotated evidence
A few lines saying which pieces of evidence carry this objective and why, then the evidence itself, each item annotated with your contribution.
Cross-referencing the report forms
The guidance requires "Easy cross-referencing with the IPD final report forms". Give each evidence page a stable reference, such as CO4-03 for the third item under objective 4, and use the same reference in the form. A reviewer can then move directly from a claim to its evidence.
Allocating the 300 pages
For a portfolio using the full allowance, a possible allocation is:
- 3 to 5 pages for the checklist, index and project key.
- Around 25 pages for each of the ten objective sections.
Keep the remainder for objectives needing more room. Ability objectives may need more evidence than Knowledge objectives to explain independent work and advice to others.
Organising each section
One introductory page followed by three to six items can provide a clear structure. Use one or two pages per item, cropped and annotated where needed. If an item supports two objectives, place it once and cross-reference it from the other section.
Assembly
Look for
- Export one PDF from the start and rebuild it, rather than merging at the end
- Check the file opens, the bookmarks work and the hyperlinks resolve, in a reader other than the one you built it in
- Crop drawings to the region you are evidencing and enlarge it
- Keep the reference codes identical between the portfolio and the forms
- Read the whole thing on a laptop screen at 100% before sending it
Watch for
- Reduce pages to A5 to fit two on a sheet: the guidance rules this out
- Use a font smaller than the minimum in your portfolio or your forms
- Include a document twice to make two sections look fuller
- Send a set of separate files, or a link that expires
- Leave the index unlinked because the deadline is close
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.