From July 1, CIOB phased out its non-chartered Associate (ACIOB) and Incorporated (ICIOB) membership grades, instead encouraging holders to progress to chartered Membership (MCIOB) or Fellowship (FCIOB). 

The ACIOB and ICIOB grades were originally introduced as stepping stones to Chartered status, but data showed that while many members at these levels were already well-qualified to progress forward, they weren’t always advancing.

Following consultation with our members and to remove confusion between our chartered and non-chartered grades, the decision was made in 2015 to retire these grades completely over a 10-year period. 

Opportunities to upgrade 

We recognised that many of our ACIOB and ICOB members had been with us for a long time, and we wanted to ensure we could help as many as possible transition their membership with us whilst retaining our stringent standards. 

Over this period, we introduced a range of opportunities to retain membership with CIOB. This has included creating new routes to chartership, some of which were specifically for those wanting to move from the ACIOB or ICIOB grades.

We also operated an Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme, created for those who do not currently hold a level 6 (degree level) qualification but who have substantial and valuable experience.

ACIOB and ICIOB grades are no longer valid

Members previously holding Associate or Incorporated membership who have not upgraded can no longer use the ACIOB and ICIOB post-nominals. These should be removed from email signatures, LinkedIn profiles, business cards and any other materials or platforms.

Professionals who have not progressed to either TechCIOB, Membership or Fellowship are no longer considered CIOB members. 

Those who have retired at the ACIOB or ICIOB grade are also unable to use the associated post-nominals, but are entitled to the same benefits that they had access to as a member.

What are the benefits of removing the ACIOB and ICIOB grades?

Removing the ACIOB and ICIOB grades has encouraged many members to upgrade to MCIOB or FCIOB, showing that many of them already had the skills, experience and leadership to become Chartered. 

By encouraging them to upgrade their membership, we are promoting the adoption of chartered grades that signify competence and professionalism in construction.

Checking CIOB membership status 

You can check the status of a professional’s membership by contacting our customer service team. 

Contact them here.