The various grades available to new applicants are as follows;

Student

Student grade is available to individuals with an interest in construction inspection and who are engaged with or have registered for a course of study which will lead to a construction qualification.

An interview or completion of a report is not required if applying directly for student grade.

The Institute can align applicants of this grade to a mentor to provide guidance and support towards upgrading their membership when the time is appropriate. 

Please contact ICWCI HQ to discuss further and for the relevant application form. 

Licentiate (LICWCI)

Licentiate grade is for those who have demonstrated (through application, competency assessment and professional interview) that they have a reasonable level of knowledge and experience in the duties/responsibilities associated with construction inspection (or similar roles) but require further experience before they are ready to apply for Member grade. The Institute will guide/recommend recipients of this grade on the number of years’ further experience required before they are eligible to apply for an upgrade.

This grade is no longer attainable by new applicants and has been replaced by Associate Membership, but continues to be an active grade for those who achieved it before this change was made in May 2025.

Associate Member (Assoc. ICWCI)

Associate Member is our new developmental grade of membership that was introduced in May 2025 and has now replaced Licentiate membership.

An Associate grade of membership of any professional institute typically marks the mid-entry point into a particular profession, discipline, career or industry and is a non-corporate grade of The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate.

It is intended for those who have demonstrated (via their application and assessment of a completed report) that they have a reasonable level of knowledge and experience in the duties/responsibilities associated with construction inspection (or similar roles) but require further experience before they are ready to apply for Member grade.

The award of ‘Assoc. ICWCI’ provides a clear demonstration of a member’s commitment to their professional development and their aspiration to attain the highest level of competence through their progression to corporate member grade with the ICWCI's assistance through our developmental offerings.

Member (MICWCI)

Member grade is achievable for those who demonstrate (through application, competency assessment and professional interview) that they have a high level of knowledge and experience in the duties/responsibilities associated with a construction inspection (or similar) role.

Candidates who are offered this grade are given voting member rights (for the duration of their renewed membership subscription).

In 2021, Ecctis benchmarked the MICWCI Member designation as comparable to RQF Level 6.

Specialist Inspectors

The Institute welcomes applications from specialist inspection professionals working within the construction industry.

Fellow, Life Member and Jubilee Member

We have other grades and awards that can be attained through continued membership and service to the Institute. Examples of these are Fellow, Life Member and Jubilee Member. If you would like further information on these grades please contact HQ.