1. Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering

This Attribute forms the foundation of your submission and assesses your technical competence. You need to show how you’ve applied engineering knowledge and judgment to solve problems and contribute to project success.

What to Focus On:

• Maintain and expand your engineering knowledge, demonstrating continuous professional development (CPD).

• Use theoretical principles (e.g., structural analysis, hydraulic equations) to solve real-world problems.

• Show how you contributed to designs and engineering decisions across a project’s lifecycle.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Highlight instances where you used first principles due to a lack of established codes or standards.

• Explain how your work interfaces with other disciplines and teams, especially when collaborating on large or multidisciplinary projects.

• Be prepared to explain how new technology or software (e.g., drones for site surveys) supported your engineering decisions.

• Be mindful of your technical boundaries—avoid providing inaccurate information about technical specialisms outside of your expertise, as this will undermine credibility.

Additional Tips:

• Ask “Why” and “How”: Be prepared to explain not just what you did, but why you did it and how your decisions affected the overall project but be weary about giving advice

• Demonstrate Curiosity: Include examples where you went beyond your immediate role to understand related tasks—e.g., understanding how temporary works supported permanent structures.

• Discuss Failures and Improvements: If you’ve encountered design challenges or failures, describe how you adapted and improved your approach based on evidence.

2. Management and Leadership

Management involves organizing and controlling tasks and resources, while leadership involves influencing and guiding others. Reviewers look for examples of both.

What to Focus On:

• Describe how you’ve planned work and allocated resources efficiently.

• Show leadership by highlighting instances where you motivated teams, resolved conflicts, or mentored others.

• Include examples of managing changing technical and managerial needs, such as unexpected delays or resource shortages.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Explain how you handled changes in project scope or resource availability.

• Highlight any formal or informal leadership roles you’ve taken, such as leading meetings or supporting junior staff.

• If you’ve managed remote or international teams, explain how you overcame communication barriers or time zone challenges.

Additional Tips:

• Highlight Soft Skills: Leadership isn’t just about technical knowledge—it’s also about building trust and inspiring confidence. Include examples where your interpersonal skills made a difference.

• Talk About Mentoring: Describe how you’ve helped others develop technical or managerial skills, whether through formal training or informal guidance.

• Adaptability Matters: Show how you adjusted plans and priorities to meet project goals when unexpected issues arose, such as supplier delays or weather disruptions.

3. Commercial Ability

This Attribute focuses on your understanding of the financial, contractual, and legal aspects of engineering projects.

What to Focus On:

• Demonstrate your role in preparing or controlling project budgets and monitoring costs.

• Show your knowledge of relevant contracts and statutory requirements.

• Explain how you contributed to value engineering decisions or managed financial risks.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Describe how you managed budget changes or procurement decisions and explain their commercial impact.

• Be ready to explain how you handled contract variations or disputes.

• Provide examples of how you ensured compliance with legal regulations, such as health and safety or environmental standards.

Additional Tips:

• Understand Frameworks: Mention relevant legal or statutory frameworks you’ve worked within, such as CDM regulations or NEC contracts.

• Discuss Resource Trade-offs: If you’ve balanced costs with long-term benefits (e.g., choosing more durable but expensive materials), explain the rationale behind your decisions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Commercial management often involves working with finance teams, clients, and contractors—describe how you navigated these relationships.

4. Health, Safety, and Welfare

This Attribute emphasizes your ability to manage risks and promote a safe working environment.

What to Focus On:

• Show your understanding of health, safety, and welfare legislation and how you’ve applied it.

• Provide examples of risk assessments, safety audits, or emergency response planning you’ve contributed to.

• Demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of all stakeholders, including construction teams and the public.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Describe your role in identifying hazards and implementing mitigation measures.

• Explain how you ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, especially during complex or high-risk activities.

• Be aware that this is arguably the most important attribute where mistakes can have severe consequences—ensure your information is accurate and aligned with relevant legislation and regulations.

• Include examples of promoting welfare, such as improving site facilities or supporting mental health initiatives.

Additional Tips:

• Go Beyond Physical Safety: Include examples of safeguarding mental health or supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Respond to Industry Challenges: Explain how you adapted to evolving health and safety requirements, such as those introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Highlight Leadership: If you’ve led safety briefings or taken on roles like first aider or safety representative, explain the impact of your contributions.

5. Sustainable Development

This Attribute assesses your commitment to sustainability and your ability to consider environmental, social, and economic factors in your work.

What to Focus On:

• Explain your understanding of sustainability principles and how you’ve applied them to projects.

• Describe how your decisions have supported sustainable outcomes, such as reduced emissions or resource use.

• Show how you’ve considered the long-term impacts of your projects throughout their lifecycle.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Highlight decisions that balanced immediate project needs with long-term sustainability goals.

• Provide examples of material selection, waste management, or energy efficiency initiatives.

• Explain how your projects supported the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), even if the client didn’t explicitly reference them.

Additional Tips:

• Include Quantifiable Data: If you’ve contributed to carbon reduction targets or water conservation efforts, provide measurable results.

• Consider the Entire Lifecycle: Discuss how you considered future maintenance, operation, or decommissioning in your designs.

• Show Innovation: Mention any sustainable solutions or technologies you introduced, such as water recycling systems or green building certifications.

6. Interpersonal Skills and Communication

Communication is a key skill for professional engineers, both in technical and non-technical settings.

What to Focus On:

• Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Provide examples of written communication, such as reports or presentations, and oral communication, such as leading meetings or presenting proposals.

• Show how you’ve built relationships and resolved conflicts through effective communication.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Describe how you adapted your communication style to suit different audiences.

• Include examples of collaboration across teams, departments, or organizations.

• Show how you’ve promoted inclusivity and ensured that all team members felt heard and valued.

Additional Tips:

• Sketches and Visual Aids: If you’ve used visual aids to explain complex concepts, mention these as examples of effective communication. Be prepared to do a sketch during your interview.

• Conflict Resolution: Include stories where you used communication to de-escalate issues or clarify misunderstandings.

• Online Communication: If you’ve adapted to virtual communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom), explain how you maintained engagement and clarity.

7. Professional Commitment

This Attribute evaluates your adherence to The ICE Code of Conduct, your ethical responsibilities, and your commitment to lifelong learning.

What to Focus On:

• Show your understanding of ethical principles and how you’ve handled ethical challenges.

• Demonstrate your approach to CPD and how you’ve maintained and expanded your competence.

• Describe how you’ve engaged with ICE activities or contributed to the profession.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Include examples of ethical decisions and explain how you navigated competing priorities, such as sustainability versus cost.

• Be ready to discuss how you plan to continue your professional development after achieving chartership.

• Highlight any involvement in mentoring, STEM outreach, or industry events.

Additional Tips:

• Discuss Mentorship: Explain how you’ve supported the development of others, whether as a mentor or by sharing knowledge informally.

• Engagement with the ICE: Mention any ICE events, committees, or activities you’ve participated in, as these demonstrate professional commitment.

• Reflect on Growth: Describe how feedback and challenges have shaped your professional development.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the ICE Professional Review requires you to present a compelling narrative of your engineering journey. By reflecting on your experiences and aligning them with the seven Attributes, you can demonstrate your readiness to become a Chartered Engineer.

If you’re looking for personalized feedback or interview practice, our services provide expert guidance tailored to your unique journey.

Take the next step toward professional recognition—book your session today.