About this CPD Resource
The IStructE competence framework for structural engineers, covering technical, management and professional competencies required for Chartered Membership and ongoing CPD planning.
The IStructE competence framework provides a structured description of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that structural engineers need at different stages of their careers. It covers technical engineering competencies alongside broader professional competencies in management, communication, business and ethics. Understanding the framework is valuable for engineers planning their CPD and for candidates preparing for the Chartered Membership examination.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the IStructE competence framework structure
- Map personal skills against the framework for CPD planning
- Identify development priorities for Chartered Membership
- Use the framework to guide CPD selection and reflection
Who Is This Suitable For?
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Why This CPD Matters
Structural engineering sits at the heart of safe, efficient and sustainable construction. The structural engineer's fundamental duty — ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are safe for their intended use — has been reinforced and scrutinised by the Building Safety Act 2022, which places new competency requirements on those working on higher-risk buildings. The Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers both require their members to demonstrate ongoing competency development through CPD, and structural design practice is constantly evolving through updates to Eurocode standards, new materials and construction methods, and the growing importance of embodied carbon in structural design decisions.
This CPD from Institution of Structural Engineers addresses structural engineering knowledge that is directly applicable to professional practice. Whether you are working towards or maintaining Chartered Membership of IStructE or ICE, or seeking to develop your technical knowledge in a specific area of structural practice, structured CPD from recognised providers contributes to the evidence of competency that professional bodies require.
Key Topics and Industry Context
Structural engineering encompasses the analysis, design and verification of load-bearing elements and systems in buildings and infrastructure. The Eurocodes — the European structural design standards adopted across the UK — provide the primary framework for structural design and are periodically updated, requiring practitioners to maintain their knowledge of current requirements. Materials science and construction methods are evolving, with developments in engineered timber, high-strength concrete, glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement and structural steel driving new approaches to design. The assessment and strengthening of existing structures is a growing area of practice as the industry shifts towards retrofit and adaptation of the existing building stock.
This resource from Institution of Structural Engineers provides structured learning in an aspect of structural engineering practice that is relevant to professionals at all career stages, from graduates developing their foundational knowledge to experienced engineers updating their understanding of current standards and practice.
How This Fits Your CPD Requirements
IStructE requires all Chartered Members (MIStructE) and Fellows (FIStructE) to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year, of which at least 16 hours should be structured activities with defined learning objectives. ICE does not set a fixed annual minimum but requires members to maintain a CPD record demonstrating ongoing development. The Engineering Council's UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) requires all professionally registered engineers to demonstrate commitment to continuing competency development. Structural engineering CPD from recognised providers such as this one contributes directly to meeting these requirements.