The Institution of Structural Engineers Yorkshire Branch Young Members Group
The IStructE Professional Review by
Steve Garrity Past Member: Applications & Professional Review Panel Past Vice-Chairman: Examinations Panel Past Member: Membership Committee Member: Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) Professional Review Interview Co-ordinator (Yorkshire Branch)
Contents PART 1 : PREAMBLE Route to IStructE Qualifications The Educational Base Applying for Associate Membership or Membership Initial Professional Development (IPD) PART 2 : THE PROFESSIONAL REVIEW The Professional Review Interview (PRI) The AM or CM Examination PART 3 : QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
PART 1 PREAMBLE
Route to IStructE Qualifications Complete the Educational Base Complete Initial Professional Development (IPD) Pass the Professional Review
This structure is defined in UK-SPEC by the ECUK – it applies to all engineering professions and is the same for all grades of registration
Awarded EngTech, IEng or CEng by ECUK licensed member (e.g. IStructE) Demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The Educational Base A-M
CM
Minimum standard = BSc(Ord) in civil engineering (accredited to IEng level by the JBM) or HND or HNC + “further learning” or Sydney Accord qualifications (from Australia, Canada, H.K., Ireland, N.Z. & South Africa) Minimum standard = MEng in civil engineering (accredited to CEng level by the JBM) or BEng(Hons) (accredited to CEng level by JBM) plus “further learning” or Washington Accord qualifications (from Australia, Canada, H.K., Ireland, N.Z., South Africa & USA)
Notes 1. JBM = Joint Board of Moderators (includes IStructE members) 2. The Individual case procedure exists for candidates who do not hold an accredited degree or equivalent. 3. A technical report can contribute towards the educational base as “further learning” (contact IStructE for further details)
Applying for Associate-Membership or Membership a).
Complete Form AM or Form M, as appropriate (both forms can be downloaded from the IStructE website: www.istructe.org) Don’t forget to include supporting documentation as indicated on the form (e.g. 2 page experience report; IPD final report forms – see form AM/M & website) Make sure form is completed fully & clearly & is signed by required number of supporters – errors could mean delay!
b).
Send forms & accompanying docs to IStructE HQ no later than 1st September in the year immediately before you intend to sit the annual AM or CM examination. (Suggest you work to a deadline of 15th August!)
c).
The Membership section (at HQ) will review your application; if OK, application is approved by Applications & Professional Review Panel, then Membership Committee, then Council.
d).
Result: Elected graduate member of IStructE and allowed to proceed to Professional Review.
NOTE: Educational Base
Hence, before applying for AM/M, AM/M it may be worth contacting the Institution to check: a).
If your degree is accredited to the appropriate level. Usually BSc degrees are accredited to IEng and BEng(Hons) & MEng are accredited to CEng. WARNING! WARNING Some universities offering degrees accredited only to IEng level do not make it clear that their degrees are not accredited to CEng level!
b).
If you need to complete “further learning” to achieve the educational base (e.g. a Masters degree if you have a BEng(Hons) degree accredited to CEng)
Initial Professional Development (IPD) Some Institution definitions: IPD ….. “ comprises the acquisition and development of the specialist knowledge and skills, and their practical application, that are needed to practise as a Structural Engineer.” “It bridges the gap between your educational base and attaining professional qualifications” “The Institution defines IPD in terms of core objectives, which are defined to minimum standards”
Initial Professional Development (IPD)
It has long been recognised that professionally qualified structural engineers need a wide range of specialist personal, technical and managerial skills to compete in the modern, developing world.
The Institution has defined 13 IPD core training objectives that reflect the minimum standards of knowledge, range of skills and practical experience that someone seeking to become professionally qualified should have attained.
Each core objective has a minimum standard set by the Institution.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have completed all 13 core objectives to the required standard before they can become professionally qualified.
They are called “core” objectives as they are all considered by the Institution to be essential requirements for professionally qualified structural engineers.
The IPD Core Objective Standards A
APPRECIATION
Candidate should have a general appreciation of the subject and how it might affect or integrate with other subjects.
K
KNOWLEDGE
Candidate should have a knowledge and understanding of the subject.
E
EXPERIENCE
Candidate should have carried out the subject (of the core objective) at least under supervision.
B
ABILITY
Candidate should have carried out the subject (of the core objective) without supervision and be competent to advise others.
IPD Core Objectives
3 Categories (for A-M and CM) Personal
(2 out of 13)
Engineering
(5 out of 13)
Management and Commercial
(6 out of 13)
IPD Core Objectives – Chartered Members Personal Institution Communication
(Min. Standard K) (Min. Standard B)
Engineering Conceptual Design Analysis and Design Materials Environment Construction
(Min. Standard B) (Min. Standard B) (Min. Standard B) (Min. Standard K) (Min. Standard E)
Management and Commercial Management Skills Law Health and Safety Commercial Awareness Contract Documentation Quality Systems
(Min. Standard E) (Min. Standard A) (Min. Standard E) (Min. Standard A) (Min. Standard K) (Min. Standard K)
(E for A-M)
IPD Core Objectives – Chartered Members Personal Institution Communication
(Min. Standard K) (Min. Standard B)
Engineering Conceptual Design Analysis and Design Materials Environment Construction
(Min. Standard B) (Min. Standard B) (Min. Standard B) (Min. Standard K) (Min. Standard E)
Management and Commercial Management Skills Law Health and Safety Commercial Awareness Contract Documentation Quality Systems
(Min. Standard E) (Min. Standard A) (Min. Standard E) (Min. Standard A) (Min. Standard K) (Min. Standard K)
Note that 6 out of the 13 core objectives have a standard of either Appreciation or Knowledge. In most cases, there can be little excuse for failing these core objectives?? Candidates should be able to gain A or K standards by carrying out some simple research??
IPD Core Objectives
The Institution has provided a set of guidance notes for each core objective. This is available from the Institution in the form of an IPD file.
All the core objectives plus guidelines are available on the Institution’s website www.istructe.org.uk
The guidelines are meant to help the trainee, their mentors or supervisors and the reviewers.
It is not essential to follow the guidelines exactly… BUT it IS essential to complete all 13 core objectives to the required standard.
Note that reviewers are encouraged to exercise a measure of judgement when assessing if standard A has been achieved instead of K but will be much stricter with core objectives with E and B standards.
Examples of some of the core objectives and the guidelines are now shown ……
IPD Core Objectives - MIStructE 1.0
PERSONAL
1.1
INSTITUTION (Minimum standard K)
Objective: Knowledge of the Institution and involvement in Institution affairs Guidance Note: The Candidate should demonstrate a knowledge of the structure and purpose of the Institution of Structural Engineers, together with an awareness of the Institution’s Code of Conduct. Where appropriate and practical the Candidate is expected to have an involvement in Institution affairs, for example attendance at technical meetings and seminars. The objective could typically be met by attendance at three Institution events per year or equivalent involvement in other professional Institution or relevant CPD activities. The Candidates may list their involvement with a brief overview of all activities and an in-depth commentary on two events. The Candidates should have an appreciation of the Institutions of other disciplines.
1.2
COMMUNICATION (Minimum standard B)
Objective: Ability to demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills Guidance Note: The Candidates should demonstrate competence in effective communication and interpersonal skills using written, oral and visual media. Where resources permit the Candidate should demonstrate the ability to communicate via IT links, produce spreadsheets and database documents. The Candidate should develop an ability in writing letters, summaries and reports, both factual and interpretative. Where appropriate the Candidate should develop drawing skills to be able to produce drawings to illustrate concept appraisals, feasibility studies and initial design details. The Candidate should have the ability to prepare and deliver presentations, project précis or design concepts etc. The Candidate should have an appreciation of the skills of other professionals in the construction team and demonstrate an ability to work as an effective member of the team.
2.0
ENGINEERING
2.1
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN (Minimum standard B)
Objective: Ability to produce viable structural solutions, within the scope of a design brief, taking account of structural stability, durability, aesthetics and cost Guidance Note: The Candidate should demonstrate competence in conceiving approximated scheme solutions to assess the viability of alternative materials and forms of construction
2.5
CONSTRUCTION (Minimum standard E)
Objective: Experience in construction techniques
New from 1/1/07
Guidance Note: The Candidate should demonstrate experience in construction techniques, construction plant and machinery, temporary support systems, material testing procedures, construction programmes, construction sequencing, etc. Ideally, the candidate should complete a period of site experience on one or more construction projects, which is relevant to this Core Objective, i.e. it is mainly related to structural engineering elements. It si recognised that not all candidates will be able to spend a continuous period on site for any significant length of time and in such cases they will be expected to accumulate experience to an equivalent of 3 months. A record should be kept by the Candidate of all site-related matters, e.g. meetings, visits, inspections, surveys, testing procedures, supervision checking etc, which will count towards their aggregate period of site experience. It should be noted that the actual period of site experience is indicative only and the emphasis will be on the quality of experience rather than the quality.
3.0
MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCIAL
3.1
MANAGEMENT SKILLS (Minimum standard E)
Objective: Experience in management skills for programming and control Guidance Note: The Candidate should demonstrate experience in the following aspects of management and leadership. i) Project team management and leadership skills ii) Programming and project control iii) Liaison and interface management The Candidate’s skills may typically include the programming and control of manpower, project resources, finances and administrative support. The Candidate should demonstrate experience in managing the interfaces and exchanges of information with other disciplines
3.2
LAW (Minimum standard A)
Objective: Appreciation of the law and statutory legislation Guidance Note: The Candidate should demonstrate an appreciation of the Law of the construction industry with respect to statutory legislation, Health and Safety legislation, insurance, contract law, and the contractual obligations effective within the construction industry, relevant to the candidate’s location.
Important Notes: IPD
The IPD core objectives are subject to revision by the Institution.
The latest revision (3rd edition) was introduced on 1st January 2007.
The principal changes were to objective 2.5 (Experience of Construction Techniques – change in the guidance note) and 3.3 (Experience in Health and Safety requirements and legislation – minimum standard changed from K to E).
The 3rd edition will be used for candidates sitting the PRI in 2008 (and thereafter).
Make sure that you are working to the current version of the core objectives!
Help with IPD?
From 24th January 2008, the Yorkshire Branch (in association with the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds) will run a series of seminars (16:00 – 19:00hrs) on various IPD core objectives.
The seminars will cover topics such as law for the structural engineer; sustainability & the environment; procurement; quality standards; cost considerations; health & safety risk management - primarily those core objectives with A or K standards.
Covered within a module called “Structural Engineering “ Practice” – part of MSc in Structural Engineering. (Approved by IStructE HQ).
You can attend the full set of 9 seminars (total cost £450-00) or each seminar separately (cost per seminar = £60) (NOTE: prices subject to confirmation).
If interested, email
[email protected] with your contact details.
IPD Core Objectives
When a trainee (and his/her supervisor or mentor) considers that all 13 core objectives have been achieved at the standard required by the Institution, the trainee should then be ready to sit the Professional Review.
It is likely that it will take at least 3 years to complete all 13 core objectives to a satisfactory level. Some core objectives can only be achieved when the trainee has been given greater responsibility by their employer.
The IPD core objectives provide a training framework for graduate trainees AND their employers. The core objectives should be seen as a target for all trainee engineers.
Now consider the Professional Review …..
PART 2 THE PROFESSIONAL REVIEW
The IStructE Professional Review 2 Parts: 1. The Professional Review Interview (PRI) 2. The A-M or CM examination (Note: CM exam. Is formerly known as the Part 3 Exam.)
Important Notes:
Candidates will only be allowed to sit the A-M or CM examination when they have passed the PRI.
Any candidate who fails to pass the A-M or CM examination 5 times, will be required to retake (and pass!) the PRI before they will be allowed to re-sit the examination.
This rule started from and includes the April 2002 examinations.
The Professional Review Interview (PRI)
Organised by the Institution’s Branches or Divisions.
PRI Coordinator receives the applications for A-M or CM from Institution HQ (HQ checks that the Institution’s educational base requirements are satisfied).
Each Branch/Division has a PRI Coordinator. PRI Coordinator is responsible for training the Reviewers, organising the Interviews and reporting the outcome back to HQ (within 7 days of the Interview!).
Then
Matches the Reviewers to the candidates (ensure that at least 1 reviewer has practical experience that is relevant to that of the candidate).
Then
Organises the interviews (and subsequently reports the outcome of each interview back to HQ).
At the Interview
The candidate will be required to give a brief introduction of his/her experience since graduation without computers, projectors, etc.
This is expected to take 10 to 15 minutes. The candidate will be required to bring a portfolio of his/her work to the interview. (This is very helpful to illustrate key points to the reviewers)
During the interview, the onus is on the candidate to demonstrate to the Reviewers: a).
That all 13 IPD core objectives have been achieved at the required standard (i.e. A, K, E or B)
b).
That the candidate has a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Trainees are advised to keep a Personal Development Record and bring it to the interview.
After the Interview The Reviewers are not allowed to give candidates any feedback during or after the interview!
1.
Institution HQ will inform candidates of the outcome of their PRI, in writing (by early Jan?).
2.
Candidates passing the PRI, will be allowed to sit the A-M or CM examination (as appropriate). Exam form must be submitted by end of February.
3.
Candidates failing the PRI, will be required to resit (and pass) the PRI before progressing to the A-M or CM examination.
4.
The earliest opportunity available to resit the PRI will be the following year that PRIs are held.
5.
This allows the failed candidate sufficient time to remedy any deficiencies before the next A-M or CM examination in the following April.
Re-sitting the Interview
If the candidate has failed 3 or less core objectives …..
When they resit the Interview, they will only be required to demonstrate to the Reviewers that they have reached the required standard in the 3 core objectives that they failed.
(and the candidate’s submission to the Institution will only be required to focus on the 3 failed objectives).
If the candidate failed more than 3 core objectives …..
He/she will be required to address all 13 core objectives at the resit Interview.
Demonstrating IPD 3 alternatives:
Individually Managed IPD
Accredited Training Schemes (e.g. structural engineering aspects of training gained under an ICE training scheme)
Retrospectively Collated IPD
Individually Managed IPD
Candidate is responsible for managing their own IPD with the help of a Mentor.
Mentors should, preferably, be work-based and a chartered structural engineer – must be capable of providing and being committed to providing guidance, advice and training opportunities.
Not essential to keep the same Mentor throughout the period of IPD (changes in employment of candidate/mentor).
Candidate expected to keep records of training (using forms provided by the Institution), a development action plan, a final record of their training and a personal development record.
Submission will normally consist of a 2-page experience report, a final report form for each of the 13 IPD core objectives (signed off with supporting comments by the mentor), examples of work and a copy of the P.D. record.
Accredited Training Schemes
Most likely is the training scheme of an organisation that has been approved by the I.C.E., H.K.I.E., etc.
Candidates should try to keep a set of records, as in the case of the Individually Managed Route. The Progress Summary Report Forms, provided by the Institution, are helpful in this regard.
The personal and management/commercial objectives are likely to be very similar to the development objectives in the ICE, HKIE training schemes.
The Engineering objectives must be structural engineering related!
The submission must include details of the training agreements plus the 2-page experience report and 13 IPD final report forms.
Retrospectively Collated Route
Requires the candidate to prepare a detailed submission to demonstrate how they have achieved the 13 core training objectives (at the required standard) by using: The final core objective report forms; A 2-page experience report; plus a supporting portfolio of work.
PRI interview is likely to be more onerous?
Detailed submission – suggest that a file is created with 13 sections (1 for each core objective). Each section should start with the final core objective report form and should be followed by any supporting evidence – this makes the submission “reviewer friendly”.
Candidates must have a good “feel” for what is required as they will have little (or no?) guidance from a mentor. May be helpful to seek the services of an external mentor?
Summary Introduction of the Core IPD Training Objectives and the Professional Review Interview will (hopefully):
Provide improved and consistent guidance for graduates seeking Associate or Chartered Membership (and for training providers).
Result in better engineers (more able to meet the challenges of 21st century – H&S, legal, environmental, sustainability)?
Help to produce examination candidates that are better prepared = higher success rates ???
Personal experience? The PRI seems to have worked well in the Yorkshire Branch. All interviews are held on the same day at a single venue – this seems to work well for about 18 to 20 candidates per year!
Candidates generally seem to be well prepared. There is growing evidence that some employers are using the core objectives as a training guide in reviews/appraisal meetings.
The better prepared candidates generally perform best @ the interview!
The IStructE Examinations
The Exams – Some Facts
Examination duration = 7 hours (A-M and CM)
CM candidates are required to answer 1 question from a choice of 8 questions:
A-M candidates are required to answer 1 question from a choice of 6 questions (2 concrete; 2 steel; 1 bridge; 1 general)
Questions 1 and 2: usually structural steelwork solutions (other materials acceptable) Question 3: bridge engineering structure. Questions 4 and 5: usually structural concrete solutions (other materials acceptable). Question 6: general structural engineering question. Could involve any material or combinations of materials. Solutions usually smaller in scale than those required for the the other questions. Question 7: offshore engineering structure.
Question 8: earthquake engineering question (for engineer with specialist knowledge of seismic design NOTE: Question 8 was introduced in 2005
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued) At first glance there may not seem to be many differences between the A-M and the CM examination questions! The main differences are:
Two “distinct and viable” solutions are required for the CM exam (only 1 for A-M).
The technical challenge in the CM questions is higher than that in the A-M questions.
CM candidates are required to identify what they consider to be the critical details in section 2d, A-M candidates are told what to sketch.
The expectation of the marking examiners in higher with the CM exam compared with the A-M exam.
Question: In the CM exam how distinct is distinct? Your 2 solutions must have differences in their structural action and load transfer characteristics (e.g. beam & column frames in steel and concrete are not sufficiently different)
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
Note: all questions involve foundation design based on the ground conditions stated in each question.
Some questions may require you to deal with a sulfate or chloride attack (or similar materials deterioration) problem.
Section 1b (the letter the the Client) of one of the CM questions will require you to consider seismic or dynamic load effects. You must be able to demonstrate an awareness and general knowledge of how such activity affects the design and performance of structures.
You will be required to give your answer on an A4 size IStructE answer booklet.
On the A4 booklet you are required to quote any design codes or standards that you use when answering the question. YOU CAN USE ANY CODE OR STANDARD (but you must be consistent throughout your answer). The examination will be taken by candidates from a wide range of countries – many do not use British codes of practice.
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
All questions are now set exclusively in S.I. units (some past papers are in SI and approximately equivalent Imperial units).
You will be required to prepare general arrangements plans, sections and elevations – IStructE A3 size graph paper is provided for these drawings. You may bring an A3 drawing board into the examination room for such drawings (it is not compulsory & the exam centre will not provide any drawing boards).
Anonymous marking is used – your answer booklet and A3 drawing will only contain your candidate reference number. You should never cite your name on any part of your submission.
No other papers or information can be submitted. You are not allowed to bring any pre-prepared items that can be glued (or attached) to your submission.
Strict examination conditions will apply. There must be no contact of any form with any of the candidates or anyone outside the examination room. Toilet breaks will be permitted (by the invigilators).
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
The examination period is split into 2 no. 3½ hour sessions: 9.30 – 13.00 and 13.30 – 17.00
There is a ½ hour lunch break between 13.00 and 13.30 hours. You will not be allowed to speak with anyone during this period. (You will provide your own lunch). You will not be allowed to write in your answer booklet (or continue to work on the exam) during this break.
You will be given 15 minutes reading time before the examination period starts, i.e. from 9.15 to 9.30 am. You will not be allowed to write on your answer booklet, question paper, A3 graph/drawing paper, rough paper, etc. during this period. Similarly, you will not be allowed to talk to anyone during this time.
The Examination is OPEN BOOK. You can bring any design guide, paper, calculations, book, code, standard, etc. into the exam.
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
You CAN use a portable computer or programmable calculator provided that it: Does not need an external supply Is silent in use Is sufficiently small to cause no disruption to other candidates or the smooth conduct of the examination. Is not used under any circumstances to make contact with anyone else.
Printout from computers will not be acceptable and will not be marked.
Manual calculations that demonstrate that the principal structural elements are satisfactory are required – NOT very detailed, lengthy calculations that satisfy every clause of a complex code of practice.
Aim to show that there is sufficient resistance to bending, shear, axial loading, etc (as appropriate) and that serviceability limitations are satisfied (e.g. avoid excessive deflection).
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
DO NOT FORGET to show that your proposed solutions are: stable against lateral loading (lack of stability is a common failure point) robust – ensure that many alternative load paths exist buildable, durable,
serviceable
safe (during construction as well as in the completed state) economical (in your calcs – state if further economy can be obtained by refining the design – don’t do repeated calcs to show the next section size is acceptable – make good use of your time)
Make use of your experience. If excessive deflection has never been a problem with the form of construction you are proposing, say so! Don’t waste time trying to prove it with lengthy calcs!
Present your solutions in a logical and systematic manner. Make use of sketches to illustrate a point or points. These will help to convince the marking examiners that you are competent (and worthy of the title “incorporated” or “chartered” structural engineer).
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
There are 2 parts to each question Attempt both parts! To pass the examination, you must pass each part! In the CM exam, Section 1 is worth 50% and Section 2 is worth 50% In the A-M examination, Section 1 is worth 35% and Section 2 is worth 65%
There is no need to attempt to carry out complex forms of analysis – this is a concern as portable computers are allowed in the examination.
Use simple design methods that will give the correct order of magnitude of bending moments, shear forces, deflections, etc.
The Exams – Some Facts (Continued)
Ensure that you comply fully with the brief. Failure to do this is an extremely common and AUTOMATIC failure point. e.g. if the question only permits 1 internal column between the first and second floor, if you provide more than 1 column, you will AUTOMATICALLY fail even though the rest of your solution may be near perfect! (If you feel that part of the question is ambiguous – spend a few minutes explaining your interpretation at the beginning of your answer). Another AUTOMATIC failure point is lack of stability. i.e. even if your proposed structure is perfectly satisfactory in every other regard, if it is unstable you will fail! NOTES Sometimes, some candidates who have failed, cannot believe the outcome because they think that they produced the perfect answer! In such cases, it is likely that they will have succumbed to either (or both) of these automatic failure points.
General Advice
Prepare well – practise past questions. Make effective use of the 7 hour exam period – use the time in proportion to the marks available. Set yourself a timetable. Make sure that you attempt both parts of the exam! Adopt a logical and systematic approach when answering questions.
Make sure that you satisfy the Client’s brief and provide a stable structure (for both solutions in the CM exam).
Avoid spending too much time on the calculations – develop simple methods of design – remember you are NOT expected to submit fully detailed analysis and design calcs complying with every clause in a code of practice!
The Branch runs an examination preparation course at Bradford University (10 evenings commencing 7th January 2008). See www.brad.ac.uk/events/istructe/ for booking form.
PART 3 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
HQ Contacts for More Specific Information Allan Brereton (Prof. Review Interviews, IPD, CPD) Tel. 0207 201 9123 email:
[email protected]
Lucy Pollard (Membership & Qualifications Officer) Tel. 0207 201 9131 email:
[email protected]
Peter Jinks (Examinations Manager) Tel. 0207 201 9114 email:
[email protected]
Darren Byrne (Manager – Membership & Qualifications) Tel. 0207 201 9138 email:
[email protected]
