Being professionally certified means that an individual has received a professional certificate, which is a document that certifies that they have completed a course of study or have achieved a certain level of competency in a particular field or profession. Professional certification is often achieved through the completion of a specific training program or by demonstrating knowledge and skills in a particular area through an examination process. Professional certification is often required or preferred by employers as a way to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary qualifications to perform a particular job.

A Certified Member shall have a minimum of five-year relevant post-graduate experience. Applicants with a minimum of a level 8 qualification in an engineering or science discipline will be eligible to apply for Certified Membership. Certified Membership recognises the qualifications and experience needed by professionals in various operational engineering roles. The Certified Member grade is ideal for those who have gained extensive experience and now want professional recognition to go with it. To maintain your status as a Member and keep your skills, knowledge and experience up to date, you must keep your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record updated.

Alternatively, candidates can apply for Membership through the alternative route outlined below. The method of demonstrating knowledge and ability will be at the discretion of the National Council or its delegated subcommittee and may be updated periodically. The National Council may waive degree requirements if, in its judgment, an applicant has adequate professional experience, has attained a suitable level of professional standing and meets the requirements of a competent person as defined within Irish legislation.

Certified members of the IIESMS can demonstrate the following;

• Commitment to professional and environmental engineering values
• The theoretical knowledge to solve problems with new technologies and develop new analytical techniques
• Successful application of the knowledge to deliver innovative products and services and/or take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems incorporating life safety and environmental management
• Accountability for projects, finance and personnel management and managing trade-offs between technical and socio-economic factors
• Skill sets necessary to develop other technical staff
• Practical interpersonal skills in communicating technical matters

The decision to register is based on peer review and comprises Education, Competence, Commitment, and a judgment of the professional level at which you are employed.

Education – the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding is essential to the registration process. This may typically be by attaining appropriate academic qualifications; however, writing a technical report may also demonstrate this.

Competence and Commitment – a professional review of a written engineering practice report and a review interview are mandatory for Certified applicants. Any such reviews are measured against specified standards contained in EU-SPEC. It is not uncommon to register in one section and, as qualifications and experiences develop, to move to another. Equally, many engineers remain within one section for their professional careers.

Designatory letters will be used to signify this type of Member PC.IIESMS.