Stage 2: Initial Professional Development

Self-managed route

The Stage 2 self-managed route is designed to help applicants understand if their professional development is on track as they work towards their professional review at Stage 3. For many applicants, Stage 2 provides a helpful preliminary assessment of their professional experience due to the feedback it provides relating to the additional experience they require and how they can use their Stage 2 submission when preparing for Stage 3.

If you have any questions about your application, please contact the membership team by email or by calling +44 (0) 1788 578214.

"Stage 2 was extremely useful as it gave me the confidence to prepare and submit Stage 3 application with a clearer idea of which examples to focus on."

Application process

#1 Prepare your application

To ensure that you fully understand the application process and the requirements, before you begin your self-managed IPD application, you should read in full the guidance document applicable to the grade you are applying for. You should also review the example submissions to help you understand the types of answers that would demonstrate to the assessors that you have met the requirements.

We recommend downloading a copy of the IPD submission preparatory template for the grade you are applying for, adding in the experience you have gained to date, and then periodically updating this document to reflect your development. This can be a useful tool when discussing your development with your line manager.

You should also prepare an IPD-focused CV, consisting of a brief chronological listing of your professional work experience and achievements (maximum two pages).

To help you with your application, we also recommend finding a mentor to help you reflect on your application as you document your experience, helping you to understand where you meet the requirements and perhaps highlighting development areas. Even if you feel that you are an experienced engineer and do not need a mentor, it can still be valuable to seek out at least one or two informal reviews prior to submission. An external viewpoint will allow for feedback to ensure you are presenting your experience in the best possible way.

Many employers will help you find a mentor within the company. We recommend identifying senior colleagues in the first instance, perhaps with input from your line manager or HR. If you work for a small company without many chemical engineers, you should approach your IChemE member group (should there be one in your area) as they may be able to help. If you are unable to secure a mentor through your employer or member group, please contact us.

Whoever mentors you, make sure you share the latest guidance with them so that they are familiar with the requirements.

#2 Submit your application

Chartered Member (CEng) - To submit an application, simply log in to the membership application portal and start an application for 'IPD - Self-managed CEng'. When completing your application your responses to each area of the IPD framework can be entered into the online application form ready for you to submit. If you have been using the preparatory template to compile your submission, this information can be copied and pasted into your application.

Technician Member (EngTech) - Technician Member (EngTech) submissions can be completed on the IPD submission form and emailed to our membership team. The membership team will confirm that your submission is complete and contact you regarding payment of the application fee.

Submit your application by email >>

#3 IPD Assessment

Your submission will be assessed by two IPD assessors. The reviewers are IChemE members who conduct assessments on our behalf. All of our assessors have been trained and the assessments they conduct are moderated to ensure that we are fair and consistent in our decisions.

#4 Assessment outcomes

Once your submission has been assessed, your application will meet one of the following outcomes:

Satisfactory. If your IPD submission outcome is 'satisfactory' then you will have successfully completed Stage 2. If you have also successfully completed your Stage 1 - Educational Base, you can progress to Stage 3 - Professional Review. As part of your application feedback, the assessors may provide advice intended to help you in preparing your Competence and Commitment Report for Stage 3.
Needs improvement. If your IPD submission outcome is 'needs improvement', we will confirm to you which areas require improvement and we will share with you detailed feedback from the assessors on how to improve your application. You will be able to make two further resubmissions before your application is closed, after which you will need to submit a new application. You may be able to update your application in response to the feedback straight away, or you may need time to further your professional experience. You will have up to three years from your initial application to complete Stage 2.