Two institutions, one shared goal: Championing civil engineering surveyors

CICES and RICS in partnership

The designation has been launched following a new partnership between CICES and RICS. The partnership introduces two major benefits for dual CICES and RICS members.

Eligible dual Members and Fellows of CICES and RICS globally can now achieve the Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor title, and UK-based dual Members and Fellows of both institutions can access a joint subscription arrangement that simplifies renewals and reduces overall costs. *Conditions apply.

The landmark partnership between CICES and RICS has been several years in the making.

Collaboration is nothing new; in fact, CICES and RICS have had a long-established partnership over the years.

This includes a new MOU, which was signed in 2025, as well as reciprocal routes to membership enabling Members and Fellows of RICS to join CICES via our accelerated route and members of CICES who meet eligibility requirements to join RICS via the Chartered Recognition of Professional Qualifications route to RICS membership.

But bringing together two such institutions to launch a new designation and a new joint membership product is no mean feat.

This is the very first time, not only in CICES’ 50+ year history, but also in any membership organisation that a joint membership product has been established for UK-based members with another institution.

The benefits of collaboration

During a recent trip to our Hong Kong region this Spring, I was struck by the extensive collaboration already taking place between the region's two institutions, a partnership that will continue to strengthen with the launch of this new designation.

Indeed, the gap between the demand for skilled professionals and the available supply within the UK construction industry remains significant.

According to the RICS surveying skills report published in 2025, when considering the  surveying disciplines most affected by skills shortages, data shows quantity surveying and construction face the most severe capacity constraints. 68% of survey respondents reported reduced work capacity.

Continued collaboration will be critical when it comes to addressing the skills gap and identifying opportunities to help those currently working in the sector to stay in it.

I am confident that the new designation will not only contribute to raising standards, but also the profile of our industry and inspire the next generation of civil engineering surveyors.

Ultimately, this partnership is about mutual appreciation, recognising the high standards and breadth of expertise civil engineering surveyors bring to projects daily and helping the profession for the next generation entering the industry.

• To find out more about the new partnership and designation, please click here.
• To learn more about CICES membership grades, click here.