Introduction to the ICE Attributes

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) requires all candidates to demonstrate competence through a set of professional attributes. These attributes form the backbone of the Professional Review and reflect the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of a practising engineer.

There are two levels: Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE) and Incorporated Engineer (IEng MICE). The Chartered attributes are more onerous, with a stronger focus on innovation, advanced judgement, and strategic leadership. The IEng attributes are a subset of these, focusing on sound application of engineering principles and management of technical work.

For the purposes of this guide, we focus on the CEng attributes as they also cover everything required for IEng. If you are applying for IEng only, you need to concentrate on the IEng definitions within each attribute.

1. Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering

Official Definition (ICE)

• Maintain and extend knowledge of engineering theory and practice, and how technology assists its application.

• Solve engineering problems using a sound theoretical approach, based on evidence, and contribute to continuous improvement.

• Engage in the creation and/or introduction of new, advancing or improved techniques and technology. (CEng only)

• Identify, review and select techniques, procedures and methods to undertake engineering tasks.

• Take an active role in the identification and definition of requirements, challenges, risks, and opportunities and undertake appropriate investigation and action. (CEng only)

• Contribute to the design and development of engineering solutions, implement those solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness in the context of the whole project life cycle.

• Undertake the design, development and implementation of engineering solutions and evaluate their effectiveness in the context of the whole project life cycle (CEng only)

•  Exercise sound independent engineering judgement.

This Attribute forms the foundation of your submission and assesses your technical competence. You need to show how you’ve applied engineering knowledge and judgment to solve problems and contribute to project success.

What to Focus On:

• Maintain and expand your engineering knowledge, demonstrating continuous professional development (CPD).

• Use theoretical principles (e.g., structural analysis, hydraulic equations) to solve real-world problems.

• Show how you contributed to designs and engineering decisions across a project’s lifecycle.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Highlight instances where you used first principles due to a lack of established codes or standards.

• Explain how your work interfaces with other disciplines and teams, especially when collaborating on large or multidisciplinary projects.

• Be prepared to explain how new technology or software (e.g., drones for site surveys) supported your engineering decisions.

• Be mindful of your technical boundaries—avoid providing inaccurate information about technical specialisms outside of your expertise, as this will undermine credibility.

Additional Tips:

• Ask “Why” and “How”: Be prepared to explain not just what you did, but why you did it and how your decisions affected the overall project but be weary about giving advice

• Demonstrate Curiosity: Include examples where you went beyond your immediate role to understand related tasks—e.g., understanding how temporary works supported permanent structures.

• Discuss Failures and Improvements: If you’ve encountered design challenges or failures, describe how you adapted and improved your approach based on evidence.

2. Management and Leadership

Official Definition (ICE)

• Plan the work and resources needed to enable effective implementation of engineering tasks and projects.

• Manage the planning and organisation of tasks and resources.

• Manage (organise, direct and control), programme or schedule, tasks and resources.

• Manage teams or technical specialisms.

• Lead or influence teams / technical specialisms, understanding the limits of their skills and knowledge. (CEng only)

• Assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs.

• Develop others to meet changing technical and managerial needs. (CEng only)

• Manage quality processes and contribute to quality improvements.

• Demonstrate continuous quality improvement and promote best practice. (CEng only)

Management involves organizing and controlling tasks and resources, while leadership involves influencing and guiding others. Reviewers look for examples of both.

What to Focus On:

• Describe how you’ve planned work and allocated resources efficiently.

• Show leadership by highlighting instances where you motivated teams, resolved conflicts, or mentored others.

• Include examples of managing changing technical and managerial needs, such as unexpected delays or resource shortages.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Explain how you handled changes in project scope or resource availability.

• Highlight any formal or informal leadership roles you’ve taken, such as leading meetings or supporting junior staff.

• If you’ve managed remote or international teams, explain how you overcame communication barriers or time zone challenges.

Additional Tips:

• Highlight Soft Skills: Leadership isn’t just about technical knowledge—it’s also about building trust and inspiring confidence. Include examples where your interpersonal skills made a difference.

• Talk About Mentoring: Describe how you’ve helped others develop technical or managerial skills, whether through formal training or informal guidance.

• Adaptability Matters: Show how you adjusted plans and priorities to meet project goals when unexpected issues arose, such as supplier delays or weather disruptions.

3. Commercial Ability

Official Definition (ICE)

• Manage, prepare and control costs/budgets of engineering tasks or projects.

• Manage, prepare and control costs/budgets of a significant engineering task or project. (CEng only)

• Use sound knowledge of statutory and commercial frameworks within their own area of responsibility and have an appreciation of other commercial arrangements.

• Demonstrate sound judgement on statutory, contractual and commercial issues in relation to own area of responsibility. (CEng only)

This Attribute focuses on your understanding of the financial, contractual, and legal aspects of engineering projects.

What to Focus On:

• Demonstrate your role in preparing or controlling project budgets and monitoring costs.

• Show your knowledge of relevant contracts and statutory requirements.

• Explain how you contributed to value engineering decisions or managed financial risks.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Describe how you managed budget changes or procurement decisions and explain their commercial impact.

• Be ready to explain how you handled contract variations or disputes.

• Provide examples of how you ensured compliance with legal regulations, such as health and safety or environmental standards.

Additional Tips:

• Understand Frameworks: Mention relevant legal or statutory frameworks you’ve worked within, such as CDM regulations or NEC contracts.

• Discuss Resource Trade-offs: If you’ve balanced costs with long-term benefits (e.g., choosing more durable but expensive materials), explain the rationale behind your decisions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Commercial management often involves working with finance teams, clients, and contractors—describe how you navigated these relationships.

4. Health, Safety, and Welfare

Official Definition (ICE)

• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of legislation, hazards and safe systems of work.

• Manage risks.

• Manage health, safety and welfare within their own area of responsibility.

• Contribute to improvements in health, safety and welfare.

• Demonstrate leadership by promoting good practice and improvements in health, safety and welfare. (CEng only)

This Attribute emphasizes your ability to manage risks and promote a safe working environment.

What to Focus On:

• Show your understanding of health, safety, and welfare legislation and how you’ve applied it.

• Provide examples of risk assessments, safety audits, or emergency response planning you’ve contributed to.

• Demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of all stakeholders, including construction teams and the public.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Describe your role in identifying hazards and implementing mitigation measures.

• Explain how you ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, especially during complex or high-risk activities.

• Be aware that this is arguably the most important attribute where mistakes can have severe consequences—ensure your information is accurate and aligned with relevant legislation and regulations.

• Include examples of promoting welfare, such as improving site facilities or supporting mental health initiatives.

Additional Tips:

• Go Beyond Physical Safety: Include examples of safeguarding mental health or supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Respond to Industry Challenges: Explain how you adapted to evolving health and safety requirements, such as those introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Highlight Leadership: If you’ve led safety briefings or taken on roles like first aider or safety representative, explain the impact of your contributions.

5. Sustainable Development

Official Definition (ICE)

• Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work.

• Manage engineering activities that contribute to sustainable development and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

• Take a professional and responsible role in improvements that support sustainable development and reduce resource demand, set in the context of a whole project life cycle. (CEng only)

This Attribute assesses your commitment to sustainability and your ability to consider environmental, social, and economic factors in your work.

What to Focus On:

• Explain your understanding of sustainability principles and how you’ve applied them to projects.

• Describe how your decisions have supported sustainable outcomes, such as reduced emissions or resource use.

• Show how you’ve considered the long-term impacts of your projects throughout their lifecycle.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Highlight decisions that balanced immediate project needs with long-term sustainability goals.

• Provide examples of material selection, waste management, or energy efficiency initiatives.

• Explain how your projects supported the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), even if the client didn’t explicitly reference them.

Additional Tips:

• Include Quantifiable Data: If you’ve contributed to carbon reduction targets or water conservation efforts, provide measurable results.

• Consider the Entire Lifecycle: Discuss how you considered future maintenance, operation, or decommissioning in your designs.

• Show Innovation: Mention any sustainable solutions or technologies you introduced, such as water recycling systems or green building certifications.

6. Interpersonal Skills and Communication

Official Definition (ICE)

• Communicate well with others at all levels including effective use of English, orally and in writing.

• Discuss ideas and plans competently and with confidence.

• Communicate new concepts and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders. (CEng only)

• Demonstrate effective personal and social skills.

• Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion.

• Proactively manage diversity and inclusion. (CEng only)

Communication is a key skill for professional engineers, both in technical and non-technical settings.

What to Focus On:

• Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Provide examples of written communication, such as reports or presentations, and oral communication, such as leading meetings or presenting proposals.

• Show how you’ve built relationships and resolved conflicts through effective communication.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Describe how you adapted your communication style to suit different audiences.

• Include examples of collaboration across teams, departments, or organizations.

• Show how you’ve promoted inclusivity and ensured that all team members felt heard and valued.

Additional Tips:

• Sketches and Visual Aids: If you’ve used visual aids to explain complex concepts, mention these as examples of effective communication. Be prepared to do a sketch during your interview.

• Conflict Resolution: Include stories where you used communication to de-escalate issues or clarify misunderstandings.

• Online Communication: If you’ve adapted to virtual communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom), explain how you maintained engagement and clarity.

7. Professional Commitment

Official Definition (ICE)

• Understand and comply with the ICE Code of Conduct.

• Understand the ethical issues that may arise in their role and carry out their responsibilities in an ethical manner.

• Plan, carry out and record Continuing Professional Development (CPD) necessary to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.

• Identify the limits of their personal knowledge and skills.

• Exercise sound holistic independent judgement and accept responsibility. (CEng only)

• Engage with ICE activities.

This Attribute evaluates your adherence to The ICE Code of Conduct, your ethical responsibilities, and your commitment to lifelong learning.

What to Focus On:

• Show your understanding of ethical principles and how you’ve handled ethical challenges.

• Demonstrate your approach to CPD and how you’ve maintained and expanded your competence.

• Describe how you’ve engaged with ICE activities or contributed to the profession.

Key Points for Your Submission and Interview:

• Include examples of ethical decisions and explain how you navigated competing priorities, such as sustainability versus cost.

• Be ready to discuss how you plan to continue your professional development after achieving chartership.

• Highlight any involvement in mentoring, STEM outreach, or industry events.

Additional Tips:

• Discuss Mentorship: Explain how you’ve supported the development of others, whether as a mentor or by sharing knowledge informally.

• Engagement with the ICE: Mention any ICE events, committees, or activities you’ve participated in, as these demonstrate professional commitment.

• Reflect on Growth: Describe how feedback and challenges have shaped your professional development.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Attributes is the foundation of success at the Professional Review. Use this free breakdown as your starting point, grab the free Guide when you subscribe to our newsletter, and when you’re ready to push for the Review itself, upgrade to the Reviewers Guide to Demonstrating the Chartership Attributes (Ultimate Guide).

It’s packed with insider guidance, practical examples, and self-audit tools that show you exactly where you stand. And with our feel more prepared or your money back guarantee, there’s no risk — only progress.

If you’re looking for personalized feedback or interview practice, our services provide expert guidance tailored to your unique journey.

Take the next step toward professional recognition—book your session today.