The Attributes for Professionally Qualfied Membership
Mastering the ICE Attributes is the key to passing your Professional Review. This page gives you a clear breakdown of each Attribute, with practical tips to help you frame your experience confidently, whether you are working towards EngTech, IEng, or CEng.
Each grade is assessed against the same core principles, but the expectations differ. Understanding those differences early makes your preparation more focused and avoids wasting time on the wrong level of evidence.
Want more? free Guide to the Attributes, when you sign up to our Newsletter, expands on this page with extra reviewer insights and practical advice.
If you are preparing for Chartered Engineer, our Reviewers Guide to Demonstrating the Chartership Attributes (Ultimate Guide) goes much deeper. It includes detailed reviewer expectations, worked examples, and readiness checklists, backed by a 30 day money back guarantee.
Introduction to the ICE Attributes
The Institution of Civil Engineers requires candidates to demonstrate competence against a defined set of professional attributes. These attributes form the foundation of the Professional Review and represent the knowledge, judgement, and behaviours expected of professionally qualified engineers.
The same attribute framework applies across EngTech, IEng, and CEng, but the depth of competence increases at each level. As you progress, expectations shift from applying established solutions, to managing technical work, and ultimately to exercising independent judgement, leadership, and influence.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) represents the highest level. The emphasis is on complex problem solving, innovation, strategic thinking, and responsibility for technical and professional decisions. Incorporated Engineer (IEng) focuses on the effective application of engineering principles, management of technical delivery, and sound judgement within defined parameters. Engineering Technician (EngTech) centres on practical implementation, safe operation, and reliable delivery of engineering work.
This page allows you to switch between EngTech, IEng, and CEng using the buttons below and what the attributes mean and how expectations change across each grade.The attribute structure remains the same, but the definitions and expectations change depending on the grade selected. This makes it easier to understand what reviewers are looking for at your target level.
The explanations provided here are drawn from the ICE attribute framework and reflect how those attributes are typically interpreted in practice, based on current reviewer expectations. They are intended to help you understand what sits behind the official definitions.
Understanding this distinction early is important. Many candidates prepare at the wrong level, either overcomplicating their examples or failing to demonstrate enough independence. The key is aligning your experience to the depth of competence expected for your chosen grade.
Not sure what you need to do next?
Most candidates at this stage are not lacking experience. The challenge is understanding how that experience will be assessed and where the gaps are.
The right next step depends on how much support you want.
Want to feel more prepared before your review
If your review is approaching and you want more clarity without committing to a full session, the Reviewers Guide to the Attributes breaks down what reviewers are looking for and how to strengthen your examples.
Want to know exactly where you stand
A mock review gives you a realistic assessment of your current level, with clear feedback on what needs to improve before the real thing.
Want structured support throughout
If you prefer consistent guidance rather than working it out alone, ongoing mentoring helps you build your submission and prepare step by step.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) Attributes
Chartered Engineer represents the highest level of professional competence within the ICE attribute framework. Candidates are expected to demonstrate independent engineering judgement, responsibility for complex technical decisions, and the ability to lead and influence outcomes.
At CEng level, reviewers are looking for more than the application of standards or guidance. You must show how you analyse problems, consider alternatives, manage risk, and justify your decisions. This often includes dealing with uncertainty, balancing competing constraints, and taking responsibility for technical direction.
Leadership is also important. This does not always mean managing large teams, but it does require influencing design decisions, guiding others, and taking ownership of outcomes. Commercial awareness, sustainability, safety, and professional responsibility are expected to be embedded within your engineering decisions.
When preparing your examples, focus on where you exercised judgement, made decisions, and influenced outcomes. Strong CEng evidence shows not just what you did, but why you did it, what alternatives were considered, and how your input improved the final result.
1. Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering
Attribute definitions:
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), and applying knoweldge to solve problems.
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
Attribute definitions:
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
Attribute definitions:
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
Attribute definitions:
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
Attribute definitions:
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
Attribute definitions:
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
Attribute definitions:
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.
You now understand the Attributes. The next step is applying them to your own experience.
Choose the level of support that suits you:
Incorporated Engineer (IEng) 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
Attribute definitions:
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.
Identify, review and select techniques, procedures and methods to undertake engineering tasks.
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.
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), and applying knoweldge to solve problems.
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 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
Attribute definitions:
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.
Assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs.
Manage quality processes and contribute to quality improvements.
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
Attribute definitions:
Manage, prepare and control costs/budgets of engineering tasks or projects.
Use sound knowledge of statutory and commercial frameworks within their own area of responsibility and have an appreciation of other commercial arrangements.
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.
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.
Provide examples of how you ensured compliance with legal regulations, such as health and safety or environmental standards.
Additional Tips:
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
Attribute definitions:
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.
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.
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
Attribute definitions:
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).
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.
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
Attribute definitions:
Communicate well with others at all levels including effective use of English, orally and in writing.
Discuss ideas and plans competently and with confidence.
Demonstrate effective personal and social skills.
Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion.
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
Attribute definitions:
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.
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.
You now understand the Attributes. The next step is applying them to your own experience.
Choose the level of support that suits you:
Engineering Technician (EngTech) Attributes
Engineering Technician (EngTech MICE) recognises those who apply proven engineering techniques to deliver real work in practice. It is a qualification built around doing, not just knowing.
Technicians sit at the point where design becomes reality. They interpret drawings, follow specifications, organise work, and make sure tasks are carried out safely and to the required standard. Their role is practical, hands-on, and essential to successful project delivery.
The ICE assesses EngTech candidates against seven Attributes. These cover technical ability, organisation, commercial awareness, safety, sustainability, communication, and professional behaviour. Together, they show whether you can be trusted to carry out engineering work properly and consistently.
A strong application is clear and grounded in real experience. It focuses on what you did, how you did it, and the impact of your work.
Attribute 1: Understanding and Practical Application of Engineering
Attribute Definitions:
Use appropriate scientific, technical or engineering principles
Review and select appropriate techniques, procedures and methods to undertake tasks
Identify problems and apply appropriate methods to identify causes and achieve satisfactory solutions
What to focus on
How you turn theory into practical outcomes
Your ability to read drawings, specifications, and standards
Choosing the right method, equipment, or approach for the task
Key points for your submission and interview
Be specific about what you did, not what the team did
Show how you identified issues and resolved them
Demonstrate confidence using technical information and guidance
Additional tips
Use examples from real site or technical situations
Highlight how you ensured work was done correctly and safely
If you lack formal qualifications, show how you learned through experience
Attribute 2: Management and Leadership
Attribute Definitions:
Identify tasks and organise resources to complete them effectively
Work reliably and accept responsibility for their work or the work of others
Complete tasks with due consideration for quality
What to focus on
How you plan your day, week, or workload
Coordination of people, materials, and information
Maintaining quality and accuracy
Key points for your submission and interview
Show ownership of your work and decisions
Explain how you manage time and priorities
Demonstrate how you check and control quality
Additional tips
Use simple examples like planning tasks or managing outputs
Show reliability and independence
Mention any systems used such as programmes or digital tools
Attribute 3: Commercial Ability
Attribute Definition:
Identify, organise and use resources with consideration of cost
What to focus on
Time, materials, and labour efficiency
Understanding the impact of delays or waste
Keeping accurate records
Key points for your submission and interview
Show awareness of cost, even if you are not managing budgets
Explain how your work affects programme and cost
Demonstrate good record keeping
Additional tips
Use examples such as reducing waste or avoiding rework
Highlight coordination that improved efficiency
Keep it practical, not contractual
Attribute 4: Health, Safety and Welfare
Attribute Definitions:
Understand the safety implications of the role
Complete tasks with due consideration for safety
Comply with safe systems of work
What to focus on
Hazard awareness and risk reduction
Following permits, procedures, and site rules
Protecting yourself, others, and the public
Key points for your submission and interview
Show how you actively contribute to a safe environment
Give examples of identifying and addressing risks
Demonstrate compliance with safety systems
Additional tips
Mention PPE, permits, and briefings where relevant
Include examples involving public safety if applicable
Show awareness of both physical and mental wellbeing
Attribute 5: Sustainable Development
Attribute Definitions:
Understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them in work
Complete tasks with consideration for their environmental impact
What to focus on
Reducing environmental impact in your role
Efficient use of materials and resources
Awareness of wider environmental and social effects
Key points for your submission and interview
Provide clear examples of sustainable actions
Show understanding of environmental responsibility
Link your work to real outcomes
Additional tips
Think about waste reduction, energy use, and materials
Mention any involvement in environmental or community initiatives
Keep examples grounded in your day-to-day work
Attribute 6: Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Attribute Definitions:
Communicate effectively with others, at all levels, in English
Work effectively with colleagues, clients, suppliers or the public
Demonstrate personal and social skills
What to focus on
Clear and accurate communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Adapting communication to different audiences
Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion
Key points for your submission and interview
Show how you communicate technical information clearly
Provide examples of working with others
Demonstrate professionalism in interactions
Additional tips
Include written, verbal, and visual communication
Mention working with clients, contractors, or the public
Show respect and awareness of different perspectives
Attribute 7: Professional Commitment
Attribute Definitions:
Follow the ICE Code of Conduct
Act ethically and with integrity
Maintain and record CPD
What to focus on
Ethical behaviour and professionalism
Understanding your responsibilities
Ongoing learning and development
Key points for your submission and interview
Show awareness of the ICE Code of Conduct
Give examples of acting with honesty and integrity
Demonstrate commitment to improving your skills
Additional tips
Include CPD records and learning activities
Show willingness to seek help when needed
Highlight any support you give to others
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.
You now understand the Attributes. The next step is applying them to your own experience.
Choose the level of support that suits you:
